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

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alaska earn an impressive average annual salary of $222,280. While this figure is below the national average of $285,030, the unique operational demands and specialized requirements of aviation in Alaska, such as navigating challenging weather and remote locations, often necessitate higher compensation for these critical roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $222,280 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $333,420.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,620 professionals, the market for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alaska is substantial. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 7.82 indicates a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized industry presence within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$222,280

The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alaska earns-22.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$106.9

Weekly

$4,275

Monthly

$18,523

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

Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alaska typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can earn considerably more. The gap between the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile salaries often signifies the substantial career advancement and earning potential available through experience and specialization.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$57,690$27.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$166,710$80.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$226,490$108.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$277,850$133.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$333,420$160.3

Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$222,280

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$175,577

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

The nominal average salary of $222,280 in Alaska must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 126.6, which is 26.6% higher than the national average. This means that while the gross pay is substantial, the purchasing power of that salary is somewhat diminished by the elevated cost of goods and services in the state, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

1,620

Total Jobs

5.037

Per 1K Jobs

7.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 7.8x the national concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alaska's Location Quotient of 7.82 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is remarkably high, indicating that this profession is over 7 times more concentrated in Alaska than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where demand is significantly driven by the state's unique geographical and logistical needs.

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 Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Alaska is $222,280. This typically ranges from $57,690 for entry-level positions to $333,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 22.0% lower than the national median of $285,030.

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

Yes, Alaska offers lucrative opportunities for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers.Despite a nominal salary below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and specialized operational demands in Alaska contribute to strong earning potential. The substantial average salary of $222,280 reflects the unique challenges and importance of aviation professionals in the state.

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

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Alaska pilot salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for pilots in Alaska is $222,280, which is lower than the national average of $285,030. However, this figure is influenced by Alaska's unique economic and operational factors.

What is the concentration of pilots in Alaska compared to the rest of the US?

Alaska has a very high concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 7.82, meaning the profession is over 7 times more common there than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Alaska affect pilot salaries?

Alaska's Cost of Living Index is 126.6, meaning it's 26.6% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living impacts the real purchasing power of the $222,280 average pilot salary.

What is the total number of pilots employed in Alaska?

There are approximately 1,620 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers employed in Alaska, representing a significant workforce for the state's size.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,620 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 5.037 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.