HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$242,012/yr
Typical range: $243,566 – $288,769
P90 · 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% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $209,744 | $17,479 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$242,012
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $116/hr
Next Level Target
$266,214
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Commercial Airline Pilot salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Commercial Airline Pilots in Chicago, IL earn approximately $242K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Commercial Airline Pilot make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $242K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $116/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.