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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Big Data Engineer in Illinois is $181,721 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.
However, a Lead Big Data Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Big Data Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $192,018 | $16,001 | $3,693 | $92 |
| Average | $181,721 | $15,143 | $3,495 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $166,852 | $13,904 | $3,209 | $80 |
Forhyre - Rolling Meadows, IL
Eliassen Group - Chicago, IL
Eliassen Group - Chicago, IL
Retail Insight - Chicago, IL
A Lead Big Data Engineer'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 Big Data Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $125,254 |
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $162,708 |
| Lead Big ... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $180,963 |
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $181,792 |
| AI Engine... Level Lead Big Data Engineer | $204,430 |
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 Big Data Engineers. 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 Big Data Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Big Data Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Big Data Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $218,065 | $105.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $208,979 | $100.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $203,527 | $98.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $199,893 | $96.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $199,893 | $96.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead Big Data Engineer'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 | $192,018 | $16,001 | $3,693 | $92 |
| Average | $181,721 | $15,143 | $3,495 | $87 |
| 25th Percentile | $166,852 | $13,904 | $3,209 | $80 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Big Data Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Alliant Credit Union
Chicago, IL
Alliant Credit Union | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Provides continuous build-up and operationalization of an enterprise-class modern data environment, which may include var... more
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WATAUGA, TX
Trane Technologies | WATAUGA, TX
Be a part of our mission. As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, ... more
3 Days Ago
Resource Innovations
CHICAGO, IL
Resource Innovations | CHICAGO, IL
Description Resource Innovations is seeking a Data Analyst Lead to join our growing team in Chicago, IL. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Data... more
7 Days Ago
Point72
NEW YORK CITY, NY
Point72 | NEW YORK CITY, NY
A Career with Point72's Technology Team As Point72 reimagines the future of investing, our Technology team is constantly evolving our firm’s IT infrastruct... more
3 Days Ago
ACV, INC.
BUFFALO, NY
ACV, INC. | BUFFALO, NY
Who are we looking for: We are looking for an exceptional Software Engineer IV (DR) to lead, architect, and elevate our engineering team. We need a leader ... more
3 Days Ago
MONTICELLOAM, LLC
NEW YORK CITY, NY
MONTICELLOAM, LLC | NEW YORK CITY, NY
About us: MONTICELLOAM, LLC and its affiliates (“Monticello”) is a real estate and asset-based investment firm providing asset management and comprehensive... more
4 Days Ago
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