TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$221,950/yr
Typical range: $188,589 – $231,896
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Software 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 | $101,977 | $8,498 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,971 | $10,498 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $141,968 | $11,831 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $164,363 | $13,697 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $221,950 | $18,496 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $278,337 | $23,195 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $292,434 | $24,370 | +187% |
Current Salary
$221,950
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $107/hr
Next Level Target
$278,337
Principal · 14
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $222K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $222K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $107/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $189K–$232K/yr.