GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Policy Analyst Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$68,898/yr
Typical range: $68,353 – $77,192
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in Chicago
Policy Analyst 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 | $68,898 | $5,742 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $77,731 | $6,478 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $84,798 | $7,067 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $91,864 | $7,655 | +33% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $105,997 | $8,833 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $118,717 | $9,893 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $121,897 | $10,158 | +77% |
Current Salary
$68,898
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $33/hr
Next Level Target
$77,731
Junior · 2
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Policy Analyst salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Policy Analysts in Chicago, IL earn approximately $69K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Policy Analyst make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $69K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $33/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Policy Analyst in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Chicago, IL earns $101K–$114K/yr.