BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Project Manager Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$83,221/yr
Typical range: $81,744 – $101,128
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Project Manager salary by experience level in Chicago
Project 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $83,221 | $6,935 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,987 | $8,749 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,351 | $10,029 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $138,276 | $11,523 | +66% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $179,246 | $14,937 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $215,095 | $17,925 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $224,058 | $18,672 | +169% |
Current Salary
$83,221
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$104,987
Junior · 2
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+12% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Project Manager salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Project Managers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $83K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Project Manager make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $83K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Project Manager in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Project Manager in Chicago, IL earns $162K–$201K/yr.