Airline Pilot Salary in Minnesota
Based on 3K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$211,470
$101.67/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
-1.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$128K – $353K
3K employed in Minnesota
Airline pilot salary in Minnesota averages $211,470 per year, with approximately 2,960 pilots employed across the state. This represents a competitive compensation level, though it falls about 1% below the national average. Minnesota's aviation industry supports a substantial pilot workforce, reflecting the state's significance in commercial air transportation.
Several factors influence airline pilot compensation in Minnesota, including experience level, seniority with specific carriers, and the type of aircraft operated. Regional economic conditions, union negotiations, and the overall demand for pilots also play important roles in determining earnings. Pilots working for major carriers or flying larger aircraft typically earn toward the higher end of the $128,070 to $353,410 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $128,070 |
| 25th percentile | $210,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $211,470 |
| 75th percentile | $337,920 |
| 90th percentile | $353,410 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,480 |
| 2023 | $171,270 |
| 2024 | $184,560 |
| 2025 | $211,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $224,158 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,480 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $171,270 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $184,560 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $211,470 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $224,158 | $227,294 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $210,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $211,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $337,920 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $353,410 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Airline Pilot ($211,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in MN | $97,610 | -53.8% | $46.93/hr |
| Plumber in MN | $94,410 | -55.4% | $45.39/hr |
| Electrician in MN | $78,160 | -63.0% | $37.58/hr |
| Construction Laborer in MN | $60,260 | -71.5% | $28.97/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in MN | $59,200 | -72.0% | $28.46/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MN | $58,390 | -72.4% | $28.07/hr |
| Dentist in MN | $219,200 | +3.7% | $105.38/hr |
| Pediatrician in MN | $226,660 | +7.2% | $108.97/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in MN | $195,670 | -7.5% | $94.07/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MN | $176,380 | -16.6% | $84.80/hr |
| Marketing Manager in MN | $173,300 | -18.0% | $83.32/hr |
| Engineering Manager in MN | $172,130 | -18.6% | $82.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for airline pilots in Minnesota is $211,470 per year, or approximately $102 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.4%, but still represents a strong earning potential in the state.
What is the salary range for pilots working in Minnesota?
- Airline pilots in Minnesota earn between $128,070 and $353,410 annually, depending on experience, airline, and position. This wide range reflects differences in seniority and pilot qualifications across the industry.
How many airline pilots are employed in Minnesota?
- There are currently 2,960 airline pilots employed in Minnesota, representing a substantial workforce in the state's aviation industry.
Is being an airline pilot in Minnesota a good-paying job compared to the US average?
- Yes, the median salary of $211,470 in Minnesota is competitive, though it runs 1.4% below the national average. Most pilots in the state still earn well above typical job salaries, with the top 25% earning over $353,410 annually.