TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level AI Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$141,320/yr
Typical range: $134,398 – $165,261
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
AI Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
AI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $141,320 | $11,777 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $174,571 | $14,548 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $196,739 | $16,395 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $227,774 | $18,981 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $307,578 | $25,632 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $385,719 | $32,143 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $405,255 | $33,771 | +187% |
Current Salary
$141,320
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$174,571
Junior · 2
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+55% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level AI Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level AI Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $141K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level AI Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $141K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior AI Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior AI Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $261K–$321K/yr.