ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Industrial Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$132,822/yr
Typical range: $118,505 – $144,836
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Industrial Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Industrial Designer 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 | $64,514 | $5,376 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,693 | $6,641 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,813 | $7,484 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,463 | $8,539 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,822 | $11,069 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $161,664 | $13,472 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,874 | $14,073 | +162% |
Current Salary
$132,822
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$161,664
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Industrial Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Industrial Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $133K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Industrial Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $133K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Industrial Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Industrial Designer in Chicago, IL earns $119K–$145K/yr.