Average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Washington
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $382,350, significantly exceeding the national average of $285,030. This substantial difference is largely driven by the state's robust aerospace industry, high demand for skilled aviation professionals, and the specialized nature of the role, all contributing to a premium compensation structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $382,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 72.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $573,525.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,650 professionals in this field, Washington demonstrates a solid base of aviation talent. The Location Quotient of 1.6 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 60% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for airline pilots within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington earns+34.1%above the national average.
$183.8
$7,353
$31,863
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing operational demands, inflation, and the ongoing need for experienced aviators typically drive upward salary adjustments in this specialized sector.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington is strongly tied to experience and seniority. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect to reach the higher end of the pay scale. The significant percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $198,840 | $95.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $286,763 | $137.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $382,350 | $183.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $477,938 | $229.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $573,525 | $275.7 |
Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$382,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$332,189
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $382,350 in Washington presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, indicating expenses are 15.1% higher than the national average, the real purchasing power of this salary is somewhat moderated. While still highly compensated, individuals should factor in the elevated cost of goods and services when considering relocation or financial planning.
Job Market Context
3,650
Total Jobs
1.032
Per 1K Jobs
1.6
Location Quotient
Washington has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.6 for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment with potentially more job opportunities and a higher demand relative to the general workforce, making it an attractive location for those in the aviation industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary | $390,770↑ 2% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington is $382,350. This typically ranges from $198,840 for entry-level positions to $573,525 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 34.1% higher than the national median of $285,030.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?
Yes, Washington is a highly lucrative state for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers.The average salary significantly surpasses the national average, and the concentration of these jobs is 60% higher than the national benchmark, indicating strong demand and compensation.
Is Washington a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($390,770) and others.
How does Washington's pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for pilots in Washington is $382,350, which is considerably higher than the national average of $285,030.
What is the concentration of pilots in Washington compared to the rest of the US?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.6 for this profession, meaning the concentration of jobs is 60% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect pilot salaries in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased living expenses.
What does the job market look like for pilots in Washington?
The job market appears robust, with a significant local workforce and a higher-than-average concentration of pilot positions, suggesting strong demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,650 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.032 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington