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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Commercial Pilots in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $146,490. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $144,150, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. Factors such as the region's specific aviation industry demands and the cost of specialized pilot training likely contribute to this favorable pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $146,490 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 71.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $219,735.
  • Outlook: The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area supports a local workforce of 380 Commercial Pilots. With a Location Quotient of 0.6, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs is substantial, the industry may not be as densely concentrated as in other major hubs. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for pilots in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$146,490

The average Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI earns+1.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$70.4

Weekly

$2,817

Monthly

$12,208

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

The salary trajectory for Commercial Pilots significantly scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can earn substantially more, often reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior pilot salaries clearly signifies robust career progression opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$56,040$26.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$109,868$52.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$149,330$71.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$183,113$88
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$219,735$105.6

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$146,490

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$146,490

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $146,490 for Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, as indicated by the Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook without significant adjustments needed for daily expenses.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

0.202

Per 1K Jobs

0.6

Location Quotient

Below Average

Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI has 0.60x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.6 for Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI, suggests that the concentration of these jobs is lower than the national average. This implies that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, and the demand might be more specialized or tied to specific regional airlines or cargo operations rather than a broad, widespread presence of the profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots

CitySalaryDist.
Ann Arbor, MI Commercial Pilots Salary$112,320 23%35 mi
Toledo, OH Commercial Pilots Salary$121,440 17%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Hiring Commercial Pilotss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is $146,490. This typically ranges from $56,040 for entry-level positions to $219,735 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 1.6% higher than the national median of $144,150.

Is Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, it is a financially competitive location for Commercial Pilots.Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI, earn slightly above the national average salary. Coupled with a national average cost of living, this makes the region financially attractive for the profession.

Is Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

The Cost of Living Index in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ann Arbor, MI ($112,320) and Toledo, OH.

What is the average salary for a Commercial Pilot in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?

The average annual salary for a Commercial Pilot in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is $146,490.

How does the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI ($146,490) is slightly higher than the national average ($144,150).

What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI compared to the nation?

The Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI is below the national average.

How does the cost of living in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI affect a pilot's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is at the national average, meaning the $146,490 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area with a job density of 0.202 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.