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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Aerospace Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $148,660. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $141,460, suggesting that the specific demands and economic landscape of this region contribute to higher compensation for these specialized professionals. The robust industrial base and presence of related sectors likely drive this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $148,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $195,750.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Aerospace Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.1, the job market in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN indicates a specialized, rather than highly concentrated, presence of this profession. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is relatively low at 0.046, the existing workforce suggests a stable demand for skilled professionals within specific niches of the aerospace industry present in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$148,660

The average Aerospace Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+5.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$71.5

Weekly

$2,859

Monthly

$12,388

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers is strongly tied to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive project management skills and specialized knowledge can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile distribution of salaries clearly illustrates this, with higher percentages representing more experienced professionals earning top-tier compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$81,400$39.1
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$111,495$53.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$125,520$60.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$185,825$89.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$195,750$94.1

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$148,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$148,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $148,660 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Aerospace Engineer's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

0.046

Per 1K Jobs

0.1

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.10x, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a notably lower concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.1 for Aerospace Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN signifies that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled engineers seeking roles within specialized aerospace sectors present in the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $148,660. This typically ranges from $81,400 for entry-level positions to $195,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 5.1% higher than the national median of $141,460.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers.Aerospace Engineers in this area earn an average of $148,660, which is higher than the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this salary offers strong purchasing power.

Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Aerospace Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $148,660, which is $7,200 higher than the national average of $141,460.

What is the Cost of Living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the Aerospace Engineer job market in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?

The job market for Aerospace Engineers is not highly concentrated in this region, with a Location Quotient of 0.1, suggesting it is less prevalent than the national average.

What is the total number of Aerospace Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area?

There are approximately 200 Aerospace Engineers employed within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 0.046 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.