2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Aerospace Engineers is a high-paying occupation in Chicago, IL-IN-WI, with a median annual salary of $125,520. Aerospace Engineerss in Chicago, IL-IN-WI earn $9,310 less (7%) than the national median of $134,830. Experienced Aerospace Engineerss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Aerospace Engineerss in Chicago, IL-IN-WI earn $9,310 less (7%) than the national median of $134,830.
The average salary ($148,660) is notably higher than the median — this means top earners pull the average up. A small number of highly paid Aerospace Engineerss skew the data.
Only 200 Aerospace Engineerss work in Chicago, IL-IN-WI. Consider nearby metro areas for more opportunities.
Cost of Living Consideration
When evaluating this salary, factor in Chicago, IL-IN-WI's cost of living. Housing, transportation, and taxes vary significantly between cities and can impact how far your paycheck goes.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,400 | $6,783 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,030 | $8,419 |
| Median | $125,520 | $10,460 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,940 | $14,662 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,750 | $16,313 |
| Mean (Average) | $148,660 | $12,388 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $174,130 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $167,340 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $161,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $160,000 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $157,980 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $151,800 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $151,080 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $147,940 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $145,860 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $143,860 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $182,830 |
| Lawyers | $166,090 |
| Financial Managers | $164,470 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $161,340 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,110 |
| Marketing Managers | $158,800 |
| Computer Network Architects | $140,760 |
| Human Resources Managers | $137,760 |
| Managers, All Other | $137,040 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $135,120 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$96,254
Monthly
$8,021
Bi-Weekly
$3,702
Effective Tax Rate
23.3%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in Chicago, IL-IN-WIto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.