National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $40,950 more (60.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$109,061
$68,111
Average (Mean) Salary
$125,831
$70,929
Total Employment
50,950
42,200
States with Higher Pay
40
6
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Crane and Tower Operators
Showing 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 40 states; Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 6.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Crane and Tower Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $106,240 | $50,600 | +$55,640 | ||
| Alaska | $118,540 | $91,150 | +$27,390 | ||
| Arizona | $95,630 | $55,880 | +$39,750 | ||
| Arkansas | $81,090 | $49,170 | +$31,920 | ||
| California | $107,370 | $59,940 | +$47,430 | ||
| Colorado | $107,490 | $69,620 | +$37,870 | ||
| Connecticut | $214,670 | $81,800 | +$132,870 | ||
| Delaware | $179,390 | $59,960 | +$119,430 | ||
| Florida | $128,600 | $65,020 | +$63,580 | ||
| Georgia | $134,670 | $63,850 | +$70,820 | ||
| Hawaii | $82,190 | $113,500 | $-31,310 | ||
| Idaho | $98,970 | $75,960 | +$23,010 | ||
| Indiana | $95,710 | $57,510 | +$38,200 | ||
| Iowa | $100,760 | $59,170 | +$41,590 | ||
| Kansas | $108,560 | $63,110 | +$45,450 | ||
| Kentucky | $102,480 | $47,580 | +$54,900 | ||
| Louisiana | $127,180 | $63,370 | +$63,810 | ||
| Maine | $78,710 | $62,140 | +$16,570 | ||
| Maryland | $126,600 | $67,790 | +$58,810 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,870 | $88,970 | $-5,100 | ||
| Michigan | $110,290 | $54,440 | +$55,850 | ||
| Minnesota | $113,080 | $72,760 | +$40,320 | ||
| Mississippi | $107,080 | $53,000 | +$54,080 | ||
| Missouri | $128,640 | $68,020 | +$60,620 | ||
| Montana | $92,430 | $68,640 | +$23,790 | ||
| Nebraska | $104,170 | $67,890 | +$36,280 | ||
| Nevada | $95,940 | $113,220 | $-17,280 | ||
| New Hampshire | $86,310 | $64,260 | +$22,050 | ||
| New Mexico | $89,900 | $63,930 | +$25,970 | ||
| New York | $162,450 | $81,930 | +$80,520 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,680 | $61,950 | +$46,730 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,910 | $76,400 | +$31,510 | ||
| Ohio | $98,800 | $50,600 | +$48,200 | ||
| Oklahoma | $96,340 | $56,410 | +$39,930 | ||
| Oregon | $90,420 | $106,400 | $-15,980 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $110,490 | $55,220 | +$55,270 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,450 | $55,780 | +$49,670 | ||
| South Dakota | $66,500 | $67,760 | $-1,260 | ||
| Tennessee | $98,210 | $54,540 | +$43,670 | ||
| Texas | $168,240 | $70,380 | +$97,860 | ||
| Utah | $105,100 | $66,170 | +$38,930 | ||
| Vermont | $63,230 | $67,860 | $-4,630 | ||
| Virginia | $122,450 | $65,040 | +$57,410 | ||
| Washington | $91,860 | $83,320 | +$8,540 | ||
| West Virginia | $102,700 | $60,460 | +$42,240 | ||
| Wisconsin | $104,240 | $61,660 | +$42,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial Pilots or Crane and Tower Operators?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Crane and Tower Operators. The national median salary difference is $40,950 (60.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial Pilots earn more than a Crane and Tower Operators?
A Commercial Pilots earns a higher median salary than a Crane and Tower Operators in 40 out of 46 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Crane and Tower Operators?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $109,061 per year, compared to $68,111 for a Crane and Tower Operators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial Pilots or Crane and Tower Operators?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions and 42,200 Crane and Tower Operators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Commercial Pilots or Crane and Tower Operators?
Both Commercial Pilots and Crane and Tower Operators 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.
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