TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Data Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$105,558/yr
Typical range: $100,388 – $123,441
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Data 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 | $105,558 | $8,797 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $130,395 | $10,866 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,953 | $12,246 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $170,134 | $14,178 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $229,743 | $19,145 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $288,111 | $24,009 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $302,702 | $25,225 | +187% |
Current Salary
$105,558
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $51/hr
Next Level Target
$130,395
Junior · 2
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Data Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Data Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $106K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Data Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $106K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $51/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Data Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $195K–$240K/yr.