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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh, PA earn an average annual salary of $134,290, which is slightly below the national average of $144,150. This differential can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demands of regional aviation industries and the overall supply and demand dynamics within the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $134,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,230.
  • Outlook: The Pittsburgh market for Commercial Pilots, while not as concentrated as the national average with a Location Quotient of 0.64, still supports a dedicated workforce of 240 professionals. The presence of this workforce, measured at 0.214 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicates a stable, albeit specialized, demand for these skilled aviation experts within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$134,290

The average Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh, PA earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$64.6

Weekly

$2,583

Monthly

$11,191

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Pittsburgh, PA

The salary range for Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh, PA, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and certifications can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles clearly signify a robust career progression path, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$66,260$31.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$100,718$48.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$131,610$63.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$167,863$80.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$169,230$81.4

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$134,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$134,290

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $134,290 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh find their nominal earnings align precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary in Pittsburgh is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

0.214

Per 1K Jobs

0.64

Location Quotient

Below Average

Pittsburgh, PA has 0.64x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.64 for Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh suggests that the profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a professional community, the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled pilots to find positions relative to the number of available professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Commercial Pilotss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Pittsburgh, PA?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh, PA is $134,290. This typically ranges from $66,260 for entry-level positions to $169,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pittsburgh, PA is 6.8% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is Pittsburgh, PA a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, with caveats.Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh earn $134,290 annually, which is competitive given the national average cost of living. However, it is slightly below the national average salary for the profession.

Is Pittsburgh, PA a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

The Cost of Living Index in Pittsburgh, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

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

The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh, PA is $134,290, which is approximately $9,860 less than the national average of $144,150.

What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a lower concentration of Commercial Pilots compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.64, indicating fewer jobs per 1,000 workers relative to the nation.

How does the cost of living in Pittsburgh affect pilot salaries?

Pittsburgh's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $134,290 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for pilots.

What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in Pittsburgh?

There are approximately 240 Commercial Pilots employed in the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Pittsburgh, PA area with a job density of 0.214 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.