Airline Pilot Salary in Indiana
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$171,260
$82.34/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
-20.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$84K – $338K
Airline pilot salary in Indiana averages $171,260 per year, which is approximately 20% below the national average. However, compensation in this field varies considerably, with pilots earning anywhere from $83,680 to $338,390 annually depending on their experience level, employer, and career progression within the aviation industry.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in Indiana, including years of flying experience, seniority with their employer, and the type of aircraft they operate. Regional airlines typically pay less than major carriers, while factors like route assignments, union representation, and whether pilots hold leadership positions such as captain also significantly impact earning potential. Economic conditions within the airline industry further affect salary trajectories.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,680 |
| 25th percentile | $83,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $171,260 |
| 75th percentile | $338,390 |
| 90th percentile | $338,390 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $171,050 |
| 2025 | $171,260 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,470 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $171,050 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $171,260 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,470 | $214,691 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $171,260 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $338,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $338,390 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Airline Pilot ($171,260 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in IN | $82,530 | -51.8% | $39.68/hr |
| Plumber in IN | $76,320 | -55.4% | $36.69/hr |
| Electrician in IN | $68,490 | -60.0% | $32.93/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IN | $50,070 | -70.8% | $24.07/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IN | $49,890 | -70.9% | $23.99/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IN | $49,360 | -71.2% | $23.73/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IN | $37,730 | -78.0% | $18.14/hr |
| Dentist in IN | $166,650 | -2.7% | $80.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in IN | $177,300 | +3.5% | $85.24/hr |
| Engineering Manager in IN | $155,810 | -9.0% | $74.91/hr |
| Pharmacist in IN | $144,290 | -15.7% | $69.37/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IN | $142,040 | -17.1% | $68.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Indiana?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Indiana is $171,260 per year, or approximately $82 per hour. This is about 20.1% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Indiana?
- Airline pilots in Indiana earn between $83,680 and $338,390 annually, depending on experience, airline, and other factors. This wide range reflects the variation in pay across different career stages and employer types.
Is the Indiana airline pilot salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Indiana's median airline pilot salary of $171,260 is 20.1% lower than the national average. However, the top earners in the state can reach $338,390 annually, which is competitive with national figures.
What hourly wage do airline pilots earn in Indiana?
- The median hourly wage for airline pilots in Indiana is $82 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $171,260. Entry-level pilots earn approximately $40 per hour based on the $83,680 starting salary.