As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pilot III in Iowa is $157,558 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, a Pilot III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Pilot III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $168,104 | $14,009 | $3,233 | $81 |
| Average | $157,558 | $13,130 | $3,030 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,353 | $11,529 | $2,661 | $67 |
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A Pilot III'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 Pilot III'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 I | 2-4 years | $111,442 |
| Pilot II | 4-7 years | $136,236 |
| Pilot III | 7+ years | $157,558 |
| Pilot IV | 7-10 years | $188,188 |
| Chief Pilot I | 10+ years | $163,537 |
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 Pilot IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Pilot III'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $168,104 | $14,009 | $3,233 | $81 |
| Average | $157,558 | $13,130 | $3,030 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,353 | $11,529 | $2,661 | $67 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Pilot III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Helicopter Pilot | $158,707 | 1% |
| Pilot IV | $188,188 | 19% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Pilot III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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