Average Commercial Pilots Salary in South Carolina
Commercial Pilots in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $127,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $144,150, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within the state. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $197,470.
- Outlook: The South Carolina market for Commercial Pilots, with a total workforce of 310 individuals, presents a modest employment base. The Location Quotient of 0.41 indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not as densely populated as in other regions. The rate of 0.137 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the current demand within the state's broader labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in South Carolina earns-11.4%below the national average.
$61.4
$2,456
$10,644
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Carolina Commercial Pilots is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this specialized field have experienced steady 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 skilled pilots likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, even in markets with lower concentrations.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in South Carolina, 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 command responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The variance between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, highlights the substantial career growth and earning potential available within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,500 | $23.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $95,798 | $46.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $119,810 | $57.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $159,663 | $76.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $197,470 | $94.9 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$133,191
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $127,730 for Commercial Pilots in South Carolina should be evaluated in conjunction with the state's Cost of Living Index of 95.9. Since this index is slightly below the national average of 100, the nominal salary may offer a slightly better purchasing power locally than it would in a higher cost-of-living area. This suggests that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in South Carolina could partially offset this difference.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.137
Per 1K Jobs
0.41
Location Quotient
At 0.41x, South Carolina has a notably lower concentration of Commercial Pilots jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.41, South Carolina has a significantly lower concentration of Commercial Pilots relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these professionals in the state is less saturated and potentially less competitive than in major aviation hubs. While the absolute number of jobs (0.137 per 1,000 workers) is modest, the lower concentration could imply a greater demand for skilled pilots relative to the available workforce, potentially leading to more favorable negotiation opportunities for experienced individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Commercial Pilots Salary | $155,290↑ 22% | 13 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Commercial Pilots Salary | $150,050↑ 17% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in South Carolina is $127,730. This typically ranges from $49,500 for entry-level positions to $197,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 11.4% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
No, not compared to the national average.Commercial Pilots in South Carolina earn an average of $127,730, which is below the national average of $144,150. While the cost of living is slightly lower, the overall compensation is less lucrative.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($155,290) and Charleston-North Charleston, SC.
How does the South Carolina Commercial Pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in South Carolina is $127,730, which is approximately $16,420 less than the national average of $144,150.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a lower concentration of Commercial Pilots compared to the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.41. This means there are fewer pilots per capita in South Carolina relative to the rest of the United States.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect pilot salaries?
South Carolina's Cost of Living Index is 95.9, which is slightly below the national average of 100. This means that the $127,730 salary might offer slightly better purchasing power locally than the national average salary would in a higher cost-of-living state.
What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in South Carolina?
There are approximately 310 Commercial Pilots employed in South Carolina, representing a small segment of the state's overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 0.137 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 South Carolina