Airline Pilot Salary in Michigan
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$428,570
$206.04/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+99.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$182K – $429K
Airline pilots in Michigan earn a median salary of $428,570 per year, which is approximately 100% above the national average. This substantial compensation reflects the state's significant aviation industry presence and the critical nature of commercial airline operations. The salary range typically spans from $181,880 to $428,570 annually, depending on various career factors.
Several variables influence airline pilot salary in Michigan, including years of experience, airline employer, aircraft type, and seniority within the pilot union. Regional carriers generally offer lower compensation than major national airlines, while pilots operating larger jets typically earn more than those flying regional aircraft. Additional factors such as flight hours, certifications, and route assignments also contribute to individual salary variations across the state's aviation sector.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $181,880 |
| 25th percentile | $215,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $428,570 |
| 75th percentile | $428,570 |
| 90th percentile | $428,570 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $227,600 |
| 2025 | $428,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $454,284 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $227,600 | $150,453 |
| 2025 | $428,570 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $454,284 | $227,294 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $215,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $428,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $428,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $428,570 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Airline Pilot ($428,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber in MI | $80,190 | -81.3% | $38.55/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in MI | $78,180 | -81.8% | $37.59/hr |
| Electrician in MI | $76,270 | -82.2% | $36.67/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in MI | $61,780 | -85.6% | $29.70/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MI | $54,120 | -87.4% | $26.02/hr |
| Construction Laborer in MI | $49,590 | -88.4% | $23.84/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in MI | $47,580 | -88.9% | $22.88/hr |
| Cardiologist in MI | $419,030 | -2.2% | $201.46/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MI | $417,760 | -2.5% | $200.85/hr |
| Surgeon in MI | $412,460 | -3.8% | $198.30/hr |
| Radiologist in MI | $485,920 | +13.4% | $233.62/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MI | $291,850 | -31.9% | $140.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Michigan?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Michigan is $428,570 per year, or approximately $206 per hour. This is nearly double the national average, making Michigan one of the most lucrative states for pilot employment.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Michigan?
- Airline pilot salaries in Michigan range from $181,880 at the lower end to $428,570 at the median level. This wide range reflects differences in experience, airline, and position within the cockpit hierarchy.
Is the airline pilot salary in Michigan higher than the national average?
- Yes, Michigan airline pilot salaries are significantly higher than the national average, with Michigan paying 99.9% more at the median level of $428,570 per year compared to national figures.
What hourly rate do Michigan airline pilots earn?
- Michigan airline pilots earn a median hourly rate of $206, which translates to an annual salary of $428,570 based on standard flight hour calculations and compensation structures.