ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Architect Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$162,393/yr
Typical range: $144,889 – $177,081
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $78,877 | $6,573 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,436 | $8,120 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,809 | $9,151 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $125,275 | $10,440 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $162,393 | $13,533 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $197,655 | $16,471 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $206,471 | $17,206 | +162% |
Current Salary
$162,393
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$197,655
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Architect salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Architects in Chicago, IL earn approximately $162K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Architect make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $162K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Architect in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Architect in Chicago, IL earns $145K–$177K/yr.