TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Enterprise Architect Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$296,889/yr
Typical range: $252,264 – $310,194
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Enterprise Architect salary by experience level in Chicago
Enterprise Architect 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 | $136,409 | $11,367 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $168,505 | $14,042 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $189,902 | $15,825 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $219,859 | $18,322 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $296,889 | $24,741 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $372,315 | $31,026 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $391,172 | $32,598 | +187% |
Current Salary
$296,889
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $143/hr
Next Level Target
$372,315
Principal · 14
+$75Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
55/100
Moderate
+18% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Enterprise Architect salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Enterprise Architects in Chicago, IL earn approximately $297K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Enterprise Architect make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $297K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $143/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Enterprise Architect in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Enterprise Architect in Chicago, IL earns $252K–$310K/yr.