CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$86,296/yr
Typical range: $89,479 – $115,511
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in Chicago
Illustrator 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 | $41,800 | $3,483 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $53,935 | $4,495 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $62,924 | $5,244 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $71,194 | $5,933 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $86,296 | $7,191 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $98,162 | $8,180 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $101,129 | $8,427 | +142% |
Current Salary
$86,296
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$98,162
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Illustrator salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in Chicago, IL earn approximately $86K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Illustrator make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $86K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in Chicago, IL earns $89K–$116K/yr.