EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Systems Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$203,422/yr
Typical range: $180,440 – $216,545
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Systems Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Systems 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 | $103,185 | $8,599 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $125,296 | $10,441 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,037 | $11,670 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $158,610 | $13,218 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $203,422 | $16,952 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $238,799 | $19,900 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $247,644 | $20,637 | +140% |
Current Salary
$203,422
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$238,799
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Systems Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Systems Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $203K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Systems Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $203K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $180K–$217K/yr.