SalesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Account Executive Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$163,429/yr
Typical range: $145,813 – $178,211
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Account Executive salary by experience level in Chicago
Account Executive 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 | $79,380 | $6,615 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,057 | $8,171 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $110,509 | $9,209 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $126,074 | $10,506 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $163,429 | $13,619 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $198,916 | $16,576 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,788 | $17,316 | +162% |
Current Salary
$163,429
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $79/hr
Next Level Target
$198,916
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Account Executive salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Account Executives in Chicago, IL earn approximately $163K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Account Executive make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $163K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $79/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Account Executive in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Account Executive in Chicago, IL earns $146K–$178K/yr.