EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Quality Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$152,142/yr
Typical range: $134,954 – $161,957
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Quality Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Quality Engineer 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 | $77,174 | $6,431 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $93,711 | $7,809 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,736 | $8,728 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,627 | $9,886 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $152,142 | $12,679 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $178,602 | $14,884 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $185,217 | $15,435 | +140% |
Current Salary
$152,142
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $73/hr
Next Level Target
$178,602
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+6% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Quality Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Quality Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $152K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Quality Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $152K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $73/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Quality Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Quality Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $135K–$162K/yr.