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Average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Alabama

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $145,930. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $285,030, reflecting regional economic factors and a different market dynamic. The specific demand and operational scale within Alabama's aviation sector contribute to this localized pay structure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $145,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,860.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 340 professionals in this field, Alabama presents a smaller, more specialized market for airline pilots. The Location Quotient of 0.25 indicates a concentration significantly below the national average, suggesting fewer dedicated roles or a reliance on pilots commuting from other regions. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is low at 0.162, this can signify either a niche market or potential for growth if demand increases.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$145,930

The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alabama earns-48.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$70.2

Weekly

$2,806

Monthly

$12,161

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Alabama

Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions, often starting as copilots, will command lower salaries, while seasoned captains with extensive flight hours and responsibilities will reach the higher end of the pay scale. The percentile gaps in salary distribution within Alabama would signify clear career progression, with senior pilots earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$103,400$49.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$109,448$52.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$134,430$64.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$182,413$87.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$166,860$80.2

Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$145,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$165,641

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The average annual salary of $145,930 in Alabama for pilots is considerably strong when viewed against the local Cost of Living Index of 88.1. Since the index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively higher purchasing power for residents. This suggests that the take-home pay can go further in Alabama compared to more expensive states, making the compensation more attractive on a real-terms basis.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

0.162

Per 1K Jobs

0.25

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.25x, Alabama has a notably lower concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

The Location Quotient of 0.25 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alabama indicates a market that is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not saturated, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific regional airlines or cargo operations. While not a hub for pilot employment, this lower concentration could mean less competition for available positions, especially for those with in-demand skills or certifications.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alabama is $145,930. This typically ranges from $103,400 for entry-level positions to $166,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 48.8% lower than the national median of $285,030.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?

No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $145,930 is substantial, it falls significantly short of the national average. However, the lower cost of living in Alabama does enhance the purchasing power of this salary.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Alabama's pilot salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alabama is $145,930, which is considerably lower than the national average of $285,030.

What is the concentration of pilots in Alabama?

Alabama has a significantly lower concentration of pilots compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.25, indicating a less dense market for these professionals.

Does the cost of living affect pilot salaries in Alabama?

Yes, the lower cost of living in Alabama (Index 88.1) means that the nominal salary of $145,930 offers better real-term value and purchasing power than it might in higher cost-of-living areas.

What does the low Location Quotient mean for pilot job seekers in Alabama?

A low Location Quotient suggests a specialized market with potentially less competition, but also fewer overall opportunities compared to national hubs. It indicates that pilot roles are not as widespread in Alabama as they are nationally.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 0.162 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama