National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $31,654 more (40.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$109,061
$77,407
Average (Mean) Salary
$125,831
$75,493
Total Employment
50,950
25,820
States with Higher Pay
32
1
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Locomotive Engineers
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 32 states; Locomotive Engineers pays more in 1.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Locomotive Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $106,240 | $69,250 | +$36,990 | ||
| Arizona | $95,630 | $77,490 | +$18,140 | ||
| Arkansas | $81,090 | $73,830 | +$7,260 | ||
| California | $107,370 | $74,740 | +$32,630 | ||
| Colorado | $107,490 | $77,140 | +$30,350 | ||
| Connecticut | $214,670 | $92,670 | +$122,000 | ||
| Florida | $128,600 | $78,950 | +$49,650 | ||
| Georgia | $134,670 | $75,480 | +$59,190 | ||
| Indiana | $95,710 | $89,230 | +$6,480 | ||
| Iowa | $100,760 | $85,450 | +$15,310 | ||
| Kansas | $108,560 | $73,510 | +$35,050 | ||
| Kentucky | $102,480 | $77,530 | +$24,950 | ||
| Louisiana | $127,180 | $73,850 | +$53,330 | ||
| Maine | $78,710 | $81,490 | $-2,780 | ||
| Maryland | $126,600 | $81,070 | +$45,530 | ||
| Michigan | $110,290 | $73,480 | +$36,810 | ||
| Minnesota | $113,080 | $76,760 | +$36,320 | ||
| Mississippi | $107,080 | $62,830 | +$44,250 | ||
| Missouri | $128,640 | $73,730 | +$54,910 | ||
| Montana | $92,430 | $78,430 | +$14,000 | ||
| Nebraska | $104,170 | $76,380 | +$27,790 | ||
| New York | $162,450 | $103,000 | +$59,450 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,680 | $81,830 | +$26,850 | ||
| Ohio | $98,800 | $78,480 | +$20,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $96,340 | $84,360 | +$11,980 | ||
| Oregon | $90,420 | $74,020 | +$16,400 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $110,490 | $76,920 | +$33,570 | ||
| South Dakota | $66,500 | $64,590 | +$1,910 | ||
| Tennessee | $98,210 | $72,340 | +$25,870 | ||
| Texas | $168,240 | $73,890 | +$94,350 | ||
| Washington | $91,860 | $74,360 | +$17,500 | ||
| West Virginia | $102,700 | $68,200 | +$34,500 | ||
| Wisconsin | $104,240 | $78,620 | +$25,620 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial Pilots or Locomotive Engineers?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Locomotive Engineers. The national median salary difference is $31,654 (40.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial Pilots earn more than a Locomotive Engineers?
A Commercial Pilots earns a higher median salary than a Locomotive Engineers in 32 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Locomotive Engineers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Locomotive Engineers?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $109,061 per year, compared to $77,407 for a Locomotive Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial Pilots or Locomotive Engineers?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions and 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Commercial Pilots or Locomotive Engineers?
Both Commercial Pilots and Locomotive Engineers 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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