BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Client Relationship Manager Salary in Chicago

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$122,198/yr

Typical range: $110,506 $136,711

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Client Relationship Manager Salary Progression in Chicago

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$56,735$4,728
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$71,573$5,964+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$82,047$6,837+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$94,267$7,856+66%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$122,198$10,183+115%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$146,637$12,220+158%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$152,747$12,729+169%
Current Salary
$122,198
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $59/hr
Next Level Target
$146,637
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Client Relationship Manager salary in Chicago, IL?

Staff / Lead Client Relationship Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $122K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead Client Relationship Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?

Based on $122K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $59/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior Client Relationship Manager in Chicago, IL?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Client Relationship Manager in Chicago, IL earns $111K–$137K/yr.