GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$105,997/yr
Typical range: $101,078 – $114,147
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$105,997
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $51/hr
Next Level Target
$118,717
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in Chicago, IL earn approximately $106K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $106K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $51/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Chicago, IL earns $101K–$114K/yr.