Supply ChainOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Operations Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$161,689/yr
Typical range: $144,261 – $176,313
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Operations Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
Operations Manager 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 | $78,535 | $6,545 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,013 | $8,084 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,332 | $9,111 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $124,731 | $10,394 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $161,689 | $13,474 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $196,798 | $16,400 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $205,576 | $17,131 | +162% |
Current Salary
$161,689
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$196,798
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Operations Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Operations Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $162K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Operations Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $162K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Operations Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Operations Manager in Chicago, IL earns $144K–$176K/yr.