Commercial Pilot salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Commercial Pilots in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area earn a median of $67,770 a year, based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $91,830 for the top 10%. That is 45% lower than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 46% lower than the Illinois statewide median of $126,100. There are 0.33 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $75,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Champaign-Urbana, IL
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,580 |
| 25th percentile | $63,950 |
| Median | $67,770 |
| 75th percentile | $72,250 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $91,830 |
| Average (mean) | $75,760 |
Half of commercial pilots earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,647.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,823.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,606.54 |
| Weekly | $1,303.27 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because commercial pilots are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $67,770 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Commercial Pilot salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $157,420 | 840 |
| Peoria, IL | $101,820 | 30 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $91,540 | 380 |
Highest-paying states for commercial pilots
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $232,160 |
| New Jersey | $226,710 |
| New York | $177,430 |
| California | $165,590 |
| Delaware | $163,600 |
| Ohio | $150,330 |
| Georgia | $145,100 |
| Colorado | $139,680 |
| Texas | $137,960 |
| Vermont | $137,810 |
See Commercial Pilot pay in every state or the Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $35,400 | $17.02 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $41,970 | $20.18 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $56,270 | $27.05 |
| Light Truck Driver | $47,910 | $23.04 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $51,010 | $24.53 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $59,400 | $28.56 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $35,150 | $16.90 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $33,640 | $16.17 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $44,130 | $21.22 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $36,180 | $17.39 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $39,340 | $18.91 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Parking Attendant | $35,690 | $17.16 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial pilot make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area is $67,770 a year. Pay ranges from $36,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $91,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area earn at least $91,830 a year. The top 25% earn $72,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,580 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $63,950 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
About 30 commercial pilots are employed in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area, not counting the self-employed.