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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead IT Specialist in Illinois is $95,880 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Lead IT Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead IT Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $106,778 | $8,898 | $2,053 | $51 |
| Average | $95,880 | $7,990 | $1,844 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,622 | $7,302 | $1,685 | $42 |
Orthopaedic Center Of Illinois - Springfield, IL
Aleknagik Technology - Rock Island, IL
Search Made Easy - South Barrington, IL
CCA Academy - Chicago, IL
A Lead IT 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 IT 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 |
|---|---|
| Internal ... Level Lead IT Specialist | $111,308 |
| Internal ... Level Lead IT Specialist | $140,022 |
| Lead IT S... Level Lead IT Specialist | $95,079 |
| Auditing ... Level Lead IT Specialist | $114,702 |
| Auditing ... Level Lead IT Specialist | $125,679 |
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 IT 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 IT Specialist 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 Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead IT Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead IT Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $115,056 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $115,056 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $115,056 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $115,056 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $110,262 | $53.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Lead IT 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 | $106,778 | $8,898 | $2,053 | $51 |
| Average | $95,880 | $7,990 | $1,844 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,622 | $7,302 | $1,685 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead IT Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Connection
Downers Grove, IL
Connection | Downers Grove, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Connection has a fantastic opportunity through our Technical Staffing division for an IT Specialist supporting our client... more
3 Days Ago
North Park University
Chicago, IL
North Park University | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. About North Park. Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian university affiliated with the Evangelical Covena... more
1 Day Ago
Roetzel & Andress
Chicago, IL
Roetzel & Andress | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. The IT Support Specialist provides hands-on and remote technical support to attorneys, staff, and busin... more
2 Days Ago
IntelliPro Group Inc.
Plainfield, IL
IntelliPro Group Inc. | Plainfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Client Support Associate / IT Support Specialist. Duration. 3 Months Contract (Possible Extension / Temp-to-Hire). Locati... more
2 Days Ago
AKIRA
Chicago, IL
AKIRA | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. AKIRA IT Support Specialist - Retail. In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. ... more
3 Days Ago
MetroSys
Lisle, IL
MetroSys | Lisle, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. MetroSys is seeking a customer-focused. IT Support Specialist. to provide onsite technical support for... more
3 Days Ago
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