FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Financial Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$483,418/yr
Typical range: $406,871 – $538,170
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$483,418
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $232/hr
Next Level Target
$657,687
Principal · 14
+$174Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Financial Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Chief Financial Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $483K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Financial Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $483K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $232/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Financial Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Financial Officer in Chicago, IL earns $407K–$538K/yr.