BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Chief Operating Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$187,692/yr
Typical range: $184,359 – $228,078
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Operating Officer salary by experience level in Chicago
Chief Operating 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 | $187,692 | $15,641 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $236,781 | $19,732 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $271,432 | $22,619 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $311,858 | $25,988 | +66% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $404,260 | $33,688 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $485,112 | $40,426 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $505,325 | $42,110 | +169% |
Current Salary
$187,692
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$236,781
Junior · 2
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Chief Operating Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Chief Operating Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $188K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Chief Operating Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $188K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Chief Operating Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Operating Officer in Chicago, IL earns $366K–$452K/yr.