TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$270,156/yr
Typical range: $229,549 – $282,263
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Machine Learning Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Machine Learning Engineer 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 | $124,126 | $10,344 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $153,332 | $12,778 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $172,803 | $14,400 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $200,062 | $16,672 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $270,156 | $22,513 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $338,791 | $28,233 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $355,949 | $29,662 | +187% |
Current Salary
$270,156
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $130/hr
Next Level Target
$338,791
Principal · 14
+$69Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
94/100
Exceptional
+45% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Machine Learning Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $270K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Machine Learning Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $270K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $130/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Machine Learning Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $230K–$282K/yr.