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Average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $284,240. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $285,030, indicating strong compensation tied to the specialized nature of the role and the economic activity within this major metropolitan region. The demand for highly skilled aviation professionals in such a significant hub contributes to this competitive pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $284,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $426,360.
  • Outlook: The job market for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region appears robust, supported by a substantial local workforce of 4,500 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.24 significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a higher concentration of these roles locally than typically found nationwide. This indicates a strong and potentially growing demand for aviation expertise within this specific geographic area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$284,240

The average Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-0.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$136.7

Weekly

$5,466

Monthly

$23,687

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Salary progression for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is strongly correlated with experience and tenure. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can reach the upper percentiles of the pay scale. The significant gaps between salary percentiles underscore the substantial career growth and earning potential available as pilots advance through their careers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$123,640$59.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$213,180$102.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$284,240$136.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$355,300$170.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$426,360$205

Detailed Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$284,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$284,240

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $284,240 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 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 equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the typical premium associated with high-paying metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

4,500

Total Jobs

1.443

Per 1K Jobs

2.24

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 2.2x 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 2.24, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and active market for these professionals, potentially indicating a greater number of job opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and employees.

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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $284,240. This typically ranges from $123,640 for entry-level positions to $426,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 0.3% lower than the national median of $285,030.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for these professionals.The average salary of $284,240 is nearly on par with the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $284,240, which is very close to the national average of $285,030.

What is the concentration of pilots in this region compared to the rest of the country?

The Location Quotient of 2.24 indicates that there are more than double the national average number of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers per worker in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a pilot's salary in this area?

No, the Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning the local cost of living is the same as the national average, so the salary's purchasing power is not diminished.

How many pilots are employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?

There are approximately 4,500 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,500 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.443 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Semantic Salary Analysis for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV