BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Business Development Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$189,252/yr
Typical range: $171,144 – $211,729
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Business Development Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
Business Development Manager 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 | $87,867 | $7,322 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $110,848 | $9,237 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $127,069 | $10,589 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $145,994 | $12,166 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $189,252 | $15,771 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $227,102 | $18,925 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $236,565 | $19,714 | +169% |
Current Salary
$189,252
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $91/hr
Next Level Target
$227,102
Principal · 14
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
47/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Business Development Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Business Development Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $189K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Business Development Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $189K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $91/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Business Development Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Business Development Manager in Chicago, IL earns $171K–$212K/yr.