Aerospace Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 200+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$108,940
$52.38/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
-16.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $185K
200 employed in Illinois
The median aerospace engineer salary in Illinois is $108,940 per year, with approximately 200 aerospace engineers currently employed in the state. This salary is about 16% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in aerospace industry concentration and cost of living. Salaries in Illinois range from $78,170 to $184,520 annually, demonstrating significant variation based on individual qualifications and employer type.
Several factors influence aerospace engineer salary in Illinois, including education level, years of experience, and the specific employer sector. Engineers working for major defense contractors or established aerospace manufacturers typically earn at the higher end of the range, while those in smaller firms or supporting industries may earn less. Additional certifications, specialized skills in emerging technologies, and geographic location within the state also play important roles in determining compensation.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,170 |
| 25th percentile | $98,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $108,940 |
| 75th percentile | $153,800 |
| 90th percentile | $184,520 |
Top-Paying Industries for Aerospace Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Aerospace Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Aerospace Engineers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | 970 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | 10K |
| Information | $138,400 | 260 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | 860 |
| Manufacturing | $134,960 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,750 |
| 2023 | $116,520 |
| 2024 | $122,540 |
| 2025 | $108,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,940 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,750 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $116,520 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $122,540 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $108,940 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $108,940 | $130,131 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $108,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $153,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $184,520 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Aerospace Engineer ($108,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +50.2% | $78.66/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | +23.5% | $64.67/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IL | $126,620 | +16.2% | $60.88/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IL | $121,560 | +11.6% | $58.44/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IL | $107,990 | -0.9% | $51.92/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | -1.0% | $51.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | -5.7% | $49.37/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | -7.7% | $48.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -8.4% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -17.8% | $43.04/hr |
| Construction Manager in IL | $109,160 | +0.2% | $52.48/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IL | $106,860 | -1.9% | $51.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Illinois?
- The median salary for aerospace engineers in Illinois is $108,940 per year, or $52 per hour. This is 16.3% below the national average for aerospace engineers.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in Illinois?
- Aerospace engineer salaries in Illinois range from $78,170 at the lower end to $184,520 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is aerospace engineering a well-paying job in Illinois?
- Yes, aerospace engineers earn a solid middle-class income in Illinois with a median salary of $108,940 annually, though Illinois pays slightly less than the national average at 16.3% below the typical rate.
How many aerospace engineers work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 200 aerospace engineers currently employed in Illinois, representing a relatively specialized workforce in the state.