ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Architect Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$73,595/yr
Typical range: $70,894 – $86,645
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Architect salary by experience level in Chicago
Architect 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 | $73,595 | $6,133 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $90,912 | $7,576 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $102,456 | $8,538 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $116,886 | $9,741 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $151,519 | $12,627 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $184,421 | $15,368 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $192,646 | $16,054 | +162% |
Current Salary
$73,595
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$90,912
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Architect salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Architects in Chicago, IL earn approximately $74K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Architect make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $74K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Architect in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in Chicago, IL earns $135K–$165K/yr.