TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead IT Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$225,918/yr
Typical range: $191,960 – $236,042
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $144,506 | $12,042 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $167,301 | $13,942 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$225,918
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$283,313
Principal · 14
+$57Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead IT Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead IT Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $226K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead IT Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $226K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.