BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead General Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$217,554/yr
Typical range: $196,739 – $243,393
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
General Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
General Manager 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 | $101,007 | $8,417 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,425 | $10,619 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $146,072 | $12,173 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,828 | $13,986 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $217,554 | $18,130 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $261,065 | $21,755 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $271,943 | $22,662 | +169% |
Current Salary
$217,554
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $105/hr
Next Level Target
$261,065
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead General Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead General Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $218K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead General Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $218K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $105/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior General Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior General Manager in Chicago, IL earns $197K–$243K/yr.