Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Illinois
Aerospace Engineers in Illinois earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,720, surpassing the national average of $141,460. This elevated compensation in Illinois is likely driven by the state's robust industrial base, significant defense contracts, and a concentrated demand for specialized engineering talent within its aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $145,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $195,750.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 Aerospace Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.11, the job market in Illinois presents a nuanced picture. While the concentration is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other professions, the absolute number of professionals suggests a stable, albeit specialized, demand for their expertise within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Illinois earns+3.0%above the national average.
$70.1
$2,802
$12,143
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as technological advancements, increased investment in aerospace research and development, and a persistent demand for skilled engineers likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, often exceeding $170,000. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on accumulated expertise and advanced capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $81,390 | $39.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $109,290 | $52.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $122,540 | $58.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $182,150 | $87.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $195,750 | $94.1 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$145,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$158,736
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $145,720 in Illinois offers substantial purchasing power, especially considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing engineers to enjoy a better quality of life and greater financial flexibility compared to living in more expensive regions.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
0.047
Per 1K Jobs
0.11
Location Quotient
At 0.11x, Illinois has a notably lower concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.11 for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while Illinois may not be a primary hub for Aerospace Engineers relative to its overall workforce, the existing professionals are likely in demand within specialized industries, potentially leading to competitive compensation and stable employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Illinois is $145,720. This typically ranges from $81,390 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 Illinois is 3.0% higher than the national median of $141,460.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineerss?
Yes, Illinois offers a lucrative environment for Aerospace Engineers.Aerospace Engineers in Illinois earn above the national average salary, complemented by a cost of living that is below the national average, enhancing their overall financial well-being.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
What is the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Illinois?
The average annual salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Illinois is $145,720.
How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Illinois ($145,720) is higher than the national average salary of $141,460 for Aerospace Engineers.
Is the cost of living high for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois?
No, the cost of living in Illinois is below the national average, with an index of 91.8, making the salary more valuable.
How concentrated is the Aerospace Engineer job market in Illinois?
The job market for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.11, suggesting a specialized demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.047 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois