National Salary Overview
VS
Commercial Pilots earns $40,965 more (50.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$122,580
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,493
$88,538
Total Employment
47,010
22,870
States with Higher Pay
39
3
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 39 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 3.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,420 | $108,140 | $-6,720 | ||
| Alaska | $100,120 | $123,120 | $-23,000 | ||
| Arizona | $103,060 | $62,250 | +$40,810 | ||
| Arkansas | $94,410 | $85,130 | +$9,280 | ||
| California | $165,590 | $83,000 | +$82,590 | ||
| Colorado | $139,680 | $81,820 | +$57,860 | ||
| Connecticut | $232,160 | $91,520 | +$140,640 | ||
| Florida | $121,890 | $101,470 | +$20,420 | ||
| Georgia | $145,100 | $95,030 | +$50,070 | ||
| Hawaii | $113,030 | $108,270 | +$4,760 | ||
| Idaho | $109,620 | $54,330 | +$55,290 | ||
| Illinois | $126,100 | $47,990 | +$78,110 | ||
| Indiana | $104,160 | $80,330 | +$23,830 | ||
| Iowa | $101,800 | $116,850 | $-15,050 | ||
| Kansas | $105,440 | $103,380 | +$2,060 | ||
| Kentucky | $129,990 | $83,970 | +$46,020 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,940 | $77,460 | +$18,480 | ||
| Maine | $117,560 | $63,750 | +$53,810 | ||
| Maryland | $131,210 | $100,700 | +$30,510 | ||
| Michigan | $126,670 | $35,890 | +$90,780 | ||
| Minnesota | $98,630 | $92,860 | +$5,770 | ||
| Missouri | $102,990 | $64,690 | +$38,300 | ||
| Montana | $103,690 | $62,810 | +$40,880 | ||
| Nevada | $105,340 | $50,060 | +$55,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $226,710 | $49,250 | +$177,460 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,920 | $63,690 | +$34,230 | ||
| New York | $177,430 | $93,420 | +$84,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,310 | $84,470 | +$42,840 | ||
| North Dakota | $133,010 | $106,330 | +$26,680 | ||
| Ohio | $150,330 | $77,010 | +$73,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $126,180 | $111,070 | +$15,110 | ||
| Oregon | $120,760 | $78,110 | +$42,650 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,030 | $81,550 | +$52,480 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,740 | $80,490 | +$25,250 | ||
| South Dakota | $83,710 | $70,080 | +$13,630 | ||
| Tennessee | $117,480 | $78,430 | +$39,050 | ||
| Texas | $137,960 | $101,440 | +$36,520 | ||
| Utah | $99,610 | $64,480 | +$35,130 | ||
| Virginia | $104,890 | $68,610 | +$36,280 | ||
| Washington | $117,730 | $104,250 | +$13,480 | ||
| West Virginia | $105,950 | $58,670 | +$47,280 | ||
| Wisconsin | $129,860 | $75,260 | +$54,600 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial Pilots vs Transportation Inspectors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial Pilots or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Transportation Inspectors. The national median salary difference is $40,965 (50.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial Pilots earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Commercial Pilots earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 39 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $122,580 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial Pilots or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 47,010 Commercial Pilots positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Commercial Pilots or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Commercial Pilots and Transportation Inspectors 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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