Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $297,040. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $285,030, indicating a strong demand and premium compensation for aviation professionals in this region. The robust economic activity and significant air traffic hubs within the area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $297,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $445,560.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area demonstrates a significant concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.23, more than double the national average. With a local workforce of 6,410 in this profession, the demand appears substantial and well-established, suggesting a robust job market for skilled aviators.
Salary Overview
The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns+4.2%above the national average.
$142.8
$5,712
$24,753
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in a major metropolitan area like Chicago have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, advancements in aviation technology, and the specialized skill set required for these roles typically drive upward salary trends.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is strongly tied to experience and seniority. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect to reach the higher percentiles of the $297,040 average. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, clearly signifies substantial career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $177,720 | $85.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $222,780 | $107.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $297,040 | $142.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $371,300 | $178.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $445,560 | $214.2 |
Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$297,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$297,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $297,040 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers 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 this high salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable standard of living without financial strain related to local expenses.
Job Market Context
6,410
Total Jobs
1.434
Per 1K Jobs
2.23
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 2.2x the national concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.23, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area is a significantly concentrated hub for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation packages to secure top talent, while also indicating a strong ecosystem of aviation-related businesses and opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $297,040. This typically ranges from $177,720 for entry-level positions to $445,560 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 4.2% higher than the national median of $285,030.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Yes, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is a highly lucrative location for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers.The average salary of $297,040 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, offering excellent earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight 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 pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $297,040, which is $12,010 higher than the national average of $285,030.
What is the job concentration for pilots in Chicago?
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area has a Location Quotient of 2.23 for this profession, meaning it is more than twice as concentrated as the national average, indicating a strong presence of these jobs.
Does the cost of living affect the pilot salary in Chicago?
No, the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is exactly at the national average (100), so the high salary of $297,040 offers strong purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
How many pilots are employed in the Chicago area?
There are approximately 6,410 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight 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 6,410 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 1.434 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN