TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead IT Support Specialist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$95,352/yr
Typical range: $81,020 – $99,625
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
IT Support Specialist salary by experience level in Chicago
IT Support Specialist 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 | $43,810 | $3,651 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $54,119 | $4,510 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $60,991 | $5,083 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $70,612 | $5,884 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $95,352 | $7,946 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $119,577 | $9,965 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $125,633 | $10,469 | +187% |
Current Salary
$95,352
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $46/hr
Next Level Target
$119,577
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
19/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead IT Support Specialist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead IT Support Specialists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $95K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead IT Support Specialist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $95K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $46/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior IT Support Specialist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior IT Support Specialist in Chicago, IL earns $81K–$100K/yr.