BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$404,260/yr
Typical range: $365,580 – $452,273
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$404,260
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $194/hr
Next Level Target
$485,112
Principal · 14
+$81Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Operating Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $404K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Operating Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $404K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $194/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Operating Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Operating Officer in Chicago, IL earns $366K–$452K/yr.