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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Missouri

Commercial Pilots in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $126,560, which is below the national average of $144,150. This difference in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the aviation industry within the state, and the overall cost of living which can affect salary benchmarks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $126,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,580.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 810 Commercial Pilots, Missouri presents a stable, albeit not highly concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates a slightly lower presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate demand that aligns with the state's overall economic landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$126,560

The average Commercial Pilots in Missouri earns-12.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.8

Weekly

$2,434

Monthly

$10,547

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Missouri

The salary trajectory for Commercial Pilots in Missouri, as in most regions, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and specialized certifications can expect to earn substantially more. The gap between the lower and higher salary percentiles reflects this critical career progression and the value placed on accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$73,730$35.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$94,920$45.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$124,060$59.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$158,200$76.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$203,580$97.9

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$126,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$143,167

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The average annual salary of $126,560 in Missouri offers a strong purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.4, which is notably below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Commercial Pilots in Missouri can translate into a higher real income and a better quality of life compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

810

Total Jobs

0.279

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Missouri has 0.83x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.83 for Commercial Pilots in Missouri suggests that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and necessary, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike, without extreme competition or scarcity.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Commercial Pilotss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Missouri is $126,560. This typically ranges from $73,730 for entry-level positions to $203,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 12.2% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, Missouri's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of a Commercial Pilot's income.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Missouri's cost of living affect pilot salaries?

Missouri's cost of living index of 88.4, being below the national average, means that the average salary of $126,560 provides a relatively high standard of living and greater disposable income for pilots.

What is the job concentration for Commercial Pilots in Missouri?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.83, indicates that Commercial Pilots are slightly less prevalent in Missouri's workforce compared to the national average.

How many Commercial Pilots are there in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 810 Commercial Pilots, forming a significant portion of the state's specialized aviation workforce.

What is the national average salary for a Commercial Pilot?

The national average annual salary for a Commercial Pilot is $144,150, placing Missouri's average slightly below this benchmark.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 0.279 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.