EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Industrial Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$157,839/yr
Typical range: $140,007 – $168,021
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Industrial Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Industrial Engineer 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 | $80,063 | $6,672 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,220 | $8,102 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $108,657 | $9,055 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $123,069 | $10,256 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $157,839 | $13,153 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $185,289 | $15,441 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $192,152 | $16,013 | +140% |
Current Salary
$157,839
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$185,289
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Industrial Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Industrial Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $158K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Industrial Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $158K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Industrial Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Industrial Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $140K–$168K/yr.