HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$209,744/yr
Typical range: $243,566 – $288,769
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$209,744
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $101/hr
Next Level Target
$242,012
Staff · 10
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Commercial Airline Pilot salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Commercial Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn approximately $210K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Commercial Airline Pilot make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $210K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $101/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Commercial Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Commercial Airline Pilot in Chicago, IL earns $244K–$289K/yr.