Airline Pilot Salary in Iowa
Based on 100+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$131,730
$63.33/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
-38.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $201K
100 employed in Iowa
Airline pilot salary in Iowa reflects the state's smaller aviation market compared to major hubs. The median salary for airline pilots in Iowa is $131,730 per year, based on data from approximately 100 employed pilots. However, this figure falls about 39% below the national average, indicating that Iowa positions offer lower compensation than pilots typically earn in other states.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in Iowa, including the size and financial health of regional carriers operating in the state, seniority within an airline, and years of flying experience. The limited number of major airlines headquartered in Iowa means fewer high-paying positions compared to states with larger aviation infrastructure. Additionally, the cost of living in Iowa may partially offset the lower salaries, making positions more competitive for candidates prioritizing quality of life over maximum earnings.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,100 |
| 25th percentile | $86,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,730 |
| 75th percentile | $168,510 |
| 90th percentile | $201,080 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,350 |
| 2023 | $134,910 |
| 2024 | $130,980 |
| 2025 | $131,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,484 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,350 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $134,910 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $130,980 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $131,730 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,484 | $215,656 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $86,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $131,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $168,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $201,080 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Airline Pilot ($131,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | -40.4% | $37.75/hr |
| Plumber in IA | $63,890 | -51.5% | $30.72/hr |
| Electrician in IA | $60,860 | -53.8% | $29.26/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IA | $52,160 | -60.4% | $25.08/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IA | $50,510 | -61.7% | $24.28/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IA | $48,870 | -62.9% | $23.50/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IA | $48,490 | -63.2% | $23.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in IA | $131,360 | -0.3% | $63.15/hr |
| Marketing Manager in IA | $131,120 | -0.5% | $63.04/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in IA | $130,160 | -1.2% | $62.58/hr |
| Financial Manager in IA | $133,320 | +1.2% | $64.10/hr |
| Sales Manager in IA | $134,010 | +1.7% | $64.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Iowa?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Iowa is $131,730 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. This is 38.6% below the national average for the position, making Iowa a lower-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Iowa?
- Airline pilot salaries in Iowa range from $64,100 at the lower end to $201,080 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, seniority, and airline employer.
Is being an airline pilot in Iowa less lucrative than other states?
- Yes, airline pilots in Iowa earn 38.6% less than the national average. With a median salary of $131,730, Iowa significantly lags behind the national median for this profession.
How many airline pilots are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 100 airline pilots currently employed in Iowa, representing a relatively small workforce in this specialized field.