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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Montana

Commercial Pilots in Montana earn an average annual salary of $108,940, which is notably below the national average of $144,150. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand within Montana's aviation sector, and potentially lower operational costs for airlines in the state compared to major metropolitan hubs.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $108,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $142,970.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 Commercial Pilots, Montana presents a concentrated niche for aviation professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.71 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Montana than the national average, suggesting a robust demand relative to the available workforce, even with a smaller absolute number of positions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$108,940

The average Commercial Pilots in Montana earns-24.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$52.4

Weekly

$2,095

Monthly

$9,078

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Montana

Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Montana, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior pilot salaries, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial career growth opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$55,130$26.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$81,705$39.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$103,110$49.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$136,175$65.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$142,970$68.7

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$108,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$101,908

Adjusted for COL (106.9)

The average annual salary of $108,940 in Montana needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 106.9. Since the index is slightly above the national average (100), the purchasing power of a Commercial Pilot's salary in Montana is marginally reduced compared to a national average cost of living. Therefore, while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the slightly elevated cost of living means the real income may be impacted.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

0.575

Per 1K Jobs

1.71

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Montana has 1.7x 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.

Montana's Location Quotient of 1.71 for Commercial Pilots is a strong indicator of a specialized and relatively concentrated job market. A quotient above 1.0 signifies that the occupation is more prevalent in this state than the national average, suggesting that employers in Montana actively seek out and employ a higher proportion of Commercial Pilots relative to their overall workforce compared to other states.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots

CitySalaryDist.
Helena, MT Commercial Pilots Salary$90,640↓ 17%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Montana

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Montana?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Montana is $108,940. This typically ranges from $55,130 for entry-level positions to $142,970 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Montana is 24.4% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Montana a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

No, not compared to the national average.While Montana has a higher concentration of Commercial Pilots than the national average, the average salary of $108,940 is significantly lower than the national figure of $144,150.

Is Montana a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Helena, MT ($90,640) and others.

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

The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Montana is $108,940, which is considerably less than the national average of $144,150.

What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Montana?

Montana has a Location Quotient of 1.71 for Commercial Pilots, indicating that the occupation is 71% more concentrated in the state than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a Commercial Pilot's salary in Montana?

With a Cost of Living Index of 106.9, Montana is slightly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $108,940 salary may have slightly less purchasing power than it would in a location with a lower cost of living.

What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in Montana?

There are approximately 290 Commercial Pilots employed in Montana, representing a specific segment of the state's aviation workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 0.575 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 Montana