TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Cloud Security Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$266,031/yr
Typical range: $226,045 – $277,953
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $122,231 | $10,186 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $150,991 | $12,583 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $170,164 | $14,180 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $197,007 | $16,417 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $266,031 | $22,169 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $333,618 | $27,802 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $350,514 | $29,210 | +187% |
Current Salary
$266,031
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$333,618
Principal · 14
+$68Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
79/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Cloud Security Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Cloud Security Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $266K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Cloud Security Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $266K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Cloud Security Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Cloud Security Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $226K–$278K/yr.