Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief People Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$334,298/yr
Typical range: $298,264 – $364,534
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief People Officer salary by experience level in Chicago
Chief People 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 | $162,373 | $13,531 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $200,579 | $16,715 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $226,049 | $18,837 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $257,887 | $21,491 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $334,298 | $27,858 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $406,888 | $33,907 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $425,036 | $35,420 | +162% |
Current Salary
$334,298
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $161/hr
Next Level Target
$406,888
Principal · 14
+$73Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
49/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief People Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Chief People Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $334K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief People Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $334K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $161/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief People Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief People Officer in Chicago, IL earns $298K–$365K/yr.