MarketingOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level SEO Specialist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$59,279/yr
Typical range: $57,484 – $71,550
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
SEO Specialist salary by experience level in Chicago
SEO Specialist 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 | $59,279 | $4,940 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $74,782 | $6,232 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $85,726 | $7,144 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $97,035 | $8,086 | +64% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $120,381 | $10,032 | +103% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $140,810 | $11,734 | +138% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $145,917 | $12,160 | +146% |
Current Salary
$59,279
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $28/hr
Next Level Target
$74,782
Junior · 2
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level SEO Specialist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level SEO Specialists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $59K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level SEO Specialist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $59K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $28/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior SEO Specialist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior SEO Specialist in Chicago, IL earns $116K–$145K/yr.