Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Commercial Pilots in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $167,660. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $144,150, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive pilot compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $167,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 98.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $251,490.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area supports a dedicated workforce of 350 Commercial Pilots. With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 0.291 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit modest, demand for skilled pilots in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+16.3%above the national average.
$80.6
$3,224
$13,972
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Commercial Pilots in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, advancements in aviation technology, and the ongoing need for experienced flight crews likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
The salary progression for Commercial Pilots is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential as pilots accumulate experience and specialized skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $74,170 | $35.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $125,745 | $60.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $131,250 | $63.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $209,575 | $100.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $251,490 | $120.9 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$167,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$167,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $167,660 for Commercial Pilots in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.291
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.86x 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 0.86 suggests that while Commercial Pilots are a vital part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro workforce, their concentration is slightly less than the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is present, but the supply of pilots is not excessively high, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Commercial Pilots Salary | $101,410↓ 40% | 44 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $167,660. This typically ranges from $74,170 for entry-level positions to $251,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 16.3% higher than the national median of $144,150.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Commercial Pilots.Commercial Pilots in this region earn approximately $23,510 more than the national average. Coupled with a national average cost of living, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($101,410) and others.
What is the average salary for a Commercial Pilot in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The average annual salary for a Commercial Pilot in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $167,660.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro ($167,660) is higher than the national average ($144,150) by approximately $23,510.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.86, which is slightly below the national average of 1.0.
How does the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro affect pilot salaries?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $167,660 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 0.291 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA