Financial Analyst Salary in Chicago
2026 compensation data for Financial Analyst positions in Chicago, IL. Ranges from $61,000 (entry-level) to $184,000 (senior). Median: $103,000.
Median (Mid)
$103,000
$49.52/hr
vs National
+3%
US: $100,000
COL Index
115
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$184,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $61,000 | $71,000 | $86,000 | $34.13/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $84,000 | $103,000 | $126,000 | $49.52/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $121,000 | $149,000 | $184,000 | $71.63/hr |
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A mid-level financial analyst earning $103,000 in Chicago has the same buying power as $90,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 115).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Financial Analyst Salaries in Chicago
Financial analysis in Chicago benefits from one of the most distinctive industry concentrations in the country: the city is simultaneously a commodities trading powerhouse (CME Group and CBOE are headquartered here), a significant investment banking hub, and the home of numerous insurance and asset management firms—creating demand for financial analysts across multiple sophisticated verticals that differ meaningfully from the pure investment banking focus of New York. The median financial analyst salary in Chicago reflects the city's 115 cost-of-living index while tapping into compensation benchmarks set by an adjacent proprietary trading industry that is globally elite. CME Group, the world's largest derivatives exchange, and CBOE Global Markets both headquarter in Chicago, creating analyst demand for market microstructure analysis, derivatives pricing, and risk modeling that is genuinely specialized and well-compensated. Adjacent to the exchanges, proprietary trading firms (Citadel Securities, Jump Trading, DRW, Virtu Financial) hire quantitative financial analysts at compensation levels that significantly exceed traditional corporate finance—these roles blur the line between financial analysis and quantitative research, often requiring statistics or mathematics backgrounds alongside traditional CFA-track skills. Corporate finance analyst roles at Chicago's Fortune 500 headquarters (Boeing, United Airlines, McDonald's, Exelon, Kraft Heinz) offer a contrasting profile: stable, business-driven forecasting and variance analysis roles with structured promotion tracks and 10–20% annual bonuses. Boutique investment banks in the Loop (William Blair, Baird, Lincoln International) are recognized Chicago institutions with genuine deal flow and strong analyst training programs. Illinois state income tax (4.95%) is moderate. CFA progression and advanced Excel/Python modeling proficiency are standard differentiators.
Analyze financial data, build models, and advise on investment and budgeting decisions. This page covers financial analyst compensation specifically in Chicago, IL.
The median financial analyst salary in Chicago, IL is $103,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 3% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 115 (national average = 100), Chicago offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level financial analysts in Chicago can expect to earn between $61,000 and $86,000 (about $34.13/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $184,000 ($184K annually, or about $88.46/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Analyst Salary in Chicago
What is the average Financial Analyst salary in Chicago?+
The average Financial Analyst salary in Chicago is $103,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $71,000 and senior-level pay reaches $149,000.
How much does an entry-level financial analyst make in Chicago?+
Entry-level financial analysts in Chicago earn between $61,000 and $86,000, with a median of $71,000 per year (about $34.13/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Financial Analyst in Chicago?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Financial Analyst in Chicago earns roughly $34.13/hour at entry-level, $49.52/hour at mid-level, and $71.63/hour at senior-level.
Is the Financial Analyst salary in Chicago higher than the US average?+
Yes — Financial Analyst salaries in Chicago are about 3% higher than the US national median of $100,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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