ArchitectureOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Landscape Architect Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$120,259/yr
Typical range: $107,296 – $131,136
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Landscape Architect salary by experience level in Chicago
Landscape Architect 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 | $58,411 | $4,868 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,155 | $6,013 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $81,318 | $6,777 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $92,771 | $7,731 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $120,259 | $10,022 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $146,372 | $12,198 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $152,900 | $12,742 | +162% |
Current Salary
$120,259
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$146,372
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
40/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Landscape Architect salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Landscape Architects in Chicago, IL earn approximately $120K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Landscape Architect make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $120K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Landscape Architect in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Landscape Architect in Chicago, IL earns $107K–$131K/yr.