National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $19,418 more (21.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$109,061
$89,643
Average (Mean) Salary
$125,831
$94,159
Total Employment
50,950
7,370
States with Higher Pay
18
3
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Ship Engineers
Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 18 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 3.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $106,240 | $69,120 | +$37,120 | ||
| Alaska | $118,540 | $81,940 | +$36,600 | ||
| Florida | $128,600 | $108,140 | +$20,460 | ||
| Hawaii | $82,190 | $97,070 | $-14,880 | ||
| Indiana | $95,710 | $82,200 | +$13,510 | ||
| Louisiana | $127,180 | $99,260 | +$27,920 | ||
| Maine | $78,710 | $66,350 | +$12,360 | ||
| Maryland | $126,600 | $97,330 | +$29,270 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,870 | $96,180 | $-12,310 | ||
| Michigan | $110,290 | $68,860 | +$41,430 | ||
| Mississippi | $107,080 | $119,310 | $-12,230 | ||
| New York | $162,450 | $118,550 | +$43,900 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,680 | $58,700 | +$49,980 | ||
| Oregon | $90,420 | $83,730 | +$6,690 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $110,490 | $61,690 | +$48,800 | ||
| Rhode Island | $116,280 | $91,660 | +$24,620 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,450 | $97,980 | +$7,470 | ||
| Tennessee | $98,210 | $83,380 | +$14,830 | ||
| Texas | $168,240 | $118,490 | +$49,750 | ||
| Virginia | $122,450 | $75,900 | +$46,550 | ||
| Washington | $91,860 | $88,900 | +$2,960 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial Pilots or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Ship Engineers. The national median salary difference is $19,418 (21.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial Pilots earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Commercial Pilots earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 18 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $109,061 per year, compared to $89,643 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial Pilots or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions and 7,370 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Commercial Pilots or Ship Engineers?
Both Commercial Pilots and Ship 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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