TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level NLP Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$131,863/yr
Typical range: $125,405 – $154,202
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
NLP Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
NLP 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 | $131,863 | $10,989 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $162,889 | $13,574 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $183,574 | $15,298 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $212,532 | $17,711 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $286,996 | $23,916 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $359,908 | $29,992 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $378,136 | $31,511 | +187% |
Current Salary
$131,863
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$162,889
Junior · 2
+$31Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level NLP Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level NLP Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $132K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level NLP Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $132K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior NLP Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior NLP Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $244K–$300K/yr.