TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Airline Pilot Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$143,375/yr
Typical range: $138,112 – $168,799
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $143,375 | $11,948 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $177,111 | $14,759 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $199,601 | $16,633 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $227,714 | $18,976 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $295,184 | $24,599 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $359,282 | $29,940 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $375,306 | $31,276 | +162% |
Current Salary
$143,375
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $69/hr
Next Level Target
$177,111
Junior · 2
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Airline Pilot salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn approximately $143K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Airline Pilot make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $143K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $69/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL earns $263K–$322K/yr.