TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$246,229/yr
Typical range: $209,219 – $257,263
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $113,132 | $9,428 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $139,752 | $11,646 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,498 | $13,125 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $182,343 | $15,195 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $246,229 | $20,519 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $308,785 | $25,732 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $324,423 | $27,035 | +187% |
Current Salary
$246,229
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $118/hr
Next Level Target
$308,785
Principal · 14
+$63Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
71/100
Above Average
+34% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Data Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $246K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $246K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $118/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $209K–$257K/yr.