Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead HR Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$139,971/yr
Typical range: $124,883 – $152,631
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HR Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
HR 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 | $67,986 | $5,666 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,982 | $6,999 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $94,647 | $7,887 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $107,977 | $8,998 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $139,971 | $11,664 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $170,364 | $14,197 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $177,963 | $14,830 | +162% |
Current Salary
$139,971
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $67/hr
Next Level Target
$170,364
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead HR Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead HR Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $140K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead HR Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $140K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $67/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior HR Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HR Manager in Chicago, IL earns $125K–$153K/yr.