Salary Levels by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Est. Annual Net |
|---|---|---|
| Handyperson / Maintenance | $34,000–$44,000 | ~$31,444 |
| Building Super (small bldg) | $44,000–$62,000 | ~$42,000 |
| Super (mid/large bldg) | $61,000–$78,000 | ~$53,839 |
| Head Super / Chief Engineer | $76,000–$108,000 | ~$68,554 |
Tax Breakdown at $58,000 (Bi-Weekly)
| Component | Per Paycheck | Annual | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $2,230.77 | $58,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$189.31 | −$4,922 | 8.5% |
| IL State Income Tax | −$110.42 | −$2,871 | 5.0% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$170.65 | −$4,437 | 7.6% |
| Net Take-Home | $1,760 | ~$45,770 | 78.9% |
What Drives Building Superintendent Pay in Chicago
Building Superintendents in NYC maintain, repair, and manage residential apartment buildings, serving as the critical link between tenants, landlords, and the tradespeople who keep aging urban buildings functional. Many NYC supers receive a free apartment as part of their compensation, dramatically boosting total economic value.
NYC's over one million residential units — many in aging pre-war and post-war buildings — create enormous demand for competent building superintendents. The Local 32BJ SEIU union represents supers at many larger residential properties, establishing minimum wage scales and benefit packages that significantly exceed those for non-union positions. Live-in supers at mid-size Manhattan or Brooklyn buildings receive rent-free apartments that add $25,000–$60,000 in annual economic value to reported salaries.
- Building size and unit count
- 32BJ union membership and contract terms
- Live-in apartment value included in compensation
- Certifications (boiler, fire safety, DOB compliance)
Top Chicago Employers
Major employers hiring building superintendents in Chicago include: Boeing Chicago, Citadel, Northwestern Medicine, CME Group, United Airlines.
Tax note: NYC supers receiving free apartments as part of their compensation may owe taxes on the imputed value of the housing benefit — consulting a tax professional about this often-overlooked obligation is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
A building superintendent earning $58,000 in Chicago takes home approximately $45,770 per year, or $1,760 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. The effective tax rate is 21.1%.
Chicago building superintendent salaries range from $34,000–$44,000 at entry level to $76,000–$108,000 for senior professionals. The median mid-career salary is approximately $58,000.
Chicago supers managing buildings with oil or gas boilers must hold a valid Chicago DEP Stationary Engineer or High Pressure Boiler license; fire safety director certification and asbestos handler certification are also commonly required for larger buildings.
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