TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Security Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$264,029/yr
Typical range: $224,343 – $275,861
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Security Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Security 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 | $121,311 | $10,109 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $149,854 | $12,488 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $168,883 | $14,074 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $195,524 | $16,294 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $264,029 | $22,002 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $331,107 | $27,592 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $347,876 | $28,990 | +187% |
Current Salary
$264,029
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $127/hr
Next Level Target
$331,107
Principal · 14
+$67Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
72/100
Above Average
+32% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Security Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Security Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $264K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Security Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $264K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $127/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Security Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Security Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $224K–$276K/yr.