Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Technology
Software Developer Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for software developer in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Software Developer in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Dept. of Teacher Educ. and Certification • Illinois State Board of Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$127,770 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Software Developer licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to Dept. of Teacher Educ. and Certification~Illinois State Board of Education and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $127,770, Software Developers in Illinois earn 4% below the national median of $133,080. Illinois ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$127,770Hourly estimate
$61.434% below national median
Difference: -$5,310
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSoftware Developer Salary Ranking
#20 of 50 statesfor Software Developer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $170,910 |
| #2 | Washington | $166,910 |
| #3 | New York | $161,260 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $150,520 |
| #5 | Maryland | $137,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Software Developer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $127,770 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $103,360 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $109,850 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $114,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $106,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $103,570 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Dept. of Teacher Educ. and Certification • Illinois State Board of Education
100 North First Street, Springfield, IL, 62777
Phone: 8008458749
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $132,310 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $114,300 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Database Architects | $134,490 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| IT Project Manager | $100,310 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Software Developer in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Software Developer salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Software Developers in Illinois is $127,770. Salaries range from $75,450 (10th percentile) to $172,020 (90th percentile).
How does the Software Developer salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Illinois earn 4% below the national median of $133,080, with a state median of $127,770.
How many Software Developers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 54,490 Software Developers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Software Developer license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Software Developers in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Dept. of Teacher Educ. and Certification / Illinois State Board of Education. Review agency details at https://www.isbe.net/licensure.
How often do you renew a Software Developer license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.