As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pilot Driver in the United States is $54,002 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Pilot Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Pilot Driver'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 17.14% |
| Safety Administration | 2.21% |
| CPR | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$59,402 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$56,702 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$56,162 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$55,622 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$55,622 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$55,082 |
2%
|
For Pilot Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Pilot Driver positions in Telecom or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pilot Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $81,003 | $39.0 | 50% |
| Internet | $75,603 | $36.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $70,203 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $67,503 | $32.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $64,803 | $31.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pilot Drivers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Pilot Driver with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
Pilot Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 76.9% |
| Associates | 8.9% |
| Bachelors | 6.8% |
| Masters | 2.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Pilot Driver'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, 2026Salaries for a Pilot Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,401 in 2023 to around $46,798 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Pilot Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,401 |
| 2024 | $47,308 |
| 2025 | $46,798 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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