TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead NLP Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$286,996/yr
Typical range: $243,858 – $299,857
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$286,996
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $138/hr
Next Level Target
$359,908
Principal · 14
+$73Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
91/100
Exceptional
+42% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead NLP Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead NLP Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $287K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead NLP Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $287K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $138/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior NLP Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior NLP Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $244K–$300K/yr.