Airline Pilot Salary in Arizona
Based on 2K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$227,870
$109.55/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+6.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$96K – $344K
2K employed in Arizona
Airline pilot salary in Arizona averages $227,870 annually, positioning the state as an attractive destination for aviation professionals. This median figure sits 6% above the national average, reflecting Arizona's significant role in the aviation industry with approximately 2,200 employed pilots. Salaries in the state range from $96,380 to $344,080, indicating considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence airline pilot compensation in Arizona, including experience level, airline employer, aircraft type, and seniority within the pilot union. Regional carriers typically offer lower wages than major national airlines, while senior captains command substantially higher pay than first officers. The state's major hubs and competitive aviation market also impact salary structures, as do factors like flight hours, specialized certifications, and individual contract negotiations.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,380 |
| 25th percentile | $163,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $227,870 |
| 75th percentile | $293,730 |
| 90th percentile | $344,080 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $179,660 |
| 2023 | $196,020 |
| 2024 | $198,800 |
| 2025 | $227,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $241,542 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $179,660 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $196,020 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $198,800 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $227,870 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $241,542 | $227,294 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $163,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $227,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $293,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $344,080 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Airline Pilot ($227,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in AZ | $78,550 | -65.5% | $37.76/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in AZ | $77,570 | -66.0% | $37.29/hr |
| Plumber in AZ | $62,070 | -72.8% | $29.84/hr |
| Electrician in AZ | $61,060 | -73.2% | $29.36/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in AZ | $49,570 | -78.2% | $23.83/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in AZ | $47,620 | -79.1% | $22.89/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AZ | $46,590 | -79.6% | $22.40/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +2.7% | $112.48/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +9.1% | $119.55/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +9.6% | $120.06/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +13.8% | $124.67/hr |
| Dentist in AZ | $194,180 | -14.8% | $93.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Arizona?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Arizona is $227,870 per year, or approximately $110 per hour. This is 6.3% higher than the national average for airline pilots, making Arizona a relatively well-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Arizona?
- Airline pilot salaries in Arizona range from $96,380 at the lower end to $344,080 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, seniority, airline type, and route assignments among the state's 2,200 employed pilots.
Is being an airline pilot in Arizona paid more than the national average?
- Yes, airline pilots in Arizona earn 6.3% more than the national average. With a median salary of $227,870 annually, Arizona ranks above the national median for this profession.
How many airline pilots are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 2,200 airline pilots employed in Arizona. This represents the total workforce of pilots in the state earning the median salary of $227,870 and experiencing the salary range of $96,380 to $344,080.