MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Journalist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$100,930/yr
Typical range: $90,051 – $110,059
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Journalist salary by experience level in Chicago
Journalist 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 | $49,023 | $4,085 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $60,558 | $5,047 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $68,248 | $5,687 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $77,860 | $6,488 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $100,930 | $8,411 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $122,846 | $10,237 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $128,326 | $10,694 | +162% |
Current Salary
$100,930
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $49/hr
Next Level Target
$122,846
Principal · 14
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
22/100
High Risk
+-2% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Journalist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Journalists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $101K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Journalist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $101K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $49/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Journalist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Journalist in Chicago, IL earns $90K–$110K/yr.