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.
$213,841/yr
Typical range: $181,699 – $223,424
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 | $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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$213,841
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$268,168
Principal · 14
+$54Kpotential 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 $214K 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 $214K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/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 $182K–$223K/yr.