National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $17,445 more (16.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$122,580
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,493
$106,570
Total Employment
47,010
7,760
States with Higher Pay
18
5
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Ship Engineers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 18 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 5.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,420 | $96,030 | +$5,390 | ||
| Alaska | $100,120 | $88,190 | +$11,930 | ||
| California | $165,590 | $97,660 | +$67,930 | ||
| Connecticut | $232,160 | $119,010 | +$113,150 | ||
| Florida | $121,890 | $130,480 | $-8,590 | ||
| Hawaii | $113,030 | $131,640 | $-18,610 | ||
| Illinois | $126,100 | $115,310 | +$10,790 | ||
| Indiana | $104,160 | $122,190 | $-18,030 | ||
| Kentucky | $129,990 | $120,550 | +$9,440 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,940 | $103,430 | $-7,490 | ||
| Maine | $117,560 | $77,160 | +$40,400 | ||
| Michigan | $126,670 | $79,170 | +$47,500 | ||
| Mississippi | $103,640 | $98,380 | +$5,260 | ||
| New Jersey | $226,710 | $118,310 | +$108,400 | ||
| New York | $177,430 | $133,640 | +$43,790 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,310 | $65,010 | +$62,300 | ||
| Oregon | $120,760 | $88,800 | +$31,960 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,030 | $80,210 | +$53,820 | ||
| Rhode Island | $98,820 | $119,330 | $-20,510 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,740 | $97,890 | +$7,850 | ||
| Texas | $137,960 | $127,810 | +$10,150 | ||
| Virginia | $104,890 | $82,370 | +$22,520 | ||
| Washington | $117,730 | $107,940 | +$9,790 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial Pilots vs Ship Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $17,445 (16.6%) based on 2025 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 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $122,580 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial Pilots or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 47,010 Commercial Pilots positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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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