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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Captain in South Dakota is $129,933 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, an Aircraft Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Aircraft Captain Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $142,545 | $11,879 | $2,741 | $69 |
| Average | $129,933 | $10,828 | $2,499 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,262 | $9,688 | $2,236 | $56 |
The LiRo Group - WATERTOWN, MA
DICK'S Sporting Goods - GEDNEY, NY
DICK'S Sporting Goods - WEST NYACK, NY
DICK'S Sporting Goods - KEENE, NH
An Aircraft Captain'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 an Aircraft Captain'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Pilot I Level Aircraft Captain | $107,068 |
| Aircraft ... Level Aircraft Captain | $130,883 |
| Pilot III... Level Aircraft Captain | $151,367 |
| Pilot IV Level Aircraft Captain | $180,766 |
| Chief Pil... Level Aircraft Captain | $157,117 |
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 Aircraft Captains. 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:
For Aircraft Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Captain positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $153,321 | $74.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $149,423 | $72.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $148,124 | $71.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $145,525 | $70.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $142,926 | $69.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Captain'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 | $142,545 | $11,879 | $2,741 | $69 |
| Average | $129,933 | $10,828 | $2,499 | $62 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,262 | $9,688 | $2,236 | $56 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Aircraft Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
DICK'S Sporting Goods
WEST HANOVER, MA
DICK'S Sporting Goods | WEST HANOVER, MA
As Team Captain Endzone & Loyalty at DICK’S Sporting Goods, you lead a high-energy front-of-store team focused on game-day excitement and loyalty growth. Y... more
7 Days Ago
Med-Trans Corporation
ALAMEDA, NM
Med-Trans Corporation | ALAMEDA, NM
Med-Trans Corporation, a leader in air medical transport, is seeking an Aircraft Maintenance Technician to join our Engineering and Maintenance team. In th... more
7 Days Ago
Med-Trans Corporation
EDGEWOOD, NM
Med-Trans Corporation | EDGEWOOD, NM
Med-Trans Corporation, a leader in air medical transport, is seeking an Aircraft Maintenance Technician to join our Engineering and Maintenance team. In th... more
7 Days Ago
Med-Trans Corporation
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Med-Trans Corporation | ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Med-Trans Corporation, a leader in air medical transport, is seeking an Aircraft Maintenance Technician to join our Engineering and Maintenance team. In th... more
7 Days Ago
Med-Trans Corporation
SENATOR CLARKE FIELD, NM
Med-Trans Corporation | SENATOR CLARKE FIELD, NM
Med-Trans Corporation, a leader in air medical transport, is seeking an Aircraft Maintenance Technician to join our Engineering and Maintenance team. In th... more
7 Days Ago
Med-Trans Corporation
CORRALES, NM
Med-Trans Corporation | CORRALES, NM
Med-Trans Corporation, a leader in air medical transport, is seeking an Aircraft Maintenance Technician to join our Engineering and Maintenance team. In th... more
7 Days Ago
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