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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Communications Lead in Illinois is $183,717 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.
However, a Communications Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Communications Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $202,077 | $16,840 | $3,886 | $97 |
| Average | $183,717 | $15,310 | $3,533 | $88 |
| 25th Percentile | $166,581 | $13,882 | $3,203 | $80 |
American Osteopathic Association - Chicago, IL
GE Healthcare - Chicago, IL
Concert Group - Arlington Heights, IL
Huron - Chicago, IL
A Communications Lead'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 Communications Lead'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 |
|---|---|
| Communica... Level Communications Lead | $118,793 |
| Communica... Level Communications Lead | $154,912 |
| Communica... Level Communications Lead | $123,397 |
| Communica... Level Communications Lead | $182,367 |
| VP of Com... Level Communications Lead | $245,299 |
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 Communications Leads. 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 Communications Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (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, Communications Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Communications Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $229,646 | $110.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $224,134 | $108.0 | 22% |
| Internet | $220,460 | $106.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $216,786 | $104.0 | 18% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $202,088 | $97.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Communications Lead'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 | $202,077 | $16,840 | $3,886 | $97 |
| Average | $183,717 | $15,310 | $3,533 | $88 |
| 25th Percentile | $166,581 | $13,882 | $3,203 | $80 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Communications Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Illinois Attorney General
Great Lakes, IL
Illinois Attorney General | Great Lakes, IL
Job Title. Summary of Duties and Responsibilities. Maintains and enhances agency communications by responding to and directing customer inquiries. greeting... more
1 Day Ago
Evangelical Covenant Church
Chicago, IL
Evangelical Covenant Church | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Summary. The Communications Specialist creates content to further the Marcom's mission to foster missional engagement by ... more
2 Days Ago
Consociate Health
Decatur, IL
Consociate Health | Decatur, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Consociate Health, a leading Third-Party Administrator, offers an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an envir... more
2 Days Ago
Illinois House of Representatives
Springfield, IL
Illinois House of Representatives | Springfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. The Communications Unit of the Office of the Speaker offers a unique opportunity for degreed professionals to participate... more
3 Days Ago
OSF HealthCare
Ottawa, IL
OSF HealthCare | Ottawa, IL
OSF HealthCare - - Responsibilities: Provide telephone assistance to team members, patients, physicians, and the general public in a timely and professiona... more
5 Days Ago
Canadian National Railway
Libertyville, IL
Canadian National Railway | Libertyville, IL
Qualified Rate :$36.01 Per hour Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period.In addition, CN empl... more
1 Day Ago
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