TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience IT Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$144,506/yr
Typical range: $121,385 – $191,960
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
IT Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
IT 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 | $103,800 | $8,650 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $128,223 | $10,685 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $144,506 | $12,042 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,301 | $13,942 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $225,918 | $18,827 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $283,313 | $23,609 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $297,662 | $24,805 | +187% |
Current Salary
$144,506
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $69/hr
Next Level Target
$167,301
Senior · 6
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience IT Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience IT Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $145K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience IT Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $145K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $69/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior IT Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior IT Manager in Chicago, IL earns $192K–$236K/yr.