FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Planner (CFP) Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$170,106/yr
Typical range: $143,171 – $189,373
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Planner (CFP) salary by experience level in Chicago
Financial Planner (CFP) 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 | $65,102 | $5,425 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $84,003 | $7,000 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $98,004 | $8,167 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,024 | $9,835 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $170,106 | $14,176 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $231,429 | $19,286 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $246,759 | $20,563 | +279% |
Current Salary
$170,106
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $82/hr
Next Level Target
$231,429
Principal · 14
+$61Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
50/100
Moderate
+15% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Financial Planner (CFP) salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Financial Planner (CFP)s in Chicago, IL earn approximately $170K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Financial Planner (CFP) make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $170K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $82/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Financial Planner (CFP) in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Planner (CFP) in Chicago, IL earns $143K–$189K/yr.