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.
$270,689/yr
Typical range: $230,002 – $282,819
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 | $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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $200,456 | $16,705 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$270,689
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $130/hr
Next Level Target
$339,459
Principal · 14
+$69Kpotential 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 $271K 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 $271K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $130/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 $230K–$283K/yr.