As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Pilot I in New Mexico is $158,336 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, a Chief Pilot I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Pilot I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Pilot I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot II | 4-7 years | $131,900 |
| Pilot III | 7+ years | $152,543 |
| Pilot IV | 7-10 years | $182,181 |
| Chief Pilot I | 10+ years | $158,336 |
| Chief Pilot II | 10+ years | $210,669 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Pilot Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Chief Pilot I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $177,097. While startup companies pay approximate $149,771.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $149,771 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $158,407 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $171,021 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $177,097 |
For Chief Pilot I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Chief Pilot positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Pilot I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $221,670 | $107.0 | 40% |
| Insurance | $213,753 | $103.0 | 35% |
| Software & Networking | $205,836 | $99.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $197,920 | $95.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $190,003 | $91.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Chief Pilot I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Chief Pilot I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chief Pilot II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $210,669 - a projected growth of 33% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Pilot I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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