HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$145,207/yr
Typical range: $140,852 – $166,992
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Commercial Airline Pilot salary by experience level in Chicago
Commercial 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 | $145,207 | $12,101 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $173,442 | $14,454 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $192,265 | $16,022 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $209,744 | $17,479 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $242,012 | $20,168 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $266,214 | $22,185 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $272,264 | $22,689 | +88% |
Current Salary
$145,207
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $70/hr
Next Level Target
$173,442
Junior · 2
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Commercial Airline Pilot salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Commercial Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn approximately $145K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Commercial Airline Pilot make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $145K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $70/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Commercial Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Commercial Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL earns $244K–$289K/yr.