TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$200,456/yr
Typical range: $230,002 – $282,819
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Autonomous Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Autonomous Systems 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $124,371 | $10,364 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $153,634 | $12,803 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $173,143 | $14,429 | +39% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $200,456 | $16,705 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $270,689 | $22,557 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $339,459 | $28,288 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $356,651 | $29,721 | +187% |
Current Salary
$200,456
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $96/hr
Next Level Target
$270,689
Staff · 10
+$70Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Autonomous Systems Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $200K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $200K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $96/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Autonomous Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $230K–$283K/yr.