National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $49,879 more (68.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$122,580
$72,700
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,493
$74,668
Total Employment
47,010
41,870
States with Higher Pay
45
3
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Crane and Tower Operators
Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 45 states; Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 3.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Crane and Tower Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,420 | $60,790 | +$40,630 | ||
| Alaska | $100,120 | $92,490 | +$7,630 | ||
| Arizona | $103,060 | $67,350 | +$35,710 | ||
| Arkansas | $94,410 | $41,600 | +$52,810 | ||
| California | $165,590 | $79,570 | +$86,020 | ||
| Colorado | $139,680 | $77,120 | +$62,560 | ||
| Connecticut | $232,160 | $81,360 | +$150,800 | ||
| Delaware | $163,600 | $60,160 | +$103,440 | ||
| Florida | $121,890 | $71,560 | +$50,330 | ||
| Georgia | $145,100 | $62,050 | +$83,050 | ||
| Hawaii | $113,030 | $124,260 | $-11,230 | ||
| Idaho | $109,620 | $52,770 | +$56,850 | ||
| Illinois | $126,100 | $61,820 | +$64,280 | ||
| Indiana | $104,160 | $52,950 | +$51,210 | ||
| Iowa | $101,800 | $67,600 | +$34,200 | ||
| Kansas | $105,440 | $77,100 | +$28,340 | ||
| Kentucky | $129,990 | $62,000 | +$67,990 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,940 | $61,170 | +$34,770 | ||
| Maine | $117,560 | $65,690 | +$51,870 | ||
| Maryland | $131,210 | $87,950 | +$43,260 | ||
| Michigan | $126,670 | $59,740 | +$66,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $98,630 | $80,930 | +$17,700 | ||
| Mississippi | $103,640 | $61,260 | +$42,380 | ||
| Missouri | $102,990 | $58,450 | +$44,540 | ||
| Montana | $103,690 | $82,800 | +$20,890 | ||
| Nebraska | $104,780 | $60,720 | +$44,060 | ||
| Nevada | $105,340 | $115,840 | $-10,500 | ||
| New Jersey | $226,710 | $100,640 | +$126,070 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,920 | $62,400 | +$35,520 | ||
| New York | $177,430 | $85,850 | +$91,580 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,310 | $64,480 | +$62,830 | ||
| North Dakota | $133,010 | $82,890 | +$50,120 | ||
| Ohio | $150,330 | $57,620 | +$92,710 | ||
| Oklahoma | $126,180 | $63,590 | +$62,590 | ||
| Oregon | $120,760 | $83,260 | +$37,500 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,030 | $65,190 | +$68,840 | ||
| Rhode Island | $98,820 | $104,340 | $-5,520 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,740 | $64,120 | +$41,620 | ||
| South Dakota | $83,710 | $71,000 | +$12,710 | ||
| Tennessee | $117,480 | $59,410 | +$58,070 | ||
| Texas | $137,960 | $73,280 | +$64,680 | ||
| Utah | $99,610 | $67,410 | +$32,200 | ||
| Vermont | $137,810 | $72,760 | +$65,050 | ||
| Virginia | $104,890 | $66,600 | +$38,290 | ||
| Washington | $117,730 | $101,110 | +$16,620 | ||
| West Virginia | $105,950 | $54,830 | +$51,120 | ||
| Wisconsin | $129,860 | $67,720 | +$62,140 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,990 | $77,970 | +$25,020 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial Pilots vs Crane and Tower Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $49,879 (68.6%) based on 2025 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 45 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Crane and Tower Operators?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $122,580 per year, compared to $72,700 for a Crane and Tower Operators, according to 2025 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 47,010 Commercial Pilots positions and 41,870 Crane and Tower Operators positions nationwide (2025).
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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