Entry-level Network Architect salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 12 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Northbrook, Warrenville, Naperville, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates.
Also listed as: Network Engineer, Network Development Engineer
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $97,074 |
| 25th | $97,074 |
| 50th (median) | $99,712 |
| 75th | $104,142 |
| 90th | $114,857 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median entry-level Network Architect salary of $99,712 is worth about $96,300 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Compared with all workers here
All Computer Network Architects in the Chicago, IL area earned a median of $143,800 in May 2025 (5,400 employed). The H-1B median here is $99,712, 31% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Only It Consulting | too few | 3 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $99,712 | 12 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $120,702 | 45 |
| Senior · Level III | $146,578 | 24 |
| Expert · Level IV | $177,698 | 24 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $97,074 | $99,712 | 12 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $118,435 | $120,702 | 45 |
| Senior · Level III | $139,818 | $146,578 | 24 |
| Expert · Level IV | $163,238 | $177,698 | 24 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.