BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Business Analyst Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$153,524/yr
Typical range: $138,835 – $171,758
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Business Analyst salary by experience level in Chicago
Business Analyst 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 | $71,279 | $5,940 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $89,921 | $7,493 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $103,080 | $8,590 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,433 | $9,869 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $153,524 | $12,794 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $184,229 | $15,352 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $191,905 | $15,992 | +169% |
Current Salary
$153,524
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $74/hr
Next Level Target
$184,229
Principal · 14
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Business Analyst salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Business Analysts in Chicago, IL earn approximately $154K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Business Analyst make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $154K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $74/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Business Analyst in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Business Analyst in Chicago, IL earns $139K–$172K/yr.