National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
Commercial Pilots earns $49,465 more (67.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$122,580
$73,115
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,493
$75,554
Total Employment
47,010
35,760
States with Higher Pay
33
0
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 33 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 0.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $103,060 | $78,080 | +$24,980 | ||
| Arkansas | $94,410 | $67,710 | +$26,700 | ||
| California | $165,590 | $69,950 | +$95,640 | ||
| Colorado | $139,680 | $77,550 | +$62,130 | ||
| Delaware | $163,600 | $80,410 | +$83,190 | ||
| Florida | $121,890 | $79,600 | +$42,290 | ||
| Georgia | $145,100 | $75,810 | +$69,290 | ||
| Illinois | $126,100 | $79,820 | +$46,280 | ||
| Indiana | $104,160 | $81,260 | +$22,900 | ||
| Kansas | $105,440 | $68,730 | +$36,710 | ||
| Kentucky | $129,990 | $52,380 | +$77,610 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,940 | $62,170 | +$33,770 | ||
| Maryland | $131,210 | $83,390 | +$47,820 | ||
| Michigan | $126,670 | $78,960 | +$47,710 | ||
| Minnesota | $98,630 | $78,930 | +$19,700 | ||
| Mississippi | $103,640 | $78,010 | +$25,630 | ||
| Missouri | $102,990 | $68,030 | +$34,960 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,920 | $77,890 | +$20,030 | ||
| New York | $177,430 | $80,000 | +$97,430 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,310 | $58,930 | +$68,380 | ||
| Ohio | $150,330 | $61,390 | +$88,940 | ||
| Oklahoma | $126,180 | $102,260 | +$23,920 | ||
| Oregon | $120,760 | $68,580 | +$52,180 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,030 | $83,610 | +$50,420 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,740 | $73,660 | +$32,080 | ||
| South Dakota | $83,710 | $62,730 | +$20,980 | ||
| Tennessee | $117,480 | $71,740 | +$45,740 | ||
| Texas | $137,960 | $68,980 | +$68,980 | ||
| Virginia | $104,890 | $79,900 | +$24,990 | ||
| Washington | $117,730 | $79,040 | +$38,690 | ||
| West Virginia | $105,950 | $55,180 | +$50,770 | ||
| Wisconsin | $129,860 | $59,690 | +$70,170 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,990 | $68,430 | +$34,560 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $49,465 (67.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $122,580 per year, compared to $73,115 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2025 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 47,010 Commercial Pilots positions and 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2025).
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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.