ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$120,173/yr
Typical range: $109,702 – $132,456
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Chicago
Climate Scientist 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 | $57,861 | $4,822 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,994 | $6,083 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $83,676 | $6,973 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,248 | $7,937 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $120,173 | $10,014 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $139,401 | $11,617 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $144,208 | $12,017 | +149% |
Current Salary
$120,173
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$139,401
Principal · 14
+$19Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $120K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $120K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Climate Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $110K–$132K/yr.