Aviation Jobs in Illinois

Aviation jobs in Illinois are concentrated in the Chicago metro area, Rockford, and Peoria, where carriers, manufacturers, and defense contractors sustain demand for pilots, maintenance technicians, dispatchers, and air traffic specialists at every level of experience. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Boeing each maintain significant operations or facilities in Illinois, making the state one of the more active aviation employment markets in the Midwest. Demand is especially consistent for commercial pilots, airframe and powerplant technicians, and aviation operations roles tied to O'Hare and Midway's high passenger volume. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles41
Top employerAirport Minority Advisory Council
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring12
Work type88% On-site
Top industryConsulting

Showing 5 of 41+ Aviation jobs

HINSHAW & CULBERTSON
Litigation Paralegal - Aviation & Aerospace
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HINSHAW & CULBERTSON
Added 1d ago
Litigation Paralegal - Aviation & Aerospace
HINSHAW & CULBERTSON
Chicago, Illinois
Business Development
Corporate Development & M&A
Sales
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Project Manager- Construction
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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Added 1d ago
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Project Manager- Construction
Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago, Illinois
Business Operations
Customer Service
Project & Program Management
Project Management
Master's degree
11-50

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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Financial Analyst- Fixed Assets
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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Added 1d ago
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Financial Analyst- Fixed Assets
Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago, Illinois
Accounting
Business Analysis
Investment Operations
High school
11-50

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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Foreman of Custodial Workers ( O'Hare)
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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Added 1d ago
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Foreman of Custodial Workers ( O'Hare)
Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago, Illinois
Construction Labor
Maintenance & Repair
Skilled Trades
High school
11-50

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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Hoisting Engineer
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Airport Minority Advisory Council
Added 1d ago
Chicago Dept. of Aviation- Hoisting Engineer
Airport Minority Advisory Council
Chicago, Illinois
Maintenance & Repair
Skilled Trades
Warehouse Operations
Crane Certification
11-50

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See All 41 Aviation Jobs in Illinois

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Aviation Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Chicago
24 jobs
Milan
3 jobs
Springfield
3 jobs
Rockford
2 jobs
Wheeling
2 jobs
Olney
1 job
Peoria
1 job
Palatine
1 job
East Alton
1 job

Aviation Job Market in Illinois

A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Airport Minority Advisory Council
Airport Minority Advisory Council4 open roles
EXP
EXP3 open roles
Elliott Aviation
Elliott Aviation3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Technology & Software
  • Construction & Real Estate

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in aviation jobs across Illinois.

  • FAA Airman Certificate or Mechanic Certificate appropriate to the specific aviation role
  • Current FAA medical certificate meeting the class required by the position
  • Relevant aviation degree, associate program, or accredited technical training completion
  • Minimum flight hours or hands-on maintenance hours specified by the employer
  • Proficiency with aviation safety management systems and FAA regulatory compliance
  • Ability to pass TSA background check and obtain airport security badge

Aviation Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a aviation in Illinois?

The path depends on your specialty, but FAA certification is the foundation for most aviation roles in Illinois. Pilots pursue FAA Airman Certificates through accredited flight schools or degree programs at institutions like Lewis University or Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Maintenance technicians earn FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificates through approved programs. Illinois does not issue a separate state aviation license, as FAA credentials govern the profession nationally.

Which companies hire aviations in Illinois?

Employers hiring aviations in Illinois right now include Airport Minority Advisory Council, EXP, and Elliott Aviation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's position as a major hub for commercial aviation, cargo operations, and aerospace manufacturing keeps hiring activity steady at both large carriers and regional operators throughout the state.

Which Illinois cities have the most aviation jobs?

Chicago, Milan, and Springfield account for the greatest concentration of aviation openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to O'Hare and Midway airports anchoring major airline, cargo, and ground operations, while Rockford's cargo-focused Chicago Rockford International Airport and Peoria's proximity to Caterpillar and Central Illinois Regional Airport drive demand in those markets.

Are there remote aviation jobs in Illinois?

Yes, but they're rare. Most aviation roles require a physical presence at an airport, aircraft, or operations facility, making fully remote work uncommon across the field. About 13% of aviation openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to be concentrated in aviation planning, dispatch coordination, regulatory compliance, and training development rather than hands-on operational roles.

How can I get hired as a aviation in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry point is a line service technician or ramp agent role at a regional airport, which provides hands-on exposure and often supports FAA certification progress. Illinois employers like United Ground Express and Envoy Air run structured new-hire programs for candidates still building hours or credentials. Enrolling in an FAA Part 141 flight school or an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program at Lewis University or SIU Carbondale strengthens an application considerably, even before completing certification.

Where can I find and apply to aviation jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to aviation jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Search for roles that fit your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the positions that match what you're looking for.

See All 41 Aviation Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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