TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience MLOps Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$186,486/yr
Typical range: $156,648 – $247,726
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
MLOps Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
MLOps 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 | $133,955 | $11,163 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $165,473 | $13,789 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $186,486 | $15,541 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $215,903 | $17,992 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $291,548 | $24,296 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $365,617 | $30,468 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $384,134 | $32,011 | +187% |
Current Salary
$186,486
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$215,903
Senior · 6
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+52% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience MLOps Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience MLOps Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $186K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience MLOps Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $186K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior MLOps Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior MLOps Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $248K–$305K/yr.