TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$195,974/yr
Typical range: $166,518 – $204,756
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $90,042 | $7,504 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $111,229 | $9,269 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,353 | $10,446 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $145,127 | $12,094 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $195,974 | $16,331 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $245,762 | $20,480 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $258,209 | $21,517 | +187% |
Current Salary
$195,974
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $94/hr
Next Level Target
$245,762
Principal · 14
+$50Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Data Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $196K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Scientist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $196K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $94/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $167K–$205K/yr.