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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Florida

Commercial Pilots in Florida earn an average annual salary of $142,890, a figure slightly below the national average of $144,150. This marginal difference is often influenced by a complex interplay of regional economic factors, demand for air travel, and the specific operational hubs within the state that drive pilot compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $142,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $214,335.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,100 Commercial Pilots, Florida demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.85 indicates that this profession is nearly twice as prevalent in Florida compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market with sustained demand for skilled aviators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$142,890

The average Commercial Pilots in Florida earns-0.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$68.7

Weekly

$2,748

Monthly

$11,908

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Florida

Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Florida typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as pilots accumulate flight hours, certifications, and specialized skills, their earning potential increases substantially. The gap between lower and higher salary percentiles reflects the career trajectory and value placed on seasoned professionals in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$60,520$29.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$107,168$51.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$130,530$62.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$178,613$85.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$214,335$103

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$142,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$139,677

Adjusted for COL (102.3)

The average annual salary of $142,890 in Florida is quite competitive when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 102.3. This index indicates that living expenses are only slightly above the national average, meaning the nominal salary offers a strong purchasing power for pilots residing in the Sunshine State.

Job Market Context

6,100

Total Jobs

0.621

Per 1K Jobs

1.85

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Florida has 1.9x 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.

Florida's Location Quotient of 1.85 for Commercial Pilots is a strong indicator of a concentrated market. This suggests that job opportunities and the pool of talent are significantly higher than the national average, potentially leading to a competitive environment for both employers seeking pilots and pilots seeking employment, but also signaling a vibrant industry.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots

CitySalaryDist.
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Commercial Pilots Salary$84,880↓ 41%26 mi
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Commercial Pilots Salary$126,370↓ 12%49 mi
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Commercial Pilots Salary$108,990↓ 24%57 mi
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Commercial Pilots Salary$122,260↓ 14%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Florida

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Florida?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Florida is $142,890. This typically ranges from $60,520 for entry-level positions to $214,335 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Florida is 0.9% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Florida a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, Florida offers a lucrative environment for Commercial Pilots.The state boasts a high concentration of pilots and a cost of living only slightly above the national average, making the $142,890 average salary highly competitive.

Is Florida a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

The Cost of Living Index in Florida is 102.3. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Florida?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($84,880) and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL.

How does Florida's pilot salary compare to the national average?

Commercial Pilots in Florida earn an average of $142,890 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $144,150.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.85 mean for pilots in Florida?

A Location Quotient of 1.85 signifies that Commercial Pilots are nearly twice as concentrated in Florida compared to the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand for the profession within the state.

How does the cost of living in Florida affect a pilot's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 102.3, Florida's expenses are only marginally higher than the national average. This means the average pilot salary of $142,890 retains substantial purchasing power.

Is the job market for Commercial Pilots strong in Florida?

Yes, the robust workforce size of 6,100 and a high Location Quotient suggest a strong and active job market for Commercial Pilots in Florida.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,100 employees in the Florida area with a job density of 0.621 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 Florida