Airline Pilot Salary in Kentucky
Based on 6K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$350,950
$168.73/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+63.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$183K – $408K
6K employed in Kentucky
Airline pilot salary in Kentucky reflects strong earning potential in the aviation industry. The median annual salary for airline pilots in the state stands at $350,950, significantly outpacing national averages. With approximately 6,260 pilots employed across Kentucky, compensation ranges from $182,780 to $407,760 annually, placing the state's pilots roughly 64% above the national average for their profession.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in Kentucky, including seniority, flight hours, airline employer, and aircraft type. Pilots with extensive experience and those flying larger commercial jets typically earn higher compensation than newer pilots operating regional routes. Additionally, the cost of living, local demand for aviation services, and competition among regional carriers shape the overall salary landscape for aviation professionals in the state.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $182,780 |
| 25th percentile | $214,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $350,950 |
| 75th percentile | $398,760 |
| 90th percentile | $407,760 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $350,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $361,479 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $350,950 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $361,479 | $220,861 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $214,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $350,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $398,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $407,760 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Airline Pilot ($350,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller in KY | $123,290 | -64.9% | $59.27/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in KY | $73,490 | -79.1% | $35.33/hr |
| Plumber in KY | $64,160 | -81.7% | $30.85/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | -83.0% | $28.71/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in KY | $46,810 | -86.7% | $22.50/hr |
| Construction Laborer in KY | $45,710 | -87.0% | $21.98/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in KY | $44,890 | -87.2% | $21.58/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | -0.9% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | -9.6% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | -20.2% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | -29.1% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | -31.2% | $116.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Kentucky?
- Airline pilots in Kentucky earn a median salary of $350,950 per year, which translates to approximately $169 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 63.7% premium compared to pilots nationwide.
What is the salary range for airline pilots in Kentucky?
- The salary range for airline pilots in Kentucky spans from $182,780 to $407,760 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, airline, and pilot rank within the state's aviation industry.
How many airline pilots work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 6,260 airline pilots employed in Kentucky, making it a significant employment hub for aviation professionals in the region.
Is the pilot salary in Kentucky above the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky airline pilots earn substantially more than the national average, with their median salary of $350,950 exceeding the national average by 63.7%. This makes Kentucky one of the most lucrative states for airline pilot employment.