Airline Pilot Salary in Illinois
Airline Pilots in Illinois earn an average of $172,994 per year across 1 metro area. This is +1.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$172,994
per year
Hourly Rate
$83.17
per hour
vs National
+1.0%
$171,210 national
Salary Range
$114,785
to $244,776
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$172,994
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$182,099
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Airline Pilot's salary of $172,994 has the purchasing power of $182,099 in an average-cost area.
Airline Pilot Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $172,994 | $83.17/hr | $114,785 | $244,776 | 139 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Airline Pilot Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 139 Airline Pilots employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Airline Pilot Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$114,785
Starting salary for new Airline Pilots
Median (50th Percentile)
$172,994
Mid-career Airline Pilot salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$244,776
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Airline Pilot Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Airline Pilot salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Airline Pilot salary in Illinois?
The average Airline Pilot salary in Illinois is $172,994 per year ($83.17/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 1.0% above the national average of $171,210.
What is the highest paying city for Airline Pilots in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Airline Pilots in Illinois, with a median salary of $172,994 per year.
What is the salary range for Airline Pilots in Illinois?
Airline Pilot salaries in Illinois range from $114,785 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $244,776 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $172,994 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.