Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Kentucky
Commercial Pilots in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $122,050, which is below the national average of $144,150. This difference can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demand within the state and the overall economic landscape that influences compensation for aviation professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $225,060.
- Outlook: The commercial pilot job market in Kentucky, with a total local workforce of 540 professionals, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.8 indicates that the concentration of commercial pilots in Kentucky is slightly below the national average, suggesting a steady but not overwhelming demand for these skilled individuals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Kentucky earns-15.3%below the national average.
$58.7
$2,347
$10,171
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kentucky commercial pilot salary growth isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, pilot shortages, and inflation typically contribute to salary increases in specialized fields like aviation.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Kentucky
Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Kentucky, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours, advanced certifications, and specialized ratings can expect to earn substantially more. The variance in pay across different percentile ranges reflects this clear career trajectory and the increasing value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $63,190 | $30.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $91,538 | $44 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $101,290 | $48.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $152,563 | $73.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $225,060 | $108.2 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$122,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$135,913
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The nominal average salary of $122,050 in Kentucky offers a strong purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the earned income of a commercial pilot in Kentucky can potentially cover more goods and services compared to areas with a higher cost of living, making the effective value of their salary quite attractive.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
0.268
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 0.80x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.8, Kentucky's market for Commercial Pilots is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for pilots, the competition might be less intense compared to states with a higher concentration of aviation jobs. This could translate to more opportunities for qualified pilots seeking employment within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Commercial Pilots Salary | $134,420↑ 10% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Commercial Pilots Salary | $120,650↓ 1% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Commercial Pilots Salary | $128,740↑ 5% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Kentucky is $122,050. This typically ranges from $63,190 for entry-level positions to $225,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 15.3% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national figure, Kentucky's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of the $122,050 average salary.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($134,420) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does Kentucky's Commercial Pilot salary compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in Kentucky earn an average of $122,050 annually, which is approximately $22,100 less than the national average of $144,150.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a Location Quotient of 0.8 for Commercial Pilots, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a Commercial Pilot's salary in Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, Kentucky is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $122,050 salary provides a higher effective purchasing power for pilots residing there.
What is the total number of Commercial Pilots employed in Kentucky?
There are approximately 540 Commercial Pilots working in Kentucky, representing 0.268 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.268 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 Kentucky