When you think of Chicago, the first thing that comes to mind is probably architecture, baseball, deep dish pizza, or jazz music. These days, Chicago is a growing tech hub where major tech companies and tech startups are embracing the future of technology.
Chicago is one of the largest tech employers in the United States, ranking 8th in net tech employment behind New York City and San Francisco.
With large tech companies like Google, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Lyft setting up shop in Chicago and the 1871 boosting ~450 tech startups and ~400 growth-stage companies, there’s no question that Chicago is a major growth tech hub in 2021.
According to Forbes, Chicago startups drove in billions of dollars in 2020 that “will create opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to redeploy their human and financial capital back into Chicago’s startup ecosystem to create the next big thing.”
This guide breaks down each by the following criteria:
- Employee Rating: Glassdoor reviews filtered to just show Austin employees to account for companies with employee experiences that vary widely city-by-city
- Employee Perks & Benefits
- Approximate Number of Chicago Job Openings: count of openings and some examples of roles
- Direct Links to Career Sites: making it easier for you to navigate through and apply directly for jobs on their website!
Here are the 25 best tech companies to work for in Chicago in 2021:
ActiveCampaign
“ActiveCampaign’s category-defining Customer Experience Automation Platform helps over 130,000 businesses in 170 countries meaningfully engage with their customers. The platform gives businesses of all sizes access to best-in-class tools and automations, and over 300 apps and integrations within the ActiveCampaign ecosystem.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.4 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <65
Perks & Benefits: Comprehensive health and wellness benefits (including no premiums for employees on our HSA plan, telehealth and tele mental health, and access to the Calm app for mediation), open paid time off, generous 401(k) matching with no vesting, a generous stipend to outfit your remote office, and a focus on career growth including access to personal and professional coaching. They offer parental leave, career pathing, and support employees’ ongoing learning and development through Udemy and access to life coaches via Modern Health. They also offer cool swag.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Software Engineer, Fraud Team (Glassdoor Est: $62k – $124k)
- Staff Engineer, Platform Engineering (Glassdoor Est: $80k – $175k)
- Data Analytics Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $67k – $132k)
Aptitive
“Aptitive is a Chicago-based IT consulting firm with solutions focusing on the management, design, and development of data-centric projects. Our high-aptitude consultants bring innovative technology solutions to your business problems.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.9 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <10
Perks & Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, generous parental leave, commuter benefits, and unlimited vacation time. Free on-site gym, fully-stocked kitchen with beer on tap, casual dress code, a game room, and company happy hours.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Cloud Engineering Consultant
- Data Engineering Consultant
- Business Intelligence Consultant
Avant
“Avant provides its customers access to the financial tools they need to get ahead in life. The financial marketplace is changing every day, and Americans recognize that financial companies can and should be delivering better, smarter products. We’re disrupting the marketplace and connecting middle income consumers to the financial products they deserve. We make our products with our customers in mind at every step of the process. We’re about being seamless and speedy, bringing our customers mobile-first experiences that are surprisingly simple and delightfully easy.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.6 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <25
Perks & Benefits: 401(k) match, medical, dental and vision packages, flexible PTO for salaried employees, lunch subsidy for all full-time employees, free courses for in-demand skills, access to cutting edge talks and a commitment to fair and equitable pay.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Front-End Mobile Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $56k – $99k)
- Cloud Network Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $48k – $149k)
- Data Security & Privacy Manager (Glassdoor Est: $39k – $106k)
Bento for Business
“At Bento, our mission is to give businesses the freedom to drive their vision, empower their employees and deliver business growth. We do that with our awesome financial operating platform that makes it easy for SMBs to manage daily expenses, virtual payments and cashless workflows.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.6 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <10
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision packages, unlimited PTO, lunch subsidy, free gym membership, stock options for all employees, and commuter and FSA benefits.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Back-End Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $71k – $86k)
- Full-Stack Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $63k – $100k)
BigTime Software, Inc.
“BigTime is the engine behind the greatest consulting firms on the planet, delivering back-office time/budgeting and invoicing to over 2,000 firms worldwide and tracking over $2 billion in billable time each year. Our flagship product is a SaaS-based system that is custom-built for the professional services industry. BigTime is a PE-backed company based in Chicago committed to helping clients run professional teams more efficiently, unlocking potential revenue and improving profitability.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.6 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <15
Perks & Benefits: 401(k) savings plan + match, health, dental and vision insurance, PTO, weekly catered lunch, paid parental leave, and gym membership.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Mobile Developer (Glassdoor Est: $37k – $73k)
- Senior Mobile Developer (Glassdoor Est: $53k – $102k)
- Senior Quality Assurance Analyst (Glassdoor Est.: $43k – $77k)
Black Spectacles
“Black Spectacles helps educate and inspire architects around the world to thrive in their career. We are an online learning platform, offering ARE® prep, software curriculum and career insight from the best and brightest in the biz. We are the industry leader as the first NCARB-approved test prep provider for all six divisions of the ARE 5.0.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.3 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <15
Perks & Benefits: ‘Work from wherever’ policy, Unlimited Vacation, Blue Cross Blue Shield health, dental, vision, short-term / long-term disability and life insurance. Flexible Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts, 401k with employer match, profit sharing program, employee referral program, frequent team events.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Full Stack Web Developer
- Full Stack Web Developer – Remote
Bringg
“Bringg is the leading delivery orchestration platform, providing enterprises with the most efficient way to manage their complex delivery operations. Some of the world’s best-known brands in more than 50 countries are using our powerful SaaS platform to achieve logistical excellence across their delivery ecosystem.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.4 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <10
Perks & Benefits: Medical/dental/vision, gym membership, flebile work schedule, generous parental leave, casual dress, and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Senior Front End Developer
- Senior Back End Developer
- Fullstack Team Lead
Cisco Meraki
“Meraki is a Greek word meaning “something done with soul, creativity, or love.” With this name as our mantra, we’re building a welcoming workplace that attracts eclectic, curious, purposeful people who unite to ignite our customers’ passions. Together, we create powerful, simple technology with the potential to change everything.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.7 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <85
Perks & Benefits: 401(k), performance bonus, stock purchase plan, charitable gift matching, PTO, health, mental health, dental, disability & life insurance, FSA/HSA, maternity/paternity/family medical leave, adoption assistance and military leave and professional Support — professional development, tuition assistance, and job training.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Systems Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $70k – $140k)
- Senior Back End Engineer (Glassdoor Est.: $121k – $184k)
- Senior Full Stack Engineer (Glassdoor Est.: $94k – $160k)
Civis Analytics
“Civis Analytics helps leading businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies use data to identify, attract, and engage customers, constituents, and citizens. We use proprietary data, technology and advisory services, and an interdisciplinary team of data scientists, developers, and survey science experts, Civis helps organizations stop guessing.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.2 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <25
Perks & Benefits: Unlimited PTO, 401K match with immediate vesting, health, dental, and vision benefits, fully paid parental leave, breastfeeding support including breastmilk shipping services for traveling moms, commuter benefits, wellness initiatives including weekly group meditations, monthly on-site massage therapy, and pet insurance.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Software Engineer II
- Applied Data Science Lead
- Senior Graphic Designer
Clearcover
“In a $200B market, Clearcover is rebuilding car insurance tech-first. With a relentless focus on customer experience and digital efficiency, Clearcover gives drivers what they deserve: affordability, reliability, and convenience.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.7 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <40
Perks & Benefits: Unlimited PTO, equity for all employees, medical, dental and vision, HSA and HRA, 401(K) + contributing 3% of your salary, and FSA commuter benefits.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Lead Front End Engineer (React)
- Senior Data Analyst
- UX Manager
Duck Creek Technologies
“Duck Creek Technologies is a leading provider of core system solutions and professional services to the P&C and General Insurance industry. All of our functionally rich solutions are available via Duck Creek On Demand, our enterprise SaaS solution.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.1 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <15
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, HSA and FSA. 40l(k), maternity & paternity leave, flexible work options (work from home), military leave, PTO, tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Technical Architect (Data Insights) (Glassdoor Est: $84k – $137k)
- Software Engineer II (Glassdoor Est: $40k – $88k)
- Senior Software Solutions Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $67k – $135k)
FourKites
“Using a proprietary algorithm to calculate shipment arrival times, we enable customers to lower operating costs, improve on-time performance, and strengthen end-customer relationships. FourKites covers all modes including ocean, rail, parcel and over-the-road. The platform is optimized for mobile and equipped with market-leading end-to-end security”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.1 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <10
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, HSA,FSA and mental health care. 40l(k), maternity & paternity leave, flexible work options (work from home), performance bonus, and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Staff Data Scientist
- UX Designer
- Senior Front End Engineer
G2
“G2 is the world’s largest tech marketplace where businesses can discover, review, and manage the technology they need to reach their potential. There are tens of thousands of applications on the market. How do you choose the right one? G2 plays a huge role by providing unique, authentic peer advice in real time.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.0 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <25
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, 40l(k), maternity & paternity leave, flexible work options (work from home + flex hours), performance bonus, professional development opportunities, stock options, tuition assistance and mobile phone discount.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Lead Data Analyst
- Senior Fullstack Software Engineer
- Software Engineer II
HomeAdvisor
“HomeAdvisor is the operator of the largest home services marketplace across the globe providing homeowners the tools and resources for home repair, maintenance, and improvement projects.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.0 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <15
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, HSA and FSA. 40l(k), maternity & paternity leave, military leave, PTO, performance bonus, mobile phone discount, tuition assistance, job training and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Senior UX Researcher (Glassdoor Est.: $65k – $113k)
- Business Analyst (Glassdoor Est.: $41k – $78k)
- Site Reliability Engineer (Glassdoor Est.: $46k – $80k)
Maven Wave, an Atos Company
“Maven Wave helps leading companies shift to digital with technology solutions that are agile, mobile, rooted in analytics, and built in the cloud. A fusion between a traditional consulting and cutting-edge technology firm, our expertise allows us to deliver innovative solutions to businesses who face complex challenges and demand rapid outcomes.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.6 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <55
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, HSA and FSA. 40l(k), maternity & paternity leave, PTO, performance bonus, mobile phone discount, equity incentive plan, professional development opportunities and a diversity program.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Full Stack Developer
- Cloud Data Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
OCC
“As the foundation for secure markets, OCC is a customer-driven organization that delivers world-class Risk Management, Clearing, and Settlement Services for a sophisticated mix of financial products that includes standard options, stock loans, and futures contracts.”
Glassdoor Rating: 2.9 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <50
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, HSA, FSA, mental health care and life insurance. 40l(k), performance bonus, maternity & paternity leave, adoption assistance, flexible work options (work from home), military leave, PTO, sabbatical, mobile phone discount, tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Specialist, Application Developer (Java 8+) (Glassdoor Est.: $50k – $87k)
- Senior eGRC Technical Analyst (Occ site: $128k – $152k)
- Senior Data Analytics Engineer (Occ site: $104k – $162k)
OppLoans
“We’re a leading fintech platform that provides accessible products and a top-rated experience to credit-challenged consumers.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.1 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <40
Perks & Benefits: Subsidized daily lunches, CTA & Metra benefit program, free gym membership, free shuttle passes to Metra stations, casual dress policy, discounted Divvy memberships, 401(k) match program, free OppLoans apparel, competitive salary and benefits package, employee and peer recognition program, flexible paid vacation policy, free health benefit options, weekly office events, and dual monitors and stand-up workstations.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Associate, Data Analytics, Strategy & Operations
- Senior Full Stack Engineer
- Software Engineer, Clojure
project44
“project44 is the world’s leading advanced visibility platform for shippers and third-party logistics firms. project44 connects, automates, and provides visibility into key transportation processes to accelerate insights and shorten the time it takes to turn those insights into actions. We exist to enable a more productive and successful world.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.7 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <30
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, and life insurance. 40l(k), performance bonus, company equity, maternity & paternity leave, PTO, professional development opportunities, and dedicated DEI staff.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Staff Software Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $99k – $196k)
- Product Experience Designer (Glassdoor Est.: $60k – $107k)
RedShelf
“Founded in 2012 and recently named one of the nation’s fastest-growing private businesses by Inc. Magazine, RedShelf is a Chicago-based EdTech company helping to make education both more affordable and more effective by replacing yesterday’s print publications with today’s more dynamic and far less expensive digital content.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.2 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <10
Perks & Benefits: Medical (three plans including an HSA), dental, and vision Insurance, Life, AD&D, disability, and accident insurance, FSA – including health, dependent care, and commuter/parking, paid parental leave, generous vacation packages, paid sick leave, employee stock options, 401(k) Plan and tri-annual bonus program.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Manager of Software Development, Data and Analytics (Glassdoor Est: $81k – $139k)
- Manager of Software Development, eCommerce (Glassdoor Est: $81k – $139k)
ShopRunner
“At ShopRunner, we connect consumers to the brands they love by way of a thriving marketplace and a members-only service that provides benefits across 100+ of the top brands and retailers in the ecommerce space. We build products that provide a premier ecommerce experience by delivering elevated, data-driven content. The landscape of retail is changing and we’re here to empower retailers to take their place in that exciting evolution.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.7 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <30
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, AD&D, disability, HSA, FSA, paid parental leave, PTO, paid sick leave, 401(k) plan, equity incentive plan, mobile phone discount, gym membership, tuition assistance, DE&I program and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Senior Data Analyst (Glassdoor Est: $62k – $110k)
- Software Engineering Manager- Full Stack (Glassdoor Est: $76k – $133k)
- Software Engineering Manager- Frontend (Glassdoor Est: $99k – $189k)
Showpad
“At Showpad, we believe that the best buyer experience wins. And this is why we built the most complete and flexible sales enablement platform that marketing and sales rely on to prepare sellers, engage buyers, and optimize performance with insights.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.2 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <15
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision, and life insurance. 40l(k) with match, performance bonus, company equity, maternity & paternity leave, unlimited PTO, professional development opportunities, fitness subsidies, and commuter benefits.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Solutions Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $83k – $159k)
- Backend Engineer
- Frontend Engineer
SpotHero
“SpotHero is a rapidly growing tech company that’s transforming the $30 billion parking industry. We are a dedicated team working together to define the future of transportation in major cities.”
Glassdoor Rating: 4.2 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <15
Perks & Benefits: They cover 90% of medical premiums, 50% of dental & vision premiums, company sponsored Life Insurance, and generous parental leave. Flexible PTO policy and an annual parking stipend.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Senior Engineer, Front End (Glassdoor Est: $76k – $178k)
- Product Designer, Data Visualization (Glassdoor Est: $47k – $85k)
- Senior Data Scientist (Experimentalist) (Glassdoor Est: $103k – $166k)
Tempus
“Tempus is a technology company that is building the world’s largest library of molecular and clinical data and an operating system to make that data accessible and useful. We enable physicians to deliver personalized cancer care for patients through our interactive analytical and machine learning platform.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.2 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <80
Perks & Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, short term disability insurance, FSA, 401(k), company equity, commuter benefits, parental leave, charitable matching program, mental health support platform, pet insurance, discounted gym membership, discounted Divvy membership, diversity initiatives, and team & company outings.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Senior Business Intelligence Engineer (Data Engineering focus) (Glassdoor Est: $80k – $145k)
- Software Engineer – React Native / Android & iOS (Glassdoor Est: $52k – $95k)
- Front End Platform Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $49k – $91k)
UPshow
“UPshow is the leading innovator in the space of digital signage for businesses. UPshow increases customer engagement with interactive TV and mobile software, creating a unique in-venue network to advertise to and entertain customers. We offer a three-in-one platform that provides: entertainment options, engagement solutions and a management suite to measure results. By using these tools, businesses can increase revenue; influence customer and employee behavior; and become more efficient.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.8 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <10
Perks & Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance, parental leave, 401K match, company equity, and performance bonus. Continuing education stipend, mentoring program, and commuter benefits.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- QA Engineer
Village MD
“VillageMD helps reach its highest potential, creating a more rewarding experience for patients and physicians. We work with existing practices as well as our own brand, Village , providing state of the art solutions that support data-driven decision making, helping to ensure quality and reduce cost.”
Glassdoor Rating: 3.9 stars
Number of Chicago, IL jobs: <65
Perks & Benefits: They offer generous PTO, strong parental leave policy, and 401(k) with a match, commuter benefits, flexible work environment (flex hours + work from home options), medical, dental, vision insurance, dedicated DE&I staff, performance bonus, and professional development opportunities.
Typical Tech Roles in Chicago, IL:
- Data Engineer – Analytics (Glassdoor Est: $75k – $120k)
- DataOps Engineer (Glassdoor Est: $45k – $108k)
- Software Engineering Manager (Glassdoor Est: $83k – $160k)
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