Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Commercial Pilots in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $164,900. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $144,150, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational complexities or airline presence in the region. The robust pay structure reflects the critical nature of the role and the specialized skills required to navigate the skies.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $164,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $247,350.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 420 Commercial Pilots and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the job market in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is nearly on par with the national concentration. While not exceeding the national average in terms of density, this indicates a stable and established presence of aviation professionals, suggesting consistent demand for skilled pilots to support regional and national air travel operations.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns+14.4%above the national average.
$79.3
$3,171
$13,742
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC have seen a consistent upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing operational costs, demand for experienced aviators, and inflation likely contribute to salary growth, ensuring that pilot compensation remains competitive within the evolving aviation industry.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
The salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect to earn substantially more, potentially reaching well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career progression and the value placed on accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $72,490 | $34.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $123,675 | $59.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $163,530 | $78.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $206,125 | $99.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $247,350 | $118.9 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$164,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$164,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $164,900 for Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
0.312
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 0.93x the national average concentration of Commercial Pilots jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is slightly below the national average. This indicates a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a severe shortage, implying a healthy balance of supply and demand. While not a hub of extreme pilot concentration, the presence of 420 professionals signifies a robust and active aviation sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Commercial Pilots Salary | $106,800↓ 35% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $164,900. This typically ranges from $72,490 for entry-level positions to $247,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 14.4% higher than the national median of $144,150.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Commercial Pilots.Commercial Pilots in this area earn $164,900 annually, which is above the national average. The local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning their high salary offers strong purchasing power.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($106,800) and others.
How does the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $164,900, which is $20,750 higher than the national average of $144,150.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Commercial Pilots in this area?
An LQ of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is slightly less than the national average. This suggests a stable job market without extreme competition or scarcity.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary of a Commercial Pilot in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $164,900 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location.
What does the total local workforce number imply for Commercial Pilot job opportunities?
A total local workforce of 420 Commercial Pilots suggests a significant, established presence of aviation professionals, indicating consistent demand for their services within the region's air travel infrastructure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 0.312 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Commercial Pilots • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC