North Dakota Median
$133,010
per year
Hourly Rate
$63.95
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+8% vs US median
US median $123,220
State Rank
#12 of 48
370 employed here
How much does a Commercial Pilot make in North Dakota?
Commercial Pilots in North Dakota take home a median of $133,010 annually — roughly $63.95 an hour — which runs 8% above the national median of $123,220.
Within North Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $65,630 while the top 10% make $237,050 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $92,870 and $234,990 a year.
Commercial Pilot salary range in North Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,630 | $31.55 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $92,870 | $44.65 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $133,010 | $63.95 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $234,990 | $112.98 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $237,050 | $113.97 |
|
How North Dakota compares
North Dakota ranks 12th out of 48 states and territories for Commercial Pilot pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Commercial Pilot salary in other states
Connecticut $232,160New Jersey $226,710New York $177,430California $165,590Delaware $163,600Ohio $150,330Georgia $145,100Colorado $139,680Texas $137,960Vermont $137,810Pennsylvania $134,030Maryland $131,210Kentucky $129,990Wisconsin $129,860North Carolina $127,310Michigan $126,670Oklahoma $126,180Illinois $126,100Florida $121,890Oregon $120,760Washington $117,730Maine $117,560Tennessee $117,480Hawaii $113,030Idaho $109,620West Virginia $105,950South Carolina $105,740Kansas $105,440Nevada $105,340Virginia $104,890Nebraska $104,780Indiana $104,160Montana $103,690Mississippi $103,640Arizona $103,060Missouri $102,990Wyoming $102,990Iowa $101,800Alabama $101,420Alaska $100,120Utah $99,610Rhode Island $98,820Minnesota $98,630New Mexico $97,920Louisiana $95,940Arkansas $94,410South Dakota $83,710
Working as a Commercial Pilot in North Dakota
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 North Dakota pay ($133,010) 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 North Dakota?
The median Commercial Pilot salary in North Dakota is $133,010 per year, or about $63.95 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,630 at the entry level to $237,050 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Dakota pay compare to the national average?
North Dakota pays Commercial Pilots about 8% more than the national median of $123,220. North Dakota ranks 12th out of 48 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Dakota a good state for Commercial Pilots?
Yes on pay — North Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $133,010 a year. About 370 Commercial Pilots are employed in North Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in North Dakota include Surgeon, All Other ($604,890), Radiologist ($553,140), Physician, All Other ($454,550), 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.