Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $210,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $285,030, suggesting that while the demand is present, specific regional economic factors or operational structures may influence compensation levels compared to the broader U.S. landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $210,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 101.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $315,330.
- Outlook: The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area supports a local workforce of 3,230 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 1.75, indicating a concentration 75% higher than the national average, this region demonstrates a significant and robust demand for these aviation professionals, suggesting a healthy and active job market.
Salary Overview
The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns-26.2%below the national average.
$101.1
$4,043
$17,518
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing demand for air travel, technological advancements in aviation, and the specialized skill set required for these roles. This upward trend is likely reflected in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington market as well.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is strongly tied to experience and seniority. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can achieve significantly higher earnings. The variance in pay across different percentiles within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington workforce directly reflects these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $86,660 | $41.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $157,665 | $75.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $172,710 | $83 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $262,775 | $126.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $315,330 | $151.6 |
Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$210,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$210,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $210,220 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
3,230
Total Jobs
1.126
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 1.8x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.75 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington signifies a substantial concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where the demand for skilled aviators is more pronounced than in many other regions across the country.
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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $210,220. This typically ranges from $86,660 for entry-level positions to $315,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 26.2% lower than the national median of $285,030.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.While the average salary of $210,220 is below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.75) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable and demand-driven market for pilots in the region.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $210,220, which is lower than the national average of $285,030.
What is the concentration of pilots in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
The region has a Location Quotient of 1.75, meaning it has a 75% higher concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the cost of living in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington affect pilot salaries?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $210,220 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook.
What is the total number of pilots in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area?
There are approximately 3,230 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,230 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 1.126 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD