HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Surgeon Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$606,401/yr
Typical range: $568,307 – $669,695
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Surgeon salary by experience level in Chicago
Surgeon 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 | $331,626 | $27,636 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $407,426 | $33,952 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $451,643 | $37,637 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $500,281 | $41,690 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $606,401 | $50,533 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $697,361 | $58,113 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $720,102 | $60,009 | +117% |
Current Salary
$606,401
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $292/hr
Next Level Target
$697,361
Principal · 14
+$91Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Surgeon salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Surgeons in Chicago, IL earn approximately $606K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Surgeon make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $606K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $292/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Surgeon in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Surgeon in Chicago, IL earns $568K–$670K/yr.