Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Commercial Pilots

Median Salary
$109,061
Average (Mean)
$125,831
Employed Nationwide
50,950
VS

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
Commercial Pilots earns $40,297 more (58.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $109,061 $68,764
Average (Mean) Salary $125,831 $69,815
Total Employment 50,950 26,870
States with Higher Pay 33 1

Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 33 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1.

State Commercial Pilots Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Difference
Arizona $95,630
$64,710
+$30,920
Arkansas $81,090
$63,340
+$17,750
California $107,370
$64,760
+$42,610
Colorado $107,490
$80,500
+$26,990
Delaware $179,390
$75,450
+$103,940
Florida $128,600
$78,720
+$49,880
Idaho $98,970
$67,740
+$31,230
Indiana $95,710
$80,550
+$15,160
Iowa $100,760
$73,080
+$27,680
Kansas $108,560
$63,510
+$45,050
Kentucky $102,480
$49,530
+$52,950
Louisiana $127,180
$64,040
+$63,140
Maine $78,710
$74,060
+$4,650
Maryland $126,600
$76,200
+$50,400
Massachusetts $83,870
$84,010
$-140
Michigan $110,290
$62,590
+$47,700
Minnesota $113,080
$71,830
+$41,250
Mississippi $107,080
$57,760
+$49,320
Missouri $128,640
$63,570
+$65,070
Montana $92,430
$72,220
+$20,210
Nebraska $104,170
$74,130
+$30,040
New York $162,450
$74,820
+$87,630
North Carolina $108,680
$78,490
+$30,190
Ohio $98,800
$61,160
+$37,640
Oklahoma $96,340
$72,460
+$23,880
Oregon $90,420
$64,150
+$26,270
Pennsylvania $110,490
$75,800
+$34,690
South Carolina $105,450
$78,500
+$26,950
South Dakota $66,500
$59,150
+$7,350
Tennessee $98,210
$58,230
+$39,980
Texas $168,240
$64,770
+$103,470
Washington $91,860
$64,780
+$27,080
West Virginia $102,700
$59,680
+$43,020
Wisconsin $104,240
$64,870
+$39,370

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Commercial Pilots or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $40,297 (58.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial Pilots earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Commercial Pilots earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 33 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $109,061 per year, compared to $68,764 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial Pilots or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions and 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Commercial Pilots or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Commercial Pilots and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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.