Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Virginia
Commercial Pilots in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $134,000, which is slightly below the national average of $144,150. This difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors and the specific demand within the state's aviation sector. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities inherent in the role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $134,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $226,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,110 Commercial Pilots, Virginia presents a moderately sized employment pool for this profession. The location quotient of 0.81 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Virginia is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated market for aviation professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Virginia earns-7.0%below the national average.
$64.4
$2,577
$11,167
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Virginia's Commercial Pilot salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing demand for air travel, advancements in aviation technology, and inflation typically contribute to salary growth in specialized fields like commercial aviation.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Virginia
The salary trajectory for Commercial Pilots in Virginia, as in most regions, typically sees significant growth with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned pilots with extensive flight hours, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore the clear career progression and earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $55,740 | $26.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $100,500 | $48.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $115,490 | $55.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $167,500 | $80.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $226,420 | $108.9 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$134,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$132,150
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
An average annual salary of $134,000 in Virginia aligns closely with the state's cost of living index of 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power that is very close to the national average, suggesting that the take-home pay for Commercial Pilots in Virginia will feel relatively comparable to national standards in terms of daily expenses.
Job Market Context
1,110
Total Jobs
0.273
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Virginia has 0.81x 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 0.81 for Commercial Pilots in Virginia indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of Commercial Pilots, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike, without extreme competition or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Commercial Pilots Salary | $154,530↑ 15% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Virginia is $134,000. This typically ranges from $55,740 for entry-level positions to $226,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 7.0% lower than the national median of $144,150.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, Virginia offers a competitive salary for Commercial Pilots.Commercial Pilots in Virginia earn $134,000 annually, which is competitive given the state's cost of living is only slightly above the national average.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($154,530) and others.
How does Virginia's Commercial Pilot salary compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in Virginia earn an average of $134,000 annually, which is approximately 7% lower than the national average of $144,150.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in Virginia?
Virginia has a location quotient of 0.81 for Commercial Pilots, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect pilot salaries?
With a cost of living index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly more expensive than the national average, making the $134,000 salary provide purchasing power close to the national norm.
What is the total number of Commercial Pilots in Virginia?
There are approximately 1,110 Commercial Pilots employed in Virginia, representing 0.273 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,110 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.273 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 Virginia