FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Analyst Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$185,540/yr
Typical range: $156,161 – $206,555
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Analyst salary by experience level in Chicago
Financial Analyst 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 | $71,009 | $5,917 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $91,625 | $7,635 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,896 | $8,908 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $128,733 | $10,728 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $185,540 | $15,462 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $252,426 | $21,036 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $269,148 | $22,429 | +279% |
Current Salary
$185,540
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$252,426
Principal · 14
+$67Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
27/100
High Risk
+9% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Financial Analyst salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Financial Analysts in Chicago, IL earn approximately $186K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Financial Analyst make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $186K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Financial Analyst in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Analyst in Chicago, IL earns $156K–$207K/yr.