Commercial pilot salary

Commercial pilots in the U.S. earn a median $123,220 a year.

Median pay
$123,220
Typical range
$58,850–$266,620
Jobs
47,630

Pay range

Annual pay percentiles for commercial pilots in the U.S.
PercentileAnnual pay
10th (entry level)$58,850
25th$84,540
Median$123,220
75th$190,440
90th (top earners)$266,620

Pay in the biggest metro areas

Median pay by metro area
Metro areaMedian payJobs
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL$127,3603,440
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX$160,1601,810
Columbus, OH$175,6901,410
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ$225,9001,210
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ$105,7701,020
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV$105,340940
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN$157,420840
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX$131,420790
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO$132,810710

Commercial pilot salary by state

  1. 1Connecticut$232,160
  2. 2New Jersey$226,710
  3. 3New York$177,430
  4. 4California$165,590
  5. 5Delaware$163,600
  6. 6Ohio$150,330
  7. 7Georgia$145,100
  8. 8Colorado$139,680
  9. 9Texas$137,960
  10. 10Vermont$137,810
  11. 11Pennsylvania$134,030
  12. 12North Dakota$133,010
  13. 13Maryland$131,210
  14. 14Kentucky$129,990
  15. 15Wisconsin$129,860
  16. 16North Carolina$127,310
  17. 17Michigan$126,670
  18. 18Oklahoma$126,180
  19. 19Illinois$126,100
  20. 20Florida$121,890
  21. 21Oregon$120,760
  22. 22Washington$117,730
  23. 23Maine$117,560
  24. 24Tennessee$117,480
  25. 25Hawaii$113,030
  26. 26Idaho$109,620
  27. 27West Virginia$105,950
  28. 28South Carolina$105,740
  29. 29Kansas$105,440
  30. 30Nevada$105,340
  31. 31Virginia$104,890
  32. 32Nebraska$104,780
  33. 33Indiana$104,160
  34. 34Montana$103,690
  35. 35Mississippi$103,640
  36. 36Arizona$103,060
  37. 37Missouri$102,990
  38. 38Wyoming$102,990
  39. 39Iowa$101,800
  40. 40Alabama$101,420
  41. 41Alaska$100,120
  42. 42Utah$99,610
  43. 43Rhode Island$98,820
  44. 44Minnesota$98,630
  45. 45New Mexico$97,920
  46. 46Louisiana$95,940
  47. 47Arkansas$94,410
  48. 48South Dakota$83,710
  49. –Puerto Rico$81,070

Start training

See what the work is like and how long training takes, then compare schools.

Flight schoolsHow to become a commercial pilot

Frequently asked questions

How much do commercial pilots make?

The median pay for commercial pilots in the U.S. is $123,220 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $58,850, and the top 10% earn over $266,620.

Which states pay commercial pilots the most?

The top-paying states are Connecticut ($232,160), New Jersey ($226,710), New York ($177,430), California ($165,590), Delaware ($163,600).

How can a commercial pilot earn more?

Pay rises with experience, certifications, specialized skills, overtime and willingness to travel. Union jobs and employers in high-cost metro areas often pay more. Our guide on how to become a commercial pilot covers the certifications that matter most.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Commercial Pilots, SOC 53-2012). Figures exclude self-employed workers.