Salary guide
Commercial Pilot Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What commercial pilots earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median commercial pilot salary in the U.S. is $123,220 per year based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $58,850, while the top 10% earned more than $266,620.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Commercial Pilot pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,850 | $28.29 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $84,540 | $40.64 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $123,220 | $59.24 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $190,440 | $91.56 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $266,620 | $128.18 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours; BLS publishes annual wages only for this occupation. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $84,540 | $123,220 | $190,440 |
| Per month | $7,045 | $10,268 | $15,870 |
| Every two weeks | $3,252 | $4,739 | $7,325 |
| Per week | $1,626 | $2,370 | $3,662 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects commercial pilot pay
- Licenses and endorsements (CDL Class A, hazmat, tanker)
- Overtime and peak-season premium pay
- Long-haul versus local routes
- Equipment certifications and safety record
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as a commercial pilot
- Get credentialed: Commercial pilot certificate, Instrument rating, Second-class medical certificate.
- Build specialty experience: Fly charter, cargo or tours.
- Move up: roles such as corporate or captain and airline pilot or chief pilot typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Commercial Pilot pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of commercial pilots to change by +5.2% from 2025–35, faster than average compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 5,200 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 53-2012 (“Commercial pilots”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Commercial Pilot salary FAQ
How much does a commercial pilot make per hour?
BLS reports only annual wages for commercial pilots, because most are paid a yearly salary rather than by the hour. Spread over a standard 2,080-hour work year, the May 2025 median of $123,220 works out to about $59.24 an hour.
How much does a commercial pilot make a month?
At the median annual wage of $123,220, that works out to about $10,268 per month before taxes, or about $4,739 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for a commercial pilot?
New commercial pilots often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $58,850 and the 25th percentile was $84,540 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can commercial pilots earn more?
Common ways include earning Commercial pilot certificate and Instrument rating, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as corporate or captain.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-2012 (Commercial pilots).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Commercial pilots (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.