Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Colorado
Commercial Pilots in Colorado can expect an average annual salary of $130,580, which is slightly below the national average of $144,150. This difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific demands of the Colorado aviation market, the presence of key airlines or flight schools, and the overall economic landscape of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $205,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,170 Commercial Pilots, Colorado demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.2. This suggests that the demand for pilots in Colorado is slightly higher than the national average, relative to the overall workforce size, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for this occupation within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Colorado earns-9.4%below the national average.
$62.8
$2,511
$10,882
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Commercial Pilots in Colorado have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, advancements in aviation technology, and the need for experienced flight crews likely contribute to this growth, pushing average compensation higher.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Colorado
The career trajectory for Commercial Pilots in Colorado typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as pilots accumulate flight hours, certifications, and specialized skills, their earning potential increases substantially. The gap between entry-level and senior pilot salaries, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and higher compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $50,900 | $24.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $97,935 | $47.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $122,700 | $59 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $163,225 | $78.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $205,570 | $98.8 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,773
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
While the nominal average salary for Commercial Pilots in Colorado is $130,580, the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5 indicates that expenses are approximately 5.5% higher than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in Colorado is slightly diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
0.405
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Commercial Pilots roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 for Commercial Pilots in Colorado signifies a job market where this profession is 20% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust demand for pilots within the state, potentially leading to a more competitive hiring environment for employers and greater opportunities for job seekers compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Commercial Pilots Salary | $126,350↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Commercial Pilots Salary | $135,980↑ 4% | 54 mi |
| Boulder, CO Commercial Pilots Salary | $114,550↓ 12% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Commercial Pilotss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Colorado is $130,580. This typically ranges from $50,900 for entry-level positions to $205,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 9.4% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, with caveats.Colorado offers a strong concentration of Commercial Pilot jobs (LQ 1.2) with an average salary of $130,580. However, the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, impacting real income.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($126,350) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Colorado is $130,580, which is approximately $13,570 less than the national average of $144,150.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Colorado?
Colorado has a higher concentration of Commercial Pilots than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.2, indicating 20% more pilots per worker than the national benchmark.
How does the cost of living affect a pilot's salary in Colorado?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, Colorado is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. This means the $130,580 salary has slightly less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost area.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for pilots in Colorado?
Colorado has 0.405 Commercial Pilot jobs per 1,000 workers, which, when combined with the Location Quotient, suggests a healthy demand for pilots within the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.405 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 Colorado