National Salary Overview
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Median Salary
$147,321
Average (Mean)
$161,538
Employed Nationwide
33,440
VS
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns $38,259 more (35.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$109,061
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$125,831
Total Employment
33,440
50,950
States with Higher Pay
19
4
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Commercial Pilots
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 19 states; Commercial Pilots pays more in 4.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Commercial Pilots | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $95,630 | +$100,390 | ||
| Arkansas | $159,310 | $81,090 | +$78,220 | ||
| Colorado | $166,170 | $107,490 | +$58,680 | ||
| Connecticut | $128,110 | $214,670 | $-86,560 | ||
| Iowa | $134,910 | $100,760 | +$34,150 | ||
| Kansas | $119,890 | $108,560 | +$11,330 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $127,180 | $-32,420 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,270 | $113,080 | +$58,190 | ||
| Mississippi | $118,370 | $107,080 | +$11,290 | ||
| Missouri | $138,920 | $128,640 | +$10,280 | ||
| Montana | $46,710 | $92,430 | $-45,720 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,000 | $104,170 | +$15,830 | ||
| Nevada | $191,310 | $95,940 | +$95,370 | ||
| New Mexico | $123,530 | $89,900 | +$33,630 | ||
| New York | $231,830 | $162,450 | +$69,380 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,360 | $108,680 | +$33,680 | ||
| Ohio | $224,100 | $98,800 | +$125,300 | ||
| Oklahoma | $124,760 | $96,340 | +$28,420 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,150 | $105,450 | +$8,700 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,850 | $98,210 | +$36,640 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $168,240 | +$65,670 | ||
| Virginia | $214,930 | $122,450 | +$92,480 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | $104,240 | $-25,390 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Commercial Pilots?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Commercial Pilots. The national median salary difference is $38,259 (35.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Commercial Pilots?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Commercial Pilots in 19 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Commercial Pilots pays more in 4 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Commercial Pilots?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $109,061 for a Commercial Pilots, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Commercial Pilots?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 33,440 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions and 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Commercial Pilots?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Commercial Pilots are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.