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Silicon Valley isn’t your only option if you’ve set your sights on a tech career. Chicago is emerging as a hub for established tech enterprises and startupsForget the Giants: You Can Work in Tech Without Working in Big Tech alike. The Windy City is home to over 7,000 technology companies, and its tech workforce grew by 18% between 2011 and 2021. Meanwhile, 37 Fortune 500s are headquartered in the city known for its deep-dish pizza, including Boeing, United Airlines, and Motorola.
If you’re looking for an entry-level roleGetting an Entry-Level Tech Job With No Experience: Why You’re an Asset in software developmentHow to Get a Programming Job, data scienceIs Data Science a Good Career Choice in 2024?, quality assurance, , or other tech fields, tech companies in Chicago have plenty to offer. The Chicago tech sector employed over 106,000 people in 2022. If you’d prefer to work in a bootstrap-y, fast-paced startup environment, Chicago has you covered. The city is home to 18 unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion), many in software-as-a-service (SaaS), financial services, ecommerce, and AI.
Where should you start your job hunt? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a list of the 15 best tech companies in Chicago. These companies offer innovative products, have a proven track record, and provide opportunities to work at the forefront of emerging technologies.
1. Sprout Social
Industry: Marketing technology
Glassdoor rating: 4.1
Size: 1,383 employees
Description: Sprout Social is a leading social media and marketing analytics software platform used by over 30,000 brands worldwide, including Shopify, DoorDash, and KraftHeinz. The platform offers social media listening, influencer marketing, and business analytics tools to help brands drive social media engagement.
What they’re known for: Scooping up a ton of awards for being an awesome workplace! Sprout ranked #15 out of 50 in Glassdoor’s ‘Best Places to Work 2023,’ and made Fortune’s ‘2023 Best Workplace in Technology.’
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Software engineer
- Data scientist
2. Boeing
Industry: Aerospace
Glassdoor rating: 3.8
Size: >170,000
Description: The world’s largest aerospace company, Boeing is the top manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space, and security systems. Founded in 1916, Boeing is also the second-largest defense contractor in the world. It recently partnered with NASA to develop low-emission, fuel-efficient aircraft.
What they’re known for: Boeing invests over $3 billion annually in research and development and is currently working on unmanned aircraft solutions (yes, you read that right: autonomous planes!). Boeing was named one of 2023 Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Product data management specialist
- DevOps engineer
- Senior cloud engineer
3. Avant
Industry: Fintech
Glassdoor rating: 3.2
Size: >400
Description: Avant is an online lending platform founded to help middle-income consumers build credit and access better loan opportunities. The company offers credit card, personal, emergency, debt consolidation, home improvement, and adoption loans to applicants with suboptimal credit scores through a completely online application process.
What they’re known for: The company reached a $1 billion valuation three years after its founding. Avant was named one of Built In’s 2022 Best Places to Work Chicago. It even offers a return-to-work program post parental leave.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Data analytics engineering associate
- Senior associate data scientist
4. Bigtime Software
Industry: Productivity software
Glassdoor rating: 3.8
Size: >200
Description: BigTime software is a SaaS automation platform that provides managed services such as time tracking, billing, and project management software. The company serves over 2,700 clients in a variety of industries including IT services, creative, government contracting, and engineering.
What they’re known for: BigTime Software was named Crain’s Chicago 2022 ‘Best Places to Work’ and offers hybrid/flexible work arrangements.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Escalation support software engineer
- Implementation consultant
5. Motorola Solutions
Industry: Software development
Glassdoor rating: 4.2
Size: >20,000 employees
Description: Motorola Solutions is an offshoot of the main Motorola brand (known for its smartphones and IoT devices). The IT company provides mission-critical communications solutions to help make schools, stadiums, and hospitals safer. Product offerings include two-way radios, body cameras, video surveillance, and custom software development.
What they’re known for: Did you know that in 1969, Motorola radio equipment was used to relay the first words from the moon to the Earth?
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Database administrator
- Software application specialist
- Data and reporting specialist
6. ServiceNow
Industry: Software development
Glassdoor rating: 4.4
Size: >22,000
Description: ServiceNow offers a cloud computing platform to help firms manage digital workflows. The Now Platform is designed to optimize processes, make work more intuitive, and create customer value. 85% of Fortune 500s have modernized their technology with ServiceNow.
What they’re known for: ServiceNow offers several applications under one platform, making it a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) company.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Software engineer
- Senior data engineer
- Solution architect
7. Monday.com
Industry: Software
Glassdoor rating: 4.3
Size: >1800 employees
Description: Monday.com offers project management software to help companies cut unnecessary meetings and collaborate better on projects, tasks, and workflows. Unlike traditional project management tools that rely heavily on lists and tables, Monday.com uses colorful and customizable boards to visualize tasks, timelines, and progress. Over 225,000 brands use the software, including Coca Cola, Canva, and Universal Music Group.
What they’re known for: Monday.com is highly customizable to fit the unique needs of startups and big tech companies.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Software engineer
- IT help desk
- BI developer
8. Capital One
Industry: Fintech
Glassdoor rating: 3.9
Size: >51,000 employees
Description: Capital One is a leading fintech company known for its robust digital banking platform. The company is known for using AI to improve fraud detection, customer experience, and developer workflows. Over 12,000 in-house technologists at Capital One work on software development, infrastructure & operations, machine learning and data science, and cybersecurity.
What they’re known for: Capital One is known for its no-fee philosophy for its banking products, appealing to customers seeking transparent financial solutions.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Software engineer
- Business analyst
- Senior data engineer
9. GrubHub
Industry: Ecommerce
Glassdoor rating: 3.5
Size: >2,000 employees
Description: Grubhub is a popular mobile food ordering and delivery platform that connects diners with local restaurants. Employees can work with cutting-edge technologies and large datasets, gaining valuable experience in machine learning, data science, and software engineering.
What they’re known for: Grubhub emphasizes supporting local restaurants and small businesses. The platform prioritizes local restaurant listings, provides marketing support to local partners, and offers tools and resources to help them succeed.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- iOS software engineer
- Cloud automation engineer
- Data engineer
10. Uber
Industry: Artificial intelligence; autonomous vehicles
Glassdoor rating: 3.9
Size: >30,000
Description: While Uber is primarily known for its ride-hailing app, it has expanded into food delivery (Uber Eats), freight transportation (Uber Freight), and autonomous vehicles. Uber operates in 70 countries worldwide. Uber has pioneered autonomous deliveries and all-electric sidewalk robots in several U.S. cities plus Tokyo, Japan.
What they’re known for: The company is developing autonomous, low-emission trucks, and is committed to becoming a fully electric platform by 2040.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Data scientist
- iOS software engineer
11. Upwork
Industry: Software
Glassdoor rating: 3.8
Size: 800 employees
Description: Upwork is one of the world’s most popular freelancer marketplaces, connecting web developers, graphic designers, writers, and marketers with clients who seek professional services. Upwork's platform uses advanced algorithms to match clients with freelancers based on project requirements and freelancer profiles.
What they’re known for: Upwork provides built-in tools for communication, file sharing, project management, and secure payments to streamline collaboration between freelancers and clients. At Upwork, you’ll shape talent solutions for the emerging freelancer economy.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- AI/ML engineer
- Backend engineer
12. Groupon
Industry: Ecommerce
Glassdoor rating: 3.1
Size: >2,000
Description: Groupon is an online marketplace that offers deals and discounts for local businesses, including restaurants, spas, salons, fitness centers, entertainment venues, and more. These deals provide significant savings, often at 50% to 70% off regular prices. Groupon’s algorithms provide personalized recommendations based on a user’s location, interests, and purchase history.
What they’re known for: Groupon has worked with over 1 million merchants to date, with a focus on helping mom-and-pop businesses attract new clientele. Groupon recently partnered with the software company SightMinder to offer hotel deals.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Full-stack developer
- IT project manager
- Software engineer
- Data scientist
13. Vibes
Industry: Marketing technology
Glassdoor rating: 3.6
Size: 115 employees
Description: Vibes is a premier mobile messaging platform that helps brands optimize mobile marketing using SMS and MMS, mobile wallets, and push notifications. It is the only mobile engagement platform with direct carrier connections in North America.
What they’re known for: At Vibes, you'll help shape intelligent mobile experiences for the world's biggest brands, including Chipotle, The Container Store, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Software engineer
- Senior software engineer
14. Tempus AI
Industry: Healthcare technology
Glassdoor rating: 3.0
Size: >2,000 employees
Description: Tempus offers an AI-enabled clinical assistant to help physicians make more informed treatment decisions in real-time based on patient data. Each product is specialized for AI-driven precision medicine in oncology, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more.
What they’re known for: Working at Tempus is a chance to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation, where your skills can directly impact patients' lives.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Data visualization engineer
- Staff machine learning scientist
- Software engineer
- IT support specialist
15. Upside
Industry: Retail technology
Glassdoor rating: 3.4
Size: >250 employees
Description: Upside is a mobile platform that enables small brick-and-mortar businesses to offer cashback opportunities to target potential shoppers in real-time, attract new clientele, and grow their profits. Users get more value from their everyday purchases, with cashback rewards exceeding those offered by most credit cards.
What they’re known for: Since its founding in 2016, Upside has helped users save $300 million and merchants earn $650 million in profit. The company also commits 1% of its revenue to sustainability initiatives.
Typical tech roles in Chicago:
- Data analyst
- Software engineer
Conclusion
Whether you’re a veteran techie or vying for your first entry-levelHow to Land Entry-Level Tech Jobs With No Experience tech job, IT companiesThe 11 Best Tech Companies in NYC to Work for in 2024 in Chicago offer a wealth of opportunities. From software companies to consulting firms, real estate tech, and more, the top tech companies in Chicago are always hiring for roles in software development, data science, analytics, and more.
Take our tech career quiz and find out which profession suits you best!
What tech career is best for you?
Looking to change your job but unsure what to go for? Take our free two-minute quiz to find out which of our bootcamps will help you achieve your goals.
IT career tips
Sign up for our newsletter to get future-proof advice from tech industry experts.
