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Average Commercial Pilots Salary in South Dakota

Commercial Pilots in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $89,990, which is notably lower than the national average of $144,150. This difference is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local aviation industry, and the overall cost of living within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $89,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $153,600.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 290 Commercial Pilots and a Location Quotient of 1.94, South Dakota exhibits a significant concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests a robust demand or a specialized niche for pilots within the state, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$89,990

The average Commercial Pilots in South Dakota earns-37.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$43.3

Weekly

$1,731

Monthly

$7,499

Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in South Dakota, as elsewhere, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching higher percentiles of the salary range. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$49,770$23.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$67,493$32.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$75,740$36.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$112,488$54.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$153,600$73.8

Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$89,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$98,028

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $89,990 in South Dakota presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a Commercial Pilot's salary in South Dakota is greater than the nominal amount might initially indicate, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

0.651

Per 1K Jobs

1.94

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Dakota has 1.9x 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 1.94 for Commercial Pilots in South Dakota signifies that the profession is more than 1.9 times more concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for pilots relative to the general workforce, suggesting a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Commercial Pilotss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Commercial Pilots make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in South Dakota is $89,990. This typically ranges from $49,770 for entry-level positions to $153,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 37.6% lower than the national median of $144,150.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?

Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.While the average salary is below the national benchmark, South Dakota's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $89,990 average salary, making it financially advantageous.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the number of Commercial Pilots in South Dakota compare nationally?

South Dakota has 0.651 Commercial Pilots per 1,000 workers, indicating a specialized presence within the state's employment landscape.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Commercial Pilots in South Dakota?

A Location Quotient of 1.94 means Commercial Pilots are more than twice as concentrated in South Dakota compared to the national average, suggesting a strong regional presence.

How does the cost of living in South Dakota affect a Commercial Pilot's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $89,990 salary offers greater purchasing power locally.

What factors might contribute to the lower average salary compared to the national average?

Lower average salaries can be influenced by regional economic conditions, the specific types of aviation operations prevalent in the state, and the overall demand-supply dynamics within South Dakota's job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 0.651 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Commercial Pilots • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota