Aerospace Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Aerospace Engineer salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026
The median Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $132,680 per year ($11,057/month, $64/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.
Aerospace Engineer Take-Home Pay in Chicago
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $132,680 |
| Federal Tax | -$21,090 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$6,568 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$10,150 |
| Annual Take-Home | $94,872 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,906 |
Living Cost Comparison
Aerospace Engineer Requirements
Key Skills
Chicago Job Market Overview
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
How much does a Aerospace Engineer take home in Chicago after taxes?
Is Chicago a good city for Aerospace Engineers?
What skills are needed for a Aerospace Engineer in Chicago?
How does Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $132,680 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Aerospace Engineers earn around $86,670, while senior-level professionals can earn $172,270 or more.
How much does a Aerospace Engineer take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Aerospace Engineer earning the median salary of $132,680 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $94,872 per year ($7,906/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 28.5%.
Is Chicago a good city for Aerospace Engineers?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Aerospace Engineers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Aerospace Engineer in Chicago?
Key skills for Aerospace Engineers include Aerodynamics, MATLAB, CFD, Propulsion Systems, Systems Engineering. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include PE License, FE Exam, Security Clearance.
How does Aerospace Engineer salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Aerospace Engineer salary is $124,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $132,680, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.