EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Structural Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$172,728/yr
Typical range: $153,214 – $183,871
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Structural Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Structural 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 | $87,616 | $7,301 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $106,390 | $8,866 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $118,907 | $9,909 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $134,678 | $11,223 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $172,728 | $14,394 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $202,767 | $16,897 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $210,277 | $17,523 | +140% |
Current Salary
$172,728
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$202,767
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Structural Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Structural Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $173K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Structural Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $173K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Structural Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $153K–$184K/yr.