Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Commercial Pilots in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $126,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $144,150, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the concentration of aviation businesses, play a significant role in compensation levels within this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $126,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,380.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area supports a specialized workforce of 310 Commercial Pilots. With a Location Quotient of 0.63, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other regions. The presence of 0.212 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for skilled aviators in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-12.3%below the national average.
$60.8
$2,430
$10,531
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Commercial Pilots is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increased air travel demand, evolving pilot training standards, and a persistent need for experienced flight crews likely contribute to salary growth across the industry, including this Florida region.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Salary progression for Commercial Pilots in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours, advanced ratings, and experience in larger aircraft or specialized operations can significantly exceed the average. The variance in earnings across different experience levels highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $57,780 | $27.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $94,778 | $45.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $119,440 | $57.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $157,963 | $75.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $218,380 | $105 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$126,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$126,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $126,370 for Commercial Pilots in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of this income locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial outlook for those considering a move.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.212
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.63x 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 0.63 indicates that Commercial Pilots are less concentrated in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not as saturated as in major aviation hubs, the demand might also be more niche. It presents an opportunity for skilled pilots to find positions, but perhaps with fewer employers competing for talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Commercial Pilots Salary | $84,880↓ 33% | 32 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Commercial Pilots Salary | $119,240↓ 6% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Commercial Pilotss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $126,370. This typically ranges from $57,780 for entry-level positions to $218,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 12.3% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $126,370 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $144,150 for Commercial Pilots. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($84,880) and South Florida nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater pilot salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is $126,370, which is $17,780 less than the national average of $144,150.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.63, meaning there are fewer Commercial Pilots per worker in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the pilot salary in Tampa?
The cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is exactly at the national average (100), so the $126,370 salary offers average purchasing power locally.
What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in the Tampa area?
There are approximately 310 Commercial Pilots employed within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.
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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.212 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL