Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Commercial Pilots in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an average annual salary of $135,980. This figure is slightly below the national average of $144,150, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the metropolitan area. The specific pay scale reflects the unique operational costs and competitive landscape for aviation professionals in this vibrant Colorado hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $135,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,250.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 820 Commercial Pilots. With a Location Quotient of 1.5, this indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a significant presence within the regional economy. The rate of 0.505 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established need for skilled pilots in this area.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns-5.7%below the national average.
$65.4
$2,615
$11,332
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial has experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, evolving industry regulations, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals in the region.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
The career path for Commercial Pilots typically involves significant salary progression based on experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours, advanced certifications, and command roles in larger aircraft will see their earnings increase substantially. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential within the profession.
| 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) | $101,985 | $49 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $126,030 | $60.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $169,975 | $81.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $218,250 | $104.9 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$135,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$135,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $135,980 for Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial 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 area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without significant adjustments needed for everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
0.505
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.5 for Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial signifies that this metropolitan area has a 50% higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet well-established job market, indicating strong demand from local airlines and aviation companies that actively recruit and retain skilled pilots.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Commercial Pilots Salary | $114,550↓ 16% | 27 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Commercial Pilotss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $135,980. This typically ranges from $50,900 for entry-level positions to $218,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 5.7% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial earn $135,980 annually, which is competitive given the national average cost of living. The higher concentration of pilots (LQ 1.5) also points to a robust job market.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($114,550) and others.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Commercial Pilots in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $135,980, which is slightly lower than the national average of $144,150.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Commercial Pilots in Denver?
An LQ of 1.5 indicates that Commercial Pilots are 50% more concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial than the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence and demand for these professionals.
Does the cost of living in Denver affect the pilot salary?
No, the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is at the national average (100), meaning the $135,980 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How many Commercial Pilots work in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 820 Commercial Pilots employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.505 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO