EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$224,897/yr
Typical range: $199,489 – $239,406
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $114,078 | $9,507 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $138,524 | $11,544 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $154,821 | $12,902 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $175,355 | $14,613 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $224,897 | $18,741 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $264,010 | $22,001 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $273,788 | $22,816 | +140% |
Current Salary
$224,897
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $108/hr
Next Level Target
$264,010
Principal · 14
+$39Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $225K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $225K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $108/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Aerospace Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $199K–$239K/yr.