ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Epidemiologist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$150,597/yr
Typical range: $137,475 – $165,989
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Epidemiologist salary by experience level in Chicago
Epidemiologist 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 | $72,509 | $6,042 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $91,473 | $7,623 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,860 | $8,738 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $119,362 | $9,947 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $150,597 | $12,550 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $174,692 | $14,558 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $180,716 | $15,060 | +149% |
Current Salary
$150,597
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $72/hr
Next Level Target
$174,692
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
55/100
Moderate
+18% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Epidemiologist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Epidemiologists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $151K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Epidemiologist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $151K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $72/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Epidemiologist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Epidemiologist in Chicago, IL earns $137K–$166K/yr.