As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Commercial Pilot in the United States is $78,524 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Commercial Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Commercial Pilot'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 Commercial Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.48% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.18% |
| Spring | 0.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
First Aid
|
$84,020 |
7%
|
|
Collective Bargaining
|
$83,235 |
6%
|
|
Alignment
|
$82,450 |
5%
|
|
Tutoring
|
$81,665 |
4%
|
|
CPR
|
$80,880 |
3%
|
|
Self-Directed
|
$80,880 |
3%
|
For Commercial Pilot roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 0% above the average. Conversely, Commercial Pilot positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Commercial Pilot as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Commercial Pilots enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Commercial Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is between $77,341 and $89,173).
Commercial Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associates | 35.3% |
| Bachelors | 11.8% |
| Masters | 35.3% |
| Doctorate | 50.0% |
Understanding how a Commercial Pilot'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Commercial Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,403 in 2023 to around $53,514 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Commercial Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,403 |
| 2024 | $54,695 |
| 2025 | $53,514 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Commercial Pilot and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Commercial Pilot job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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