Average Commercial Pilots Salary in North Dakota
Commercial Pilots in North Dakota earn an average annual salary of $132,640, which is slightly below the national average of $144,150. This localized pay rate is influenced by a variety of factors unique to the state's economic landscape, including regional demand for air travel and the specific operational costs for aviation companies within North Dakota.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $132,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $209,580.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 Commercial Pilots, North Dakota presents a niche but potentially stable job market. The location quotient of 1.63 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for their services within the state's aviation sector.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in North Dakota earns-8.0%below the national average.
$63.8
$2,551
$11,053
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for North Dakota is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Commercial Pilots nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by increasing demand for air travel and a need for experienced flight crews. This trend likely extends to North Dakota, where pilot compensation would adjust to reflect market conditions and inflation.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in North Dakota
The salary trajectory for Commercial Pilots in North Dakota, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect compensation at the higher end of the pay scale. The percentile distribution of salaries within the state would clearly delineate these progression levels, offering a roadmap for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $60,070 | $28.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $99,480 | $47.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $111,120 | $53.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $165,800 | $79.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $209,580 | $100.8 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$132,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$140,956
Adjusted for COL (94.1)
The average annual salary of $132,640 for Commercial Pilots in North Dakota is quite favorable when considering the local cost of living index of 94.1. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in North Dakota is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.549
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
North Dakota 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 1.63 for Commercial Pilots in North Dakota signifies that the state has a significantly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized market for aviation talent, potentially indicating strong demand from local airlines, cargo operations, or other aviation-related industries requiring skilled pilots.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND Commercial Pilots Salary | $192,410↑ 45% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Dakota
Hiring Commercial Pilotss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in North Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in North Dakota is $132,640. This typically ranges from $60,070 for entry-level positions to $209,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Dakota is 8.0% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is North Dakota a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, North Dakota's lower cost of living index means your earnings can go further. The high concentration of pilots also suggests a stable job market.
Is North Dakota a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Dakota?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bismarck, ND ($192,410) and others.
How does the number of Commercial Pilots in North Dakota compare nationally?
North Dakota has a total local workforce of 230 Commercial Pilots, which, when considered with the national average, indicates a specialized regional demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.63 mean for Commercial Pilots in North Dakota?
A Location Quotient of 1.63 means that Commercial Pilots are 63% more concentrated in North Dakota than the national average, indicating a stronger presence and potentially higher demand for their skills in the state.
How does the Cost of Living in North Dakota affect a Commercial Pilot's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.1, North Dakota is more affordable than the national average. This means the $132,640 average salary offers a higher effective purchasing power for pilots residing in the state.
Are there many job opportunities for Commercial Pilots in North Dakota?
The concentration indicated by the Location Quotient suggests a healthy market, though the total workforce size of 230 implies a more specialized rather than a broadly abundant job pool.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the North Dakota area with a job density of 0.549 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Commercial Pilots Salaries by State
Top Jobs in North Dakota
- All Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Management Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Production Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in North Dakota
- Browse All Jobs in North Dakota →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Commercial Pilots • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Dakota