EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$167,488/yr
Typical range: $148,566 – $178,293
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Electrical Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Electrical 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 | $84,958 | $7,080 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,163 | $8,597 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $115,300 | $9,608 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $130,592 | $10,883 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $167,488 | $13,957 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $196,616 | $16,385 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $203,898 | $16,992 | +140% |
Current Salary
$167,488
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$196,616
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Electrical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Electrical Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $167K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Electrical Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $167K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Electrical Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrical Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $149K–$178K/yr.