The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued their 2020 Occupational Outlook Handbook showing that “airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers” had a median annual wage of $160,970, nearly four times the median wage for all US workers, who earned $41,950 on average.
BLS Data Shows Strong Salaries for Airline and Commercial Pilots
Key Takeaways:
- In 2020, airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers earned a median annual wage of $160,970, nearly four times the median for all US workers, with the highest pay found in scheduled air transportation.
- Commercial pilots, involved in unscheduled flights like charters and tours, had a median annual wage of $93,300, though the top 10 percent earned over $200,920.
- Pilot salaries varied significantly by state, with California and Nevada having the highest median wages (over $208,000) and states like Mississippi among the lowest.
- The reported median wages do not include additional compensation such as expense allowances, international flight pay, or the value of free/reduced-fare flights.
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