Average Commercial Pilots Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Commercial Pilots in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $151,760. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $144,150, suggesting that the unique economic drivers and demand within this specific region contribute to higher compensation for aviation professionals. The concentration of government, defense, and corporate activities likely fuels this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $151,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $227,640.
- Outlook: The job market for Commercial Pilots in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, while having a total local workforce of 440, shows a Location Quotient of 0.42. This indicates that while the absolute number of pilots is moderate, the concentration relative to the national average is lower, suggesting a potentially stable but not overly saturated market. The rate of 0.141 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the demand within this specific labor landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Commercial Pilots in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+5.3%above the national average.
$73
$2,918
$12,647
Commercial Pilots Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Commercial Pilots 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 wages, ensuring that compensation remains competitive.
Commercial Pilots Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Commercial Pilots typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive flight hours and advanced certifications can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would signify the substantial earning potential as pilots advance through junior, senior, and captain roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $72,420 | $34.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $113,820 | $54.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $125,690 | $60.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $189,700 | $91.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $227,640 | $109.4 |
Detailed Commercial Pilots Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$151,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$151,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $151,760 for Commercial Pilots in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a pilot's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape where earnings effectively cover typical expenses.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
0.141
Per 1K Jobs
0.42
Location Quotient
At 0.42x, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 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 0.42, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has a lower concentration of Commercial Pilots compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of pilot availability relative to demand, potentially offering favorable opportunities for skilled professionals seeking employment in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Commercial Pilots
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Commercial Pilots Salary | $141,220↓ 7% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Commercial Pilots Salary | $165,900↑ 9% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Commercial Pilots Salary | $99,950↓ 34% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Commercial Pilotss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Commercial Pilots make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Commercial Pilots in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $151,760. This typically ranges from $72,420 for entry-level positions to $227,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 5.3% higher than the national median of $144,150.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Commercial Pilots.Commercial Pilots in this region earn an average of $151,760 annually, which is higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for the profession.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Commercial Pilots?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($141,220) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $151,760, which is $7,610 higher than the national average of $144,150.
What is the concentration of Commercial Pilots in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
The concentration of Commercial Pilots in this region, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.42, is below the national average, suggesting a less dense professional population compared to the rest of the country.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Commercial Pilot's salary in this area?
No, the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $151,760 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Commercial Pilots are there locally compared to the national average?
There are 0.141 Commercial Pilot jobs per 1,000 workers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area, which is significantly lower than the national average concentration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.141 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Commercial Pilots Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- All Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Browse All Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Commercial Pilots • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV