📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Aircraft Cargo Handler Salary in Illinois (2026)

Illinois · 5.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$46,494
per year
Median
$43,344
per year
Hourly
$22.35
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$32,634
25th Percentile — Junior$40,194
50th Percentile — Median$43,344
75th Percentile — Senior$57,204
90th Percentile — Top Earners$63,060
💡 Top-earning Aircraft Cargo Handlers in Illinois make up to $63,060 per year. The job market in Illinois is rated strong, with key industries including Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$41.1k
2021
$42.1k
2022
$43.2k
2023
$44.3k
2024
$45.4k
2025
$46.5k
2026
📈 Aircraft Cargo Handler salaries in Illinois have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Illinois's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Aircraft Cargo Handler Salary by City in Illinois
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Chicago $52,073 +12.0% High
Aurora $47,424 +2.0% High
🔍
Aircraft Cargo Handler Job Market in Illinois
Key factors affecting compensation

Illinois is home to a strong job market for Aircraft Cargo Handlers. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $46,494 per year, Illinois's Aircraft Cargo Handler salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $32,634–$40,194, while experienced Aircraft Cargo Handlers can command $57,204–$63,060.

Looking ahead, the Aircraft Cargo Handler profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Aircraft Cargo Handler salary in Illinois is $46,494 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $44,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Aircraft Cargo Handlers the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Aircraft Cargo Handler employment.
  • At $46,494/year, Illinois Aircraft Cargo Handler salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $44,280/year.