TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$246,091/yr
Typical range: $209,102 – $257,120
P90 · 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 | $113,069 | $9,422 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $139,674 | $11,640 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,410 | $13,118 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $182,241 | $15,187 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $246,091 | $20,508 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $308,612 | $25,718 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $324,242 | $27,020 | +187% |
Current Salary
$246,091
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $118/hr
Next Level Target
$308,612
Principal · 14
+$63Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Autonomous Systems Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $246K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Autonomous Systems Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $246K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $118/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $209K–$257K/yr.