Airline Pilot Salary in Illinois
Based on 6K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$293,490
$141.10/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+36.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$167K – $422K
6K employed in Illinois
Airline pilot salary in Illinois averages $293,490 annually, significantly outpacing the national median. The state employs approximately 6,460 pilots across its major hubs and regional airports. Illinois ranks 37 percent above the national average, reflecting the state's prominence in commercial aviation and competitive compensation standards for experienced aviation professionals.
Several factors influence airline pilot compensation in Illinois, including seniority, flight hours, airline employer, and aircraft type. Major carriers operating from Chicago's hub airports typically offer higher salaries than regional airlines. Additional considerations include union negotiations, route assignments, and whether pilots work for passenger or cargo operations, all contributing to the wide salary range from $166,620 to $421,610.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $166,620 |
| 25th percentile | $204,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $293,490 |
| 75th percentile | $420,280 |
| 90th percentile | $421,610 |
Top-Paying Industries for Airline Pilot (U.S.)
Which industries pay Airline Pilots the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Airline Pilots in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $290,600 | 99K |
| Wholesale Trade | $164,960 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $139,590 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $130,170 | 600 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $125,000 | 100 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Airline Pilot in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $225,270 |
| 2025 | $293,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $311,099 |
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 | $225,270 | $150,453 |
| 2025 | $293,490 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $311,099 | $227,294 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $204,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $293,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $420,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $421,610 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Airline Pilot ($293,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in IL | $105,750 | -64.0% | $50.84/hr |
| Plumber in IL | $99,950 | -65.9% | $48.05/hr |
| Electrician in IL | $99,560 | -66.1% | $47.87/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IL | $60,690 | -79.3% | $29.18/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IL | $56,720 | -80.7% | $27.27/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IL | $49,170 | -83.2% | $23.64/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | -2.3% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | -11.8% | $124.39/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in IL | $331,920 | +13.1% | $159.58/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | -16.5% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | -29.1% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | -33.0% | $94.60/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Illinois?
- Airline pilots in Illinois earn a median salary of $293,490 per year, or approximately $141 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Illinois pilots earning 36.9% more than their counterparts across the country.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Illinois?
- The salary range for airline pilots in Illinois spans from $166,620 at the lower end to $421,610 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, seniority, and airline employer.
How many airline pilots are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 6,460 airline pilots employed in Illinois, making it a substantial market for aviation professionals in the state.
Is Illinois a good state for airline pilot salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Illinois offers excellent compensation for airline pilots, with a median salary of $293,490 that exceeds the national average by 36.9%. This makes Illinois one of the more lucrative states for pilots seeking higher earning potential.