GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Police Officer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$103,991/yr
Typical range: $99,165 – $111,987
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Police Officer salary by experience level in Chicago
Police Officer 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 | $67,594 | $5,633 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $76,260 | $6,355 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $83,193 | $6,933 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $90,125 | $7,510 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $103,991 | $8,666 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $116,470 | $9,706 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $119,589 | $9,966 | +77% |
Current Salary
$103,991
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $50/hr
Next Level Target
$116,470
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Police Officer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Police Officers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $104K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Police Officer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $104K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $50/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Police Officer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Police Officer in Chicago, IL earns $99K–$112K/yr.