Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$293,490
Median Annual Salary
$316,140
Mean Salary
$293,490
Median Salary
$141.10
Hourly Rate
6,460 people work as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $166,620$166,62025th25% earn less than $204,790$204,790MedianHalf earn more than $293,490$293,49075th75% earn less than $420,280$420,28090thTop 10% earn more than $421,610$421,610

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $293,490 per year ($24,457/month). This is 36.9% above the national average of $214,428. Illinois ranks #7 out of 37 states for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay. Approximately 6,460 people work in this occupation across Illinois.

About This Job: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
4.88
Operations Monitoring
4.62
Active Listening
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Monitoring
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
4.78
English Language
3.92
Public Safety and Security
3.71
Mechanical
3.7
Geography
3.7
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (61.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois

Salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois range from $166,620 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $421,610 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $204,790 and $420,280.

Median $293,490
P10: $166,620 P25: $204,790 P75: $420,280 P90: $421,610
10th
$166,620
25th
$204,790
Median
$293,490
75th
$420,280
90th
$421,610
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $166,620 $80.11 $13,885
25th Percentile $204,790 $98.46 $17,065
Median (50th) $293,490 $141.10 $24,457
75th Percentile $420,280 $202.06 $35,023
90th Percentile (Experienced) $421,610 $202.70 $35,134

Note: The mean (average) salary of $316,140 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#7
Illinois ranks #7 of 37 states
$214,428
National avg. for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
+36.9%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Data in Illinois

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary by State

Compare Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois is $293,490 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $316,140.
What is the salary range for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois?
Salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois range from $166,620 at the 10th percentile to $421,610 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $204,790 and $420,280.
What is the starting salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois?
Entry-level Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions in Illinois typically start around $166,620 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $204,790 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,460 people are employed as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Illinois is approximately $141.10 per hour.

💼 Earning $293,490/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn