TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Network Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$83,100/yr
Typical range: $79,030 – $97,178
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Network Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Network 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 | $83,100 | $6,925 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $102,653 | $8,554 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $115,688 | $9,641 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $133,938 | $11,162 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $180,865 | $15,072 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $226,814 | $18,901 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $238,302 | $19,859 | +187% |
Current Salary
$83,100
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$102,653
Junior · 2
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Network Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Network Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $83K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Network Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $83K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Network Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Network Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $154K–$189K/yr.