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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Specialist in Illinois is $101,591 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Lead Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $113,160 | $9,430 | $2,176 | $54 |
| Average | $101,591 | $8,466 | $1,954 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,607 | $8,051 | $1,858 | $46 |
ODP - Carol Stream, IL
RR Donnelley - Warrenville, IL
Restoration Builders, Inc. - Oak Brook, IL
Rittal LLC - Schaumburg, IL
A Lead Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Ana... Level Lead Specialist | $98,981 |
| Sales Ana... Level Lead Specialist | $123,820 |
| Lead Spec... Level Lead Specialist | $102,630 |
| Sales Ana... Level Lead Specialist | $137,611 |
| Sales Ana... Level Lead Specialist | $205,773 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lead Specialist positions in Financial Services or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $126,989 | $61.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $121,910 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $119,878 | $58.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $116,830 | $56.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $113,782 | $55.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Lead Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $113,160 | $9,430 | $2,176 | $54 |
| Average | $101,591 | $8,466 | $1,954 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,607 | $8,051 | $1,858 | $46 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
USA Jobs
Westchester, IL
USA Jobs | Westchester, IL
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Scott Air Force Base, IL
ClearanceJobs | Scott Air Force Base, IL
Contracting Officer PositionHelp Provides oversight of proposed complex contractual actions with up to unlimited Contracting Officer authority. Leads team ... more
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WM
Schiller Park, IL
WM | Schiller Park, IL
About Us:Mon-Fri. $28.50. Benefits on Day 1Stericycle is a U.S. based business-to-business services company and leading provider of compliance-based soluti... more
8 Days Ago
Office Depot
Carol Stream, IL
Office Depot | Carol Stream, IL
Lead Warehouse Specialist. The Lead Warehouse Specialist is responsible for overseeing daily shipping operations, ensuring timely and accurate shipment of ... more
8 Days Ago
Sterling Engineering Inc.
Chicago, IL
Sterling Engineering Inc. | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Title: Lead Trade Compliance Specialist. Location: Chicago. Shift: 1st Shift - Hybrid schedule, 3 days in office, 2 at ho... more
8 Days Ago
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Addison, IL
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago | Addison, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Description. POSITION TITLE. Lead Administrative Support Specialist. STATUS. Exempt, FT. GRADE. 3. DEPT/PROGRAM NAME. You... more
8 Days Ago
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