Average Commercial Pilots Salary in New Jersey
Commercial Pilots in New Jersey command an impressive average annual salary of $229,820, significantly surpassing the national average of $144,150. This substantial difference is often dictated by the state's robust economic activity, proximity to major aviation hubs, and the high demand for skilled aviators in a densely populated region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $229,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 141.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $344,730.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 Commercial Pilots, New Jersey presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that while the concentration of pilots is below the national average, the presence of a dedicated workforce suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for their services within the state's aviation sector.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in New Jersey earns+59.4%above the national average.
$110.5
$4,420
$19,152
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for New Jersey Commercial Pilots isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased air travel demand, and evolving industry standards typically contribute to upward salary adjustments for highly skilled aviation professionals.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in New Jersey
The career trajectory for Commercial Pilots in New Jersey typically involves significant salary progression tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower, but with accumulated flight hours, advanced certifications, and progression to captain roles, salaries can ascend into the higher percentiles, reflecting the increasing value and expertise brought to the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $99,350 | $47.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $172,365 | $82.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $229,820 | $110.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $287,275 | $138.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $344,730 | $165.7 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$229,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$204,466
Adjusted for COL (112.4)
While the nominal salary of $229,820 is exceptionally high, New Jersey's Cost of Living Index of 112.4 means that expenses are about 12.4% higher than the national average. This suggests that while pilots earn substantially more, a portion of that higher income will be absorbed by the increased cost of housing, goods, and services in the state.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
0.186
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
New Jersey has 0.55x 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 0.55 for Commercial Pilots in New Jersey signifies that the profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. This could imply fewer job openings relative to the overall workforce, but it also suggests that pilots who are established in the state may face less direct competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Commercial Pilots Salary | $184,620↓ 20% | 14 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Commercial Pilots Salary | $231,160↑ 1% | 39 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Commercial Pilots Salary | $154,050↓ 33% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Jersey
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in New Jersey is $229,820. This typically ranges from $99,350 for entry-level positions to $344,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 59.4% higher than the national median of $144,150.
Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, New Jersey is a highly lucrative state for Commercial Pilots.Commercial Pilots in New Jersey earn significantly above the national average salary. Despite a higher cost of living, the substantial income potential makes it an attractive location.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($184,620) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.
What is the average salary for a Commercial Pilot in New Jersey?
The average annual salary for a Commercial Pilot in New Jersey is $229,820, which is considerably higher than the national average.
How does New Jersey's cost of living affect pilot salaries?
New Jersey has a cost of living index of 112.4, meaning it's 12.4% more expensive than the national average. While pilot salaries are high, this increased cost of living should be factored into financial planning.
Is the job market for Commercial Pilots strong in New Jersey?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.55, indicating a stable but not overly saturated presence of Commercial Pilots.
How many Commercial Pilots work in New Jersey?
There are approximately 790 Commercial Pilots employed within New Jersey.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.186 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 New Jersey