Sr. Director of Engineering Salary
in Chicago, IL
Senior engineering leader overseeing multiple teams and major technical initiatives. Median salary in Chicago: $297K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Chicago
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Chicago, Illinois.
Key facts for Chicago
Salary forecast: Chicago Sr. Director of Engineering to 2030
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $297K by 2030.
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Sr. Director of Engineering Salary in Chicago, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Sr. Director of Engineering salary in Chicago, IL is $297,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chicago–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Salary range for Sr. Director of Engineering in Chicago
Entry-level Sr. Director of Engineerings in Chicago with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $230,000 and $297,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $297,000 to $377,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $377,000 to $481,000 or more.
Cost of living in Chicago for Sr. Director of Engineerings
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Chicago are close to the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Sr. Director of Engineering
Bachelor's in CS; 13+ years engineering; senior management. This role is 62% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Chicago-based professionals.