TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level IT Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$96,850/yr
Typical range: $92,106 – $113,257
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $96,850 | $8,071 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,638 | $9,970 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $134,830 | $11,236 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $156,099 | $13,008 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $210,790 | $17,566 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $264,343 | $22,029 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $277,731 | $23,144 | +187% |
Current Salary
$96,850
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$119,638
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level IT Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level IT Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $97K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level IT Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $97K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior IT Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior IT Manager in Chicago, IL earns $179K–$220K/yr.