TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Airline Pilot Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$213,925/yr
Typical range: $180,912 – $282,267
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Airline Pilot salary by experience level in Chicago
Airline Pilot 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 | $153,664 | $12,805 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $189,821 | $15,818 | +24% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $213,925 | $17,827 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $244,055 | $20,338 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $316,368 | $26,364 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $385,065 | $32,089 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $402,239 | $33,520 | +162% |
Current Salary
$213,925
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $103/hr
Next Level Target
$244,055
Senior · 6
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Airline Pilot salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn approximately $214K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Airline Pilot make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $214K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $103/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL earns $282K–$345K/yr.