GITNUX REPORT 2024

Average Commercial Pilot Salary Disparities Across Different U.S. States Revealed

Discover the varying salaries of commercial pilots across the US, from $41,000 to over $200,000.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

Entry-level commercial pilots earn an average of $41,000 per year.

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Experienced commercial pilots with over 20 years of experience can earn over $200,000 per year.

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Self-employed commercial pilots have a median annual income of $97,700.

Statistic 4

Commercial pilots in Alaska earn the highest average salary at $102,400 per year.

Statistic 5

The average commercial pilot salary in New York is $113,230 per year, the highest in the nation.

Statistic 6

Commercial pilots in the District of Columbia earn an average salary of $99,420 per year.

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Commercial pilots based in Texas earn an average salary of $77,190 per year.

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Commercial pilots in Hawaii earn an average salary of $90,580 per year.

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Commercial pilots in California earn an average salary of $110,370 per year.

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The average commercial pilot salary in Mississippi is $72,080 per year.

Statistic 11

The average commercial pilot salary in the United States is $86,080 per year.

Statistic 12

The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $93,300 in May 2019.

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Among commercial pilots, the top 10% earn more than $208,000 annually.

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The average hourly wage for commercial pilots is $46.60.

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The median annual wage for commercial pilots in scheduled air transportation is $123,480.

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Commercial pilots working in support activities for air transportation earn an average salary of $70,660 per year.

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The average annual salary for commercial pilots in the federal government is $109,960.

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The average annual salary for helicopter pilots is $85,300.

Statistic 19

Commercial pilots working in scenic and sightseeing transportation earn an average salary of $84,940.

Statistic 20

Commercial pilots employed in non-scheduled air transportation earn an average salary of $101,110 per year.

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Summary

  • The average commercial pilot salary in the United States is $86,080 per year.
  • Commercial pilots in Alaska earn the highest average salary at $102,400 per year.
  • The average commercial pilot salary in New York is $113,230 per year, the highest in the nation.
  • Commercial pilots in the District of Columbia earn an average salary of $99,420 per year.
  • The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $93,300 in May 2019.
  • Entry-level commercial pilots earn an average of $41,000 per year.
  • Experienced commercial pilots with over 20 years of experience can earn over $200,000 per year.
  • Among commercial pilots, the top 10% earn more than $208,000 annually.
  • Commercial pilots based in Texas earn an average salary of $77,190 per year.
  • The average hourly wage for commercial pilots is $46.60.
  • Commercial pilots in Hawaii earn an average salary of $90,580 per year.
  • The median annual wage for commercial pilots in scheduled air transportation is $123,480.
  • Commercial pilots working in support activities for air transportation earn an average salary of $70,660 per year.
  • The average annual salary for commercial pilots in the federal government is $109,960.
  • Commercial pilots in California earn an average salary of $110,370 per year.

Taking Flight: From Sky-High Salaries to Ground-Level Realities – Ever wondered how much commercial pilots really make? Buckle up for a turbulent ride through the wild world of pilot paychecks! In the U.S., the numbers soar from an average of $86,080 to dizzying heights in New York at $113,230 per year. With some pilots clocking in over $200,000 annually, its clear that this career can truly take you to new heights – both literally and financially!

Entry-Level Pilot Salaries

  • Entry-level commercial pilots earn an average of $41,000 per year.

Interpretation

In the thrilling aviation industry, budding commercial pilots may have to start off navigating through somewhat turbulent financial skies, with an average entry-level salary of $41,000 per year. But fear not, aspiring aviators, for this is merely the takeoff phase of your career trajectory. As you gain experience and clock in those flight hours, rest assured that your earning potential will soar to new heights, just like those planes you will one day effortlessly command through the clouds. So buckle up and enjoy the ride, because the sky is truly the limit for determined pilots with eyes set on the horizon.

Pilot Earnings by Experience Level

  • Experienced commercial pilots with over 20 years of experience can earn over $200,000 per year.
  • Self-employed commercial pilots have a median annual income of $97,700.

Interpretation

These salary figures for commercial pilots lay bare the turbulent skies of income inequality within the aviation industry. While seasoned veterans soar above the clouds making over $200,000 annually, self-employed pilots find themselves navigating through financial turbulence with a median income just shy of six figures. As the saying goes, some pilots fly high while others fly by the seat of their pants - a stark reminder that not all journeys in the industry lead to the same destination.

Salary Comparison by State

  • Commercial pilots in Alaska earn the highest average salary at $102,400 per year.
  • The average commercial pilot salary in New York is $113,230 per year, the highest in the nation.
  • Commercial pilots in the District of Columbia earn an average salary of $99,420 per year.
  • Commercial pilots based in Texas earn an average salary of $77,190 per year.
  • Commercial pilots in Hawaii earn an average salary of $90,580 per year.
  • Commercial pilots in California earn an average salary of $110,370 per year.
  • The average commercial pilot salary in Mississippi is $72,080 per year.

Interpretation

In the world of commercial aviation, it seems that location truly does matter when it comes to padding your pilot pockets. While the glamorous skies of New York may offer the highest average salary for commercial pilots, those cruising through the Alaskan wilderness aren't too far behind. Meanwhile, pilots in the Lone Star State might find themselves gazing wistfully at the salary numbers of their counterparts in the Big Apple. But fear not, aspiring aviators in Mississippi – while the salaries may be lower, you still have the opportunity to soar high in the friendly skies. Remember, at the end of the day, it's not just about the paycheck, it's about the passion for flight that keeps you reaching for the clouds.

Sector-specific Salary Variations in the Aviation Industry

  • The average commercial pilot salary in the United States is $86,080 per year.
  • The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $93,300 in May 2019.
  • Among commercial pilots, the top 10% earn more than $208,000 annually.
  • The average hourly wage for commercial pilots is $46.60.
  • The median annual wage for commercial pilots in scheduled air transportation is $123,480.
  • Commercial pilots working in support activities for air transportation earn an average salary of $70,660 per year.
  • The average annual salary for commercial pilots in the federal government is $109,960.
  • The average annual salary for helicopter pilots is $85,300.
  • Commercial pilots working in scenic and sightseeing transportation earn an average salary of $84,940.
  • Commercial pilots employed in non-scheduled air transportation earn an average salary of $101,110 per year.

Interpretation

In a world where the sky is quite literally the limit, commercial pilots navigate not only the skies but also a diverse salary landscape. From the lofty heights of the top 10% earning over $208,000 annually to the more down-to-earth average of $86,080 per year, pilots find their financial cruising altitude. Whether soaring through scheduled air transportation at a median of $123,480 or keeping it grounded in support activities for air transportation at $70,660, pilots steer their careers with precision. Helicopter pilots hover at an average of $85,300, while those in scenic and sightseeing transportation enjoy views of $84,940. Regardless of their flight path, these professionals exemplify the art of navigating both the literal and metaphorical skies of the workforce.

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