EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Safety Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$118,073/yr
Typical range: $134,323 – $161,201
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$118,073
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$151,432
Staff · 10
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Safety Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Safety Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $118K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Safety Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Safety Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Safety Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $134K–$161K/yr.