BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Executive Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$436,608/yr
Typical range: $394,833 – $488,463
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Executive Officer salary by experience level in Chicago
Chief Executive Officer 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 | $202,711 | $16,893 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $255,728 | $21,311 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $293,151 | $24,429 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $336,812 | $28,068 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $436,608 | $36,384 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $523,930 | $43,661 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $545,760 | $45,480 | +169% |
Current Salary
$436,608
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $210/hr
Next Level Target
$523,930
Principal · 14
+$87Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Executive Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Chief Executive Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $437K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Executive Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $437K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $210/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Executive Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Executive Officer in Chicago, IL earns $395K–$488K/yr.