Airline Pilot Salary in Kansas
Based on 80+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$143,580
$69.03/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
-33.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $206K
80 employed in Kansas
The median airline pilot salary in Kansas is $143,580 per year, with approximately 80 pilots currently employed in the state. This figure falls roughly 33% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in aviation industry demand and operating costs. Salaries in this field typically range from $85,860 to $205,580 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in Kansas, including years of experience, employer size, and flight hours accumulated. Pilots working for larger regional carriers generally earn more than those with smaller operators. Additionally, seniority within an airline significantly impacts compensation, as does the type of aircraft flown. Geographic location plays a role too, as Kansas's lower cost of living compared to major aviation hubs contributes to the lower median compensation statewide.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,860 |
| 25th percentile | $128,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $143,580 |
| 75th percentile | $165,340 |
| 90th percentile | $205,580 |
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 Kansas 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 Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,420 |
| 2023 | $119,890 |
| 2024 | $136,510 |
| 2025 | $143,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $151,016 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,420 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $119,890 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $136,510 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $143,580 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $151,016 | $225,533 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $143,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,340 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $205,580 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Airline Pilot ($143,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in KS | $76,780 | -46.5% | $36.91/hr |
| Electrician in KS | $65,860 | -54.1% | $31.66/hr |
| Plumber in KS | $65,220 | -54.6% | $31.36/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in KS | $47,790 | -66.7% | $22.98/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in KS | $47,210 | -67.1% | $22.70/hr |
| Construction Laborer in KS | $44,840 | -68.8% | $21.56/hr |
| Economist in KS | $138,790 | -3.3% | $66.73/hr |
| Optometrist in KS | $138,580 | -3.5% | $66.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in KS | $137,800 | -4.0% | $66.25/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in KS | $134,470 | -6.3% | $64.65/hr |
| Marketing Manager in KS | $154,510 | +7.6% | $74.28/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in KS | $130,330 | -9.2% | $62.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Kansas?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Kansas is $143,580 per year, or approximately $69 per hour. This is 33% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Kansas?
- Airline pilots in Kansas earn between $85,860 and $205,580 annually, depending on experience, airline, and position. The range spans nearly $120,000, reflecting significant variation based on seniority and route assignments.
Is pilot pay in Kansas below the national average?
- Yes, Kansas airline pilot salaries are 33% below the national average. At $143,580 median annually, Kansas pilots earn considerably less than the national median for this profession.
How many airline pilots are employed in Kansas?
- There are approximately 80 airline pilots currently employed in Kansas, representing a relatively small portion of the state's aviation workforce.