TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Cloud Security Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$131,002/yr
Typical range: $124,586 – $153,196
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Cloud Security Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Cloud Security Engineer 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 | $131,002 | $10,917 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $161,826 | $13,486 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $182,375 | $15,198 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $211,144 | $17,595 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $285,122 | $23,760 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $357,558 | $29,797 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $375,668 | $31,306 | +187% |
Current Salary
$131,002
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$161,826
Junior · 2
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
79/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Cloud Security Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Cloud Security Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $131K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Cloud Security Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $131K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Cloud Security Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Cloud Security Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $242K–$298K/yr.