As of November 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Research Program Manager in Chicago, IL is $98,115, equivalent to $47 per hour, $1,887 weekly, or $8,176 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Research Program Manager in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Research Program Manager in Chicago, IL vary widely, spanning from $79,350 to $113,708. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($88,292) and 75th percentile ($106,277), while top earners (90th percentile) make $113,708 per year. This $17,985 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Leadership or Microsoft Office, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Chicago Research Program Manager often earn 1.4% higher than national averages. However, Chicago currently ranks 249 statewide for Research Program Manager job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.