EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Safety Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$76,813/yr
Typical range: $74,698 – $89,644
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Safety Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Safety 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $76,813 | $6,401 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $93,273 | $7,773 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,246 | $8,687 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,073 | $9,839 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $151,432 | $12,619 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $177,767 | $14,814 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $184,351 | $15,363 | +140% |
Current Salary
$76,813
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $37/hr
Next Level Target
$93,273
Junior · 2
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Safety Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Safety Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $77K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Safety Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $77K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $37/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Safety Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Safety Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $134K–$161K/yr.