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Average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a remarkable average annual salary of $390,770. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $285,030, indicating a strong demand and specialized skill set valued within this metropolitan region. The concentration of aviation industry players and the need for highly skilled professionals likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $390,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 73.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $586,155.
  • Outlook: The job market for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 3,520 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.62 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards a strong and established demand within the region's aviation sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$390,770

The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+37.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$187.9

Weekly

$7,515

Monthly

$32,564

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is typically tied to experience, seniority, and the type of aircraft operated. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned captains with extensive flight hours and specialized ratings will earn significantly more. The widening gap between the lower and higher salary percentiles reflects the substantial career growth and earning potential available within this profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$201,210$96.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$293,078$140.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$390,770$187.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$488,463$234.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$586,155$281.8

Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$390,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$390,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $390,770 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is perfectly aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is exceptionally high, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals in this role.

Job Market Context

3,520

Total Jobs

1.688

Per 1K Jobs

2.62

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 2.6x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 2.62, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, exhibits a job market that is more than twice as concentrated with Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive environment where the demand for these professionals is significantly elevated compared to other regions.

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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $390,770. This typically ranges from $201,210 for entry-level positions to $586,155 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 37.1% higher than the national median of $285,030.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?

Yes, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is a highly lucrative location for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers.The average salary of $390,770 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?

A local workforce of 3,520 suggests a significant presence of the industry, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a stable market for experienced professionals.

What does a Location Quotient of 2.62 signify?

A Location Quotient of 2.62 means that Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers are more than 2.5 times more concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, than in the average U.S. location, indicating high industry demand.

How does the cost of living affect the pilot salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the high nominal salary of $390,770 translates directly to strong purchasing power, as it matches the national average cost of living.

Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for pilots in this area?

With 1.688 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a notable presence of pilot roles relative to the overall workforce, further underscoring the demand in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,520 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.688 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.