TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead MLOps Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$160,657/yr
Typical range: $136,509 – $167,856
P90 · 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 | $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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$160,657
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$201,473
Principal · 14
+$41Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
100/100
Exceptional
+52% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead MLOps Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead MLOps Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $161K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead MLOps Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $161K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $137K–$168K/yr.