TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead DevOps Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$234,778/yr
Typical range: $199,489 – $245,299
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
DevOps Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
DevOps 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 | $107,871 | $8,989 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $133,253 | $11,104 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $150,174 | $12,515 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $173,863 | $14,489 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $234,778 | $19,565 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $294,425 | $24,535 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $309,336 | $25,778 | +187% |
Current Salary
$234,778
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $113/hr
Next Level Target
$294,425
Principal · 14
+$60Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+28% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead DevOps Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead DevOps Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $235K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead DevOps Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $235K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $113/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior DevOps Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior DevOps Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $199K–$245K/yr.