BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level General Manager Salary in Chicago

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$101,007/yr

Typical range: $99,214 $122,741

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

General Manager Salary Progression in Chicago

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$101,007$8,417
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$127,425$10,619+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$146,072$12,173+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$167,828$13,986+66%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$217,554$18,130+115%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$261,065$21,755+158%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$271,943$22,662+169%
Current Salary
$101,007
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $49/hr
Next Level Target
$127,425
Junior · 2
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level General Manager salary in Chicago, IL?

Entry Level General Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $101K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level General Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?

Based on $101K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $49/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior General Manager in Chicago, IL?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior General Manager in Chicago, IL earns $197K–$243K/yr.