MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Communications Director Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$95,619/yr
Typical range: $92,109 – $112,574
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Communications Director salary by experience level in Chicago
Communications Director 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 | $95,619 | $7,968 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $118,117 | $9,843 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $133,116 | $11,093 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,865 | $12,655 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $196,862 | $16,405 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $239,610 | $19,968 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $250,296 | $20,858 | +162% |
Current Salary
$95,619
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $46/hr
Next Level Target
$118,117
Junior · 2
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Communications Director salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Communications Directors in Chicago, IL earn approximately $96K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Communications Director make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $96K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $46/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Communications Director in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Communications Director in Chicago, IL earns $176K–$215K/yr.