Salary distribution
Where Illinois aerospace engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $98,360 and $175,140, with a median of $122,540.
Aerospace Engineers pay by experience level in Illinois
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Aerospace Engineers in Illinois, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Transportation and logistics leads with a median of $97,760.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation and logistics | Flight Check Commercial Aviation Services, LLC | 2 | $97,760 |
| Manufacturing | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | 1 | $179,546 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Illinois over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Science
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- 02
Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- 03
Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- 04
Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- 05
Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- 06
Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
- 07
Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- 08
Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for aerospace engineers in major Illinois metropolitan areas.
- Chicago$125,520
Compare Aerospace Engineers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois is $122,540.
- How does Illinois compare to the national median for Aerospace Engineers?
- The Illinois median is -10.2% versus the BLS national figure of $136,432.
- What is the salary range for Aerospace Engineers in Illinois?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $81,390 and the 90th-percentile at $195,750, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Aerospace Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Aerospace Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.