FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Auditor Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$143,171/yr
Typical range: $120,500 – $159,386
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Auditor salary by experience level in Chicago
Auditor 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 | $54,794 | $4,566 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,702 | $5,892 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $82,485 | $6,874 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $99,336 | $8,278 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $143,171 | $11,931 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $194,783 | $16,232 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,686 | $17,307 | +279% |
Current Salary
$143,171
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $69/hr
Next Level Target
$194,783
Principal · 14
+$52Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
23/100
High Risk
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Auditor salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Auditors in Chicago, IL earn approximately $143K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Auditor make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $143K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $69/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Auditor in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Auditor in Chicago, IL earns $121K–$159K/yr.