HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Psychologist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$160,356/yr
Typical range: $150,282 – $177,093
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Psychologist salary by experience level in Chicago
Psychologist 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 | $87,695 | $7,308 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,739 | $8,978 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $119,432 | $9,953 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $132,294 | $11,025 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $160,356 | $13,363 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $184,409 | $15,367 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $190,423 | $15,869 | +117% |
Current Salary
$160,356
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$184,409
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Psychologist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Psychologists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $160K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Psychologist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $160K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Psychologist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Psychologist in Chicago, IL earns $150K–$177K/yr.