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Average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Illinois

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois command an impressive average annual salary of $296,570, significantly exceeding the national average of $285,030. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Illinois's robust aviation infrastructure, major airline hubs, and the specialized skill set required for these critical roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $296,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $444,855.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,440 professionals, Illinois demonstrates a substantial presence in the aviation sector. The Location Quotient of 1.65 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting strong demand and a thriving job market for pilots within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$296,570

The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois earns+4.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$142.6

Weekly

$5,703

Monthly

$24,714

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Illinois

Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is typically 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 end of the pay scale. The percentile gaps in salary data signify clear career progression pathways and the significant earning potential as one advances in their career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$162,000$77.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$222,428$106.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$296,570$142.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$370,713$178.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$444,855$213.9

Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$296,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$323,061

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $296,570 in Illinois presents a highly favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an Illinois pilot's salary is considerably stronger than the national median, allowing for a higher standard of living.

Job Market Context

6,440

Total Jobs

1.062

Per 1K Jobs

1.65

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Illinois has 1.6x 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.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.65 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers signifies a market that is 65% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a robust and active job market with a higher proportion of these professionals compared to other states, suggesting ample opportunities and a competitive yet accessible environment for skilled aviators.

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 Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois is $296,570. This typically ranges from $162,000 for entry-level positions to $444,855 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 4.0% higher than the national median of $285,030.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?

Yes, Illinois is a highly lucrative state for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers.The average salary of $296,570 significantly surpasses the national average, and the lower-than-average cost of living further enhances earning potential.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Illinois compare to the national average salary for pilots?

Pilots in Illinois earn an average of $296,570 annually, which is $11,540 more than the national average of $285,030.

Is the job market for pilots strong in Illinois?

Yes, the job market is strong, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.65, meaning pilot jobs are 65% more concentrated in Illinois than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect pilot salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average, making the high pilot salaries offer excellent purchasing power.

What is the total number of pilots employed in Illinois?

There are approximately 6,440 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers employed within the state of Illinois.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,440 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 1.062 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois