TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$254,778/yr
Typical range: $216,482 – $266,195
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Software Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $117,060 | $9,755 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $144,603 | $12,050 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $162,966 | $13,581 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,673 | $15,723 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $254,778 | $21,232 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $319,505 | $26,625 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $335,687 | $27,974 | +187% |
Current Salary
$254,778
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $122/hr
Next Level Target
$319,505
Principal · 14
+$65Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $255K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $255K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $122/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $216K–$266K/yr.