Airline Pilot Salary in Colorado
Based on 6K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$307,490
$147.83/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+43.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$189K – $378K
6K employed in Colorado
Airline pilot salary in Colorado is notably competitive, with a median annual compensation of $307,490. This represents a 43% premium above the national average, reflecting Colorado's strong aviation industry presence and the state's higher cost of living. Approximately 5,830 pilots work throughout the state, making it a significant employment hub for the profession.
Several factors influence airline pilot earnings in Colorado, including seniority level, specific airline employer, and aircraft type. Pilots working for major carriers headquartered or with significant operations in the state typically earn toward the higher end of the salary range, which spans from $189,150 to $377,860. Experience, union contracts, and route assignments also play meaningful roles in determining individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $189,150 |
| 25th percentile | $197,310 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $307,490 |
| 75th percentile | $371,190 |
| 90th percentile | $377,860 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $175,330 |
| 2023 | $166,170 |
| 2024 | $211,860 |
| 2025 | $307,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $325,939 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $175,330 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $166,170 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $211,860 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $307,490 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $325,939 | $227,294 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $197,310 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $307,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $371,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $377,860 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Airline Pilot ($307,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in CO | $81,230 | -73.6% | $39.05/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CO | $77,500 | -74.8% | $37.26/hr |
| Plumber in CO | $63,240 | -79.4% | $30.40/hr |
| Electrician in CO | $62,230 | -79.8% | $29.92/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CO | $61,280 | -80.1% | $29.46/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CO | $51,280 | -83.3% | $24.65/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CO | $47,900 | -84.4% | $23.03/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | -2.4% | $144.23/hr |
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +12.0% | $165.51/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | -13.4% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | -13.6% | $127.67/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in CO | $213,370 | -30.6% | $102.58/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Colorado?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Colorado is $307,490 per year, or approximately $148 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 43.4% premium for pilots working in the state.
What is the salary range for pilots in Colorado?
- Airline pilot salaries in Colorado range from $189,150 at the lower end to $377,860 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, seniority, airline, and aircraft type.
How many airline pilots work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 5,830 airline pilots currently employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial pilot workforce supporting the state's aviation industry.
Is Colorado a good state for airline pilot salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers excellent pilot compensation with a median salary of $307,490, which is 43.4% higher than the national average. The state's strong aviation sector and geographic location make it an attractive destination for career pilots seeking competitive wages.