TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Administrator Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$140,291/yr
Typical range: $119,204 – $146,578
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Administrator salary by experience level in Chicago
Systems Administrator 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 | $64,458 | $5,372 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,624 | $6,635 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,735 | $7,478 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $103,891 | $8,658 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $140,291 | $11,691 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $175,932 | $14,661 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $184,842 | $15,404 | +187% |
Current Salary
$140,291
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $67/hr
Next Level Target
$175,932
Principal · 14
+$36Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
20/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Administrator salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Systems Administrators in Chicago, IL earn approximately $140K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Administrator make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $140K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $67/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Administrator in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Administrator in Chicago, IL earns $119K–$147K/yr.