TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Data Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$98,251/yr
Typical range: $93,439 – $114,896
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in Chicago
Data Scientist 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 | $98,251 | $8,188 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,369 | $10,114 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $136,781 | $11,398 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,358 | $13,197 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $213,841 | $17,820 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $268,168 | $22,347 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $281,750 | $23,479 | +187% |
Current Salary
$98,251
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$121,369
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Data Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Data Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $98K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Data Scientist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $98K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Data Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $182K–$223K/yr.