FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Investment Banker Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$329,192/yr
Typical range: $277,066 – $366,477
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Investment Banker salary by experience level in Chicago
Investment Banker 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 | $125,987 | $10,499 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $162,564 | $13,547 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $189,658 | $15,805 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $228,402 | $19,034 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $329,192 | $27,433 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $447,864 | $37,322 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $477,532 | $39,794 | +279% |
Current Salary
$329,192
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $158/hr
Next Level Target
$447,864
Principal · 14
+$119Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Investment Banker salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Investment Bankers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $329K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Investment Banker make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $329K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $158/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Investment Banker in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Investment Banker in Chicago, IL earns $277K–$366K/yr.