TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead SOC Analyst Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$113,060/yr
Typical range: $96,066 – $118,127
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
SOC Analyst salary by experience level in Chicago
SOC Analyst 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 | $51,947 | $4,329 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $64,169 | $5,347 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $72,318 | $6,027 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $83,726 | $6,977 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $113,060 | $9,422 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $141,784 | $11,815 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $148,964 | $12,414 | +187% |
Current Salary
$113,060
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$141,784
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
65/100
Good
+28% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead SOC Analyst salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead SOC Analysts in Chicago, IL earn approximately $113K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead SOC Analyst make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $113K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior SOC Analyst in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior SOC Analyst in Chicago, IL earns $96K–$118K/yr.