Airline Pilot Salary in Chicago, IL: $172,994 (2024)

The median airline pilot salary in Chicago, IL is $172,994 per year ($83.17/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $114,785 for entry-level positions to $244,776 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level airline pilots in Chicago, IL typically start at around $114,785 per year ($55.19/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $172,994 within 3-5 years.

Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn a median hourly wage of $83.17 per hour. Hourly rates range from $55.19/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $117.68/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $114,785 and $244,776.

The median airline pilot salary of $172,994 in Chicago, IL is above the national median of $171,210 (1.0% higher). This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of airline pilots in the area earn more and half earn less.

Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn above the national average. The local median salary of $172,994 is 1.0% higher than the national median of $171,210. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $164,131.

The top 10% of airline pilots in Chicago, IL earn $244,776 or more per year ($117.68/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $201,836, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost airline pilot salary in Chicago, IL include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $172,994, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($201,836) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Chicago, IL has a specialized job market for airline pilots, with approximately 139 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $172,994 is above the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your airline pilot salary to these Chicago, IL benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $114,785, 25th percentile: $138,403, 50th percentile (median): $172,994, 75th percentile: $201,836, 90th percentile (top earners): $244,776. If you earn more than $172,994, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $172,994 median base salary, airline pilots in Chicago, IL typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced airline pilots with 5-10 years in Chicago, IL typically earn $201,836 (75th percentile) to $244,776 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $244,776. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $172,994.

Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($114,785) to median ($172,994) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($244,776) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $129,991 over a career.