FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Chief Financial Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$185,012/yr
Typical range: $165,461 – $218,856
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Financial Officer salary by experience level in Chicago
Chief Financial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $185,012 | $15,418 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $238,725 | $19,894 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $278,512 | $23,209 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $335,408 | $27,951 | +81% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $483,418 | $40,285 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $657,687 | $54,807 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $701,254 | $58,438 | +279% |
Current Salary
$185,012
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$238,725
Junior · 2
+$54Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Chief Financial Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Chief Financial Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $185K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Chief Financial Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $185K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Chief Financial Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Financial Officer in Chicago, IL earns $407K–$538K/yr.