TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Robotics Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$249,780/yr
Typical range: $212,236 – $260,973
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Robotics Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Robotics 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 | $114,764 | $9,564 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $141,767 | $11,814 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $159,769 | $13,314 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $184,972 | $15,414 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $249,780 | $20,815 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $313,237 | $26,103 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $329,102 | $27,425 | +187% |
Current Salary
$249,780
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $120/hr
Next Level Target
$313,237
Principal · 14
+$63Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
79/100
Above Average
+35% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Robotics Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Robotics Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $250K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Robotics Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $250K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $120/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Robotics Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Robotics Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $212K–$261K/yr.