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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Minnesota

Commercial Pilots in Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $129,970, which is notably below the national average of $144,150. This differential can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific demands of the regional aviation industry, the cost of doing business for airlines operating within the state, and the overall economic landscape of Minnesota.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $129,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $205,380.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,540 Commercial Pilots and a Location Quotient of 1.57, Minnesota demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests a robust and established market for aviation talent within the state, indicating a healthy demand that supports the current employment levels.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$129,970

The average Commercial Pilots in Minnesota earns-9.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.5

Weekly

$2,499

Monthly

$10,831

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Minnesota

The salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Minnesota, as in most regions, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level pilots typically earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications command significantly higher salaries. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries often signifies the career advancement opportunities and earning potential available as pilots gain experience.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$55,630$26.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$97,478$46.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$117,960$56.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$162,463$78.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$205,380$98.7

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$129,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$137,680

Adjusted for COL (94.4)

The average annual salary of $129,970 in Minnesota presents a strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.4. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary earned by Commercial Pilots in Minnesota can potentially stretch further, offering a better quality of life compared to more expensive regions.

Job Market Context

1,540

Total Jobs

0.528

Per 1K Jobs

1.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Minnesota has 1.6x 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 1.57 indicates that Commercial Pilots are more concentrated in Minnesota than the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive job market. While this concentration points to a strong presence of aviation roles, it also implies that employers may have a good pool of local talent to draw from, influencing hiring dynamics.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots

CitySalaryDist.
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Commercial Pilots Salary$141,080↑ 9%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Minnesota

Hiring Commercial Pilotss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Minnesota is $129,970. This typically ranges from $55,630 for entry-level positions to $205,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Minnesota is 9.8% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Minnesota a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, Minnesota's lower cost of living means your $129,970 can provide a strong standard of living.

Is Minnesota a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Minnesota?

Some top paying nearby cities include Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($141,080) and others.

How does Minnesota's Commercial Pilot salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Minnesota is $129,970, which is lower than the national average of $144,150.

Is there a high demand for Commercial Pilots in Minnesota?

With a Location Quotient of 1.57, Minnesota has a higher concentration of Commercial Pilots than the national average, indicating a robust and established market for these professionals.

Is the cost of living high for Commercial Pilots in Minnesota?

No, Minnesota's Cost of Living Index is 94.4, which is below the national average of 100, suggesting that the salary offers good purchasing power.

What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in Minnesota?

There are approximately 1,540 Commercial Pilots employed in Minnesota.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Minnesota area with a job density of 0.528 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 Minnesota