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Job outlook for pilots in the United States
Pilot job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected pilot job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 7,700 new jobs for pilots are projected over the next decade.
Pilot salaries have increased 21% for pilots in the last 5 years.
There are over 32,861 pilots currently employed in the United States.
There are 3,049 active pilot job openings in the US.
The average pilot salary is $83,128.
Are pilot jobs in demand?
Yes, pilot jobs are in demand. Pilot demand is projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028.
Pilot job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of pilot jobs and the average pilot salary over time.
Pilot jobs over time
Pilot job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 32,861 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 28,520 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 29,065 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 29,096 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,572 | 0.01% |
Average pilot salary over time
Pilot salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,128 | $39.97 | +8.4% |
| 2024 | $76,695 | $36.87 | +4.7% |
| 2023 | $73,273 | $35.23 | +4.4% |
| 2022 | $70,155 | $33.73 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $68,783 | $33.07 | +1.4% |
Pilot jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of pilot job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where pilots earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average Salary: Job Openings:
Most common states for pilots
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 28 | 4% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 22 | 4% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 26 | 3% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 22 | 3% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 20 | 3% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 31 | 2% |
| 7 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 30 | 2% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 24 | 2% |
| 9 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 24 | 2% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 24 | 2% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 23 | 2% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 22 | 2% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 22 | 2% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 48 | 1% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 42 | 1% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 37 | 1% |
| 17 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 31 | 1% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 30 | 1% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 30 | 1% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 24 | 1% |
Most common cities for pilots
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $76,666 |
| 2 | Pontiac | 2 | 3% | $68,134 |
| 3 | Costa Mesa | 2 | 2% | $105,228 |
| 4 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $67,683 |
| 5 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $80,451 |
| 6 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $81,956 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $65,666 |
| 8 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $90,843 |
| 9 | Anchorage | 2 | 1% | $62,998 |
| 10 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $89,959 |
| 11 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $89,327 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $63,337 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $80,157 |
| 14 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $101,047 |
| 15 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $76,311 |
| 16 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $84,531 |