Airline Pilot Salary in North Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$151,540
$72.86/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
-29.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$98K – $207K
2K employed in North Carolina
Exploring the "Airline Pilot salary in North Carolina" reveals a median annual income of $151,540. This figure falls within a broad salary range of $97,700 to $206,700, reflecting significant variation in earnings within the profession across the state. It's important to note that this median is approximately 29% below the national average for airline pilots.
Several factors can influence an individual's Airline Pilot salary in North Carolina. These often include the pilot's experience level, the specific airline they work for, the type of aircraft they fly, and the volume of flights handled. Additionally, the number of employed pilots, currently around 2,240 in the state, can also impact the competitive landscape for compensation.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $97,700 |
| 25th percentile | $99,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $151,540 |
| 75th percentile | $199,660 |
| 90th percentile | $206,700 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $160,960 |
| 2023 | $142,360 |
| 2024 | $154,360 |
| 2025 | $151,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $151,540 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $160,960 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $142,360 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $154,360 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $151,540 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $151,540 | $214,428 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $99,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $151,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $199,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $206,700 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Airline Pilot ($151,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in NC | $75,270 | -50.3% | $36.19/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | -62.3% | $27.44/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | -62.5% | $27.31/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in NC | $48,200 | -68.2% | $23.17/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in NC | $47,910 | -68.4% | $23.03/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in NC | $45,820 | -69.8% | $22.03/hr |
| Construction Laborer in NC | $44,720 | -70.5% | $21.50/hr |
| Sales Manager in NC | $150,470 | -0.7% | $72.34/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in NC | $142,990 | -5.6% | $68.75/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +6.6% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | -8.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in NC | $138,710 | -8.5% | $66.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an airline pilot make per year in North Carolina?
- The median annual salary for an airline pilot in North Carolina is $151,540. This means half of all airline pilots in the state earn more than this figure, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for airline pilots in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary for airline pilots typically falls between $97,700 and $206,700 annually. Entry-level positions will likely be closer to the lower end, while experienced captains can earn at the higher end.
How does the average airline pilot salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Airline pilots in North Carolina earn significantly less than the national average. Their median salary is 29.3% lower than the national figure, with a median of $151,540 per year in the state.
What is the hourly wage for an airline pilot in North Carolina?
- The median hourly wage for an airline pilot in North Carolina is $73. This is based on the annual median salary of $151,540, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.