Automotive & Maintenance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Chicago, IL is $70,139 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$70,139
vs State Avg
+$7,866
vs National
+$4,589
Cost of Living
107%

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $70,139, which is $7,866 above the Illinois state average of $62,273. Compared to the national median of $65,550, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Chicago spans from $44,940 at the 10th percentile to $108,070 at the 90th percentile — a $63,130 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,080, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,720. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $47,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,080
+$3,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,690
+$4,690 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,720
+$6,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $44,940
25th Percentile $55,640
Median (50th) $70,139
75th Percentile $89,880
90th Percentile $108,070

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$70,794
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$62,273
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$55,718
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$53,751
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Chicago

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in Chicago

Browse open aircraft mechanic positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Chicago

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median aircraft mechanic salary in Chicago, Illinois is $70,139 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $44,940 (10th percentile) to $108,070 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,139, a aircraft mechanic in Chicago earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼
Chicago's median aircraft mechanic salary of $70,139 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $62,273. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a aircraft mechanic salary of $70,139 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Chicago? ▼
Most aircraft mechanic positions in Chicago require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.