Commercial Pilot Salary in New York (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Commercial Pilots in New York, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$177,430
per year
Hourly Rate
$85.30
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+44% vs US median
US median $123,220
State Rank
#3 of 48
1,070 employed here

How much does a Commercial Pilot make in New York?

A Commercial Pilot working in New York earns a median salary of $177,430 per year, or about $85.30 per hour. That is 44% above the national median of $123,220 for this occupation.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $63,080 while the top 10% make $297,680 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $103,390 and $257,810 a year.

Commercial Pilot salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$63,080$30.33
25th percentile (early career)$103,390$49.71
50th percentile (median)$177,430$85.30
75th percentile (experienced)$257,810$123.95
90th percentile (top earners)$297,680$143.12

How New York compares

New York ranks 3rd out of 48 states and territories for Commercial Pilot pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Connecticut$232,160
2New Jersey$226,710
3New York$177,430
4California$165,590
5Delaware$163,600

Working as a Commercial Pilot in New York

Nationally, about 48,000 people work as Commercial Pilots in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare New York pay ($177,430) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Commercial Pilot make in New York?
The median Commercial Pilot salary in New York is $177,430 per year, or about $85.30 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $63,080 at the entry level to $297,680 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Commercial Pilots about 44% more than the national median of $123,220. New York ranks 3rd out of 48 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Commercial Pilots?
Yes on pay — New York pays above the national median for this occupation, at $177,430 a year. About 1,070 Commercial Pilots are employed in New York. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Commercial Pilot salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.