SalesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Sales Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$210,353/yr
Typical range: $187,679 – $229,379
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Sales Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Sales 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 | $102,171 | $8,514 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $126,212 | $10,518 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $142,239 | $11,853 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $162,272 | $13,523 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $210,353 | $17,529 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $256,029 | $21,336 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $267,449 | $22,287 | +162% |
Current Salary
$210,353
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $101/hr
Next Level Target
$256,029
Principal · 14
+$46Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
57/100
Moderate
+20% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Sales Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Sales Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $210K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Sales Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $210K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $101/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Sales Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Sales Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $188K–$229K/yr.