Airline Pilot Salary in Alaska
Based on 1K+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$232,140
$111.61/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+8.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $369K
1K employed in Alaska
Airline pilot salary in Alaska averages $226,490 annually, placing the state significantly above the national average at 50% higher. With approximately 1,620 pilots employed across the state, Alaska offers competitive compensation for aviation professionals. The median salary reflects strong demand for experienced pilots serving Alaska's expansive geography and remote communities dependent on air transportation.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in Alaska, including seniority, flight hours, and employer size. Regional differences matter, as pilots serving remote areas or working for larger carriers typically earn more. Airlines operating in Alaska often provide additional compensation premiums due to challenging flying conditions, geographic isolation, and the specialized skills required to navigate the state's demanding terrain and weather patterns.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,130 |
| 25th percentile | $185,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $232,140 |
| 75th percentile | $369,150 |
| 90th percentile | $369,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Airline Pilot (U.S.)
Which industries pay Airline Pilots the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Airline Pilots in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $290,600 | 99K |
| Wholesale Trade | $164,960 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $139,590 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $130,170 | 600 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $125,000 | 100 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Airline Pilot in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,570 |
| 2024 | $226,490 |
| 2025 | $232,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $237,931 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,570 | $150,453 |
| 2024 | $226,490 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $232,140 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $237,931 | $219,777 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $185,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $232,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $369,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $369,150 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Airline Pilot ($232,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in AK | $102,140 | -56.0% | $49.11/hr |
| Plumber in AK | $93,920 | -59.5% | $45.15/hr |
| Electrician in AK | $89,440 | -61.5% | $43.00/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in AK | $71,510 | -69.2% | $34.38/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in AK | $60,840 | -73.8% | $29.25/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in AK | $60,270 | -74.0% | $28.98/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AK | $58,060 | -75.0% | $27.91/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | -0.5% | $111.05/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in AK | $206,290 | -11.1% | $99.18/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +15.2% | $128.55/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | -26.6% | $81.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | -27.9% | $80.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Alaska?
- Airline pilots in Alaska earn a median salary of $226,490 per year, or approximately $109 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 50% premium for pilots working in the state.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Alaska?
- The salary range for airline pilots in Alaska starts at $57,690 annually at the lower end. However, top earners in the field exceed the upper range limit, with experienced pilots commanding substantially higher compensation.
Is being an airline pilot in Alaska better paid than the national average?
- Yes, airline pilots in Alaska earn 50% more than the national average salary for the profession. The median Alaska pilot salary of $226,490 per year significantly outpaces what pilots earn across the United States.
How many airline pilots are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 1,620 airline pilots currently employed in Alaska, representing a substantial workforce in the state's aviation industry.