TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$201,310/yr
Typical range: $171,051 – $210,331
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Embedded Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Embedded Systems 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 | $92,494 | $7,708 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $114,257 | $9,521 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,766 | $10,731 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $149,078 | $12,423 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $201,310 | $16,776 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $252,453 | $21,038 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $265,239 | $22,103 | +187% |
Current Salary
$201,310
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $97/hr
Next Level Target
$252,453
Principal · 14
+$51Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Embedded Systems Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $201K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Embedded Systems Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $201K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $97/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Embedded Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Embedded Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $171K–$210K/yr.