1

Recent College Grad Software Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Software Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

... college and career readiness solutions - all designed to meet the needs of every learner. We are ... Evaluate new technologies and software products to determine the feasibility and desirability of ...

Showing results 21-40

Recent College Grad Software Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49.4K

$115.2K

$171K

How much do recent college grad software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent college grad software developer in Chicago, IL is $115,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $133,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recent college grad software developer?

A Recent College Grad Software Developer job is an entry-level position designed for individuals who have recently earned a degree in computer science or a related field. These roles typically involve writing, testing, and debugging code under the guidance of senior developers. They may also participate in team meetings, collaborate on software projects, and learn company-specific technologies. The goal is to help new graduates gain hands-on experience while contributing to real-world software development.

What do recent college grad software developers do?

As a recent college grad software developer, you will typically start by assisting with coding, debugging, and testing software components under the guidance of more experienced team members. Your responsibilities may include maintaining and improving existing applications, contributing to new feature development, and participating in code reviews. You will often work in collaborative, agile teams, which means regular meetings to discuss progress, set goals, and solve problems together. This hands-on experience provides a supportive environment where you can refine your technical skills and gain exposure to industry best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent college grad software developer?

To thrive as a Recent College Grad Software Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), problem-solving skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and knowledge of software development methodologies (such as Agile) are commonly expected. Strong communication, teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn new technologies help you stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, collaborating with colleagues, and growing within dynamic tech environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Recent College Grad Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Recent College Grad Software Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Recent College Grad Software Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,217 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Preconstruction Engineer - New College Grad

Clayco

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Clayco rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.
The Role We Want You For
As a Preconstruction Engineer, you will drive the bidding process for construction projects by crafting precise conceptual and hard dollar estimates, developing proposals, and managing subcontractor bids. You will ensure the accuracy and completeness of all project documents, perform quantity take-offs, conduct constructability reviews, and implement value engineering analyses. Your contributions will be crucial in shaping departmental strategies and fostering continuous improvement.
The Specifics of the Role
  • Proposal Preparation: Collaborate with the Preconstruction team to deliver accurate proposals across various business units, including Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Residential sectors.
  • Quantity Take-Offs: Perform detailed quantity take-offs for specific scopes of work to support accurate estimating.
  • Subcontractor Management: Oversee the solicitation process for subcontractor bids, build and nurture relationships with subcontractors, and maintain a comprehensive master list of subcontractors/vendors.
  • Bid Evaluation: Prepare and analyze Bid Evaluation sheets to ensure competitive and fair bidding processes.
  • Schedule and Conditions Review: Evaluate project schedules, assist in drafting General Conditions, and contribute to the final assembly of estimates for presentation to owners.
  • Handoff and Support: Facilitate a seamless transition of estimates, bid information, drawings, and specifications to Project Management, and assist Project Managers with contract negotiations, change orders, and other project needs.
  • Historical Data Management: Develop and maintain historical data on unit prices to inform future estimating and bidding processes.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related.
  • Project Engineer internship experience or related internship.
  • Field experience desirable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of construction principles, practices, and technology.
  • Previous experience on a successful project management team.
  • Ability to walk a job site, climb ladders, and scale multi-floor scaffolding.
  • Ability to lift objects of at least 50 lbs.

Some Things You Should Know
  • Our clients and projects are nationwide - Some travel will be required.
  • No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
  • We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
  • The pace is fast!

Why Clayco?
  • 2025 Best Places to Work - St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  • 2025 ENR Midwest - Midwest Contractor (#1).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms - Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors - Green Contractor (Top 3).
  • 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders - Data Center Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits
  • Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation
  • The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $65,000 - $75,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).

What Clayco employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom