TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level MLOps Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$73,815/yr
Typical range: $70,200 – $86,321
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $73,815 | $6,151 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $91,184 | $7,599 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $102,763 | $8,564 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,973 | $9,914 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $160,657 | $13,388 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $201,473 | $16,789 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,676 | $17,640 | +187% |
Current Salary
$73,815
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$91,184
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+52% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level MLOps Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level MLOps Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $74K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level MLOps Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $74K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior MLOps Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior MLOps Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $137K–$168K/yr.