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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Alaska

Commercial Pilots in Alaska earn an average annual salary of $133,750, which is notably lower than the national average of $144,150. This difference is influenced by Alaska's unique operational demands and the specialized nature of aviation in a state with vast distances and challenging terrain.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $133,750 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $200,625.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,870 Commercial Pilots, Alaska demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 17.36. This high quotient suggests a robust demand and a specialized market for pilots within the state, likely driven by the necessity of air travel for transportation and commerce across its expansive geography.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$133,750

The average Commercial Pilots in Alaska earns-7.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$64.3

Weekly

$2,572

Monthly

$11,146

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Alaska

The salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Alaska typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and specialized certifications can expect to earn considerably more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$65,400$31.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$100,313$48.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$110,930$53.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$167,188$80.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$200,625$96.5

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$133,750

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$105,648

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

The nominal average salary of $133,750 in Alaska must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 126.6. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, indicates that everyday expenses are substantially higher in Alaska. Therefore, while the salary appears substantial, its purchasing power is diminished due to the elevated cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,870

Total Jobs

5.835

Per 1K Jobs

17.36

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 17.4x the national concentration of Commercial Pilots jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alaska's Commercial Pilot market is characterized by an exceptionally high Location Quotient of 17.36, meaning the concentration of these jobs is over 17 times the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and concentrated job market, suggesting that while opportunities exist, they are specific to the state's unique aviation needs and may be less abundant than in more populous, diverse regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Commercial Pilotss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Alaska is $133,750. This typically ranges from $65,400 for entry-level positions to $200,625 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 7.2% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, but with caveats.Alaska offers a high concentration of Commercial Pilot jobs with a strong Location Quotient, indicating significant demand. However, the higher cost of living means the effective purchasing power of the $133,750 average salary is reduced compared to national averages.

Is Alaska a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

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

How does the Alaska Commercial Pilot salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Alaska is $133,750, which is $10,400 less than the national average of $144,150.

What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Alaska?

Alaska has a very high concentration of Commercial Pilots, with a Location Quotient of 17.36, indicating the profession is significantly more prevalent there than the national average.

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

Alaska's Cost of Living Index is 126.6, meaning it is 26.6% more expensive than the national average. This higher cost of living reduces the real value of the average pilot salary.

Are there many Commercial Pilot jobs in Alaska?

While the total workforce is 1,870, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong demand relative to the national average, driven by the state's unique transportation needs.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,870 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 5.835 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Commercial Pilots • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska