Commercial Pilots Salary by State
The national median pay for commercial pilots is $123,220 a year. By state, it ranges from $83,710 in South Dakota to $232,160 in Connecticut.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $58,850
- 25th percentile
- $84,540
- Median
- $123,220
- 75th percentile
- $190,440
- Top 10%
- $266,620
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 47,630 jobs.
Median pay in 48 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $232,160 | +88% | $86,840 | $321,270 | 460 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $226,710 | +84% | $52,560 | $326,930 | 670 |
| 3 | New York | $177,430 | +44% | $63,080 | $297,680 | 1,070 |
| 4 | California | $165,590 | +34% | $63,890 | $500,170 | 4,900 |
| 5 | Delaware | $163,600 | +33% | $83,180 | $264,590 | 220 |
| 6 | Ohio | $150,330 | +22% | $60,300 | $219,140 | 2,680 |
| 7 | Georgia | $145,100 | +18% | $53,010 | $247,410 | 1,020 |
| 8 | Colorado | $139,680 | +13% | $59,780 | $269,630 | 1,240 |
| 9 | Texas | $137,960 | +12% | $68,460 | $259,990 | 4,120 |
| 10 | Vermont | $137,810 | +12% | $56,820 | $233,150 | 40 |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | $134,030 | +9% | $74,610 | $263,290 | 530 |
| 12 | North Dakota | $133,010 | +8% | $65,630 | $237,050 | 370 |
| 13 | Maryland | $131,210 | +6% | $58,070 | $229,430 | 360 |
| 14 | Kentucky | $129,990 | +5% | $83,130 | $355,390 | 800 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $129,860 | +5% | $66,390 | $269,990 | 1,090 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $127,310 | +3% | $61,050 | $243,090 | 1,520 |
| 17 | Michigan | $126,670 | +3% | $58,280 | $205,900 | 1,390 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | $126,180 | +2% | $75,880 | $220,610 | 540 |
| 19 | Illinois | $126,100 | +2% | $51,890 | $376,830 | 1,170 |
| 20 | Florida | $121,890 | −1% | $62,590 | $229,110 | 6,340 |
| 21 | Oregon | $120,760 | −2% | $50,960 | $307,900 | 670 |
| 22 | Washington | $117,730 | −4% | $70,420 | $314,200 | 890 |
| 23 | Maine | $117,560 | −5% | $73,310 | $252,760 | 100 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $117,480 | −5% | $54,740 | $204,650 | 1,030 |
| 25 | Hawaii | $113,030 | −8% | $58,470 | $214,630 | 350 |
| 26 | Idaho | $109,620 | −11% | $64,300 | $209,320 | 310 |
| 27 | West Virginia | $105,950 | −14% | $64,450 | $174,170 | 40 |
| 28 | South Carolina | $105,740 | −14% | $49,720 | $164,920 | 290 |
| 29 | Kansas | $105,440 | −14% | $49,060 | $175,820 | 680 |
| 30 | Nevada | $105,340 | −15% | $51,350 | $211,260 | 1,100 |
| 31 | Virginia | $104,890 | −15% | $55,310 | $228,970 | 1,130 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $104,780 | −15% | $53,710 | $167,450 | 290 |
| 33 | Indiana | $104,160 | −15% | $63,250 | $221,260 | 960 |
| 34 | Montana | $103,690 | −16% | $73,440 | $226,770 | 330 |
| 35 | Mississippi | $103,640 | −16% | $71,050 | $215,010 | 240 |
| 36 | Arizona | $103,060 | −16% | $64,290 | $201,660 | 1,540 |
| 37 | Missouri | $102,990 | −16% | $50,790 | $212,000 | 670 |
| 38 | Wyoming | $102,990 | −16% | $59,990 | $140,320 | 190 |
| 39 | Iowa | $101,800 | −17% | $77,790 | $199,340 | 300 |
| 40 | Alabama | $101,420 | −18% | $57,030 | $163,100 | 780 |
| 41 | Alaska | $100,120 | −19% | $49,610 | $163,410 | 1,000 |
| 42 | Utah | $99,610 | −19% | $60,060 | $175,000 | 540 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $98,820 | −20% | $51,360 | $273,060 | 80 |
| 44 | Minnesota | $98,630 | −20% | $42,670 | $261,800 | 910 |
| 45 | New Mexico | $97,920 | −21% | $34,680 | $219,010 | 370 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $95,940 | −22% | $46,990 | $169,410 | 910 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $94,410 | −23% | $43,290 | $171,500 | 460 |
| 48 | South Dakota | $83,710 | −32% | $51,590 | $157,840 | 320 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Commercial Pilots salary questions
Which state pays commercial pilots the most?
Connecticut, with a median of $232,160 a year (+88% vs. the national median of $123,220). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays commercial pilots the least?
South Dakota, with a median of $83,710 a year (−32% vs. national).
Where do most commercial pilots work?
Florida has the most jobs, about 6,340, with a median of $121,890.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.