Airline Pilot Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$229,900
$110.53/hr
vs National Average
$214,428
+7.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$141K – $530K
3K employed in Washington
Discover the earning potential for an Airline Pilot salary in Washington, where the median annual wage stands at a significant $229,900. This figure is impressively 7% higher than the national average, reflecting strong demand and compensation for aviation professionals in the Evergreen State. With 3,450 workers in this field, Washington offers a robust environment for pilots.
The wide salary range for Airline Pilot salary in Washington, from $140,780 to $529,820, highlights the influence of various factors. These include experience level, the specific airline an individual works for, the type of aircraft they fly, and their base location within the state, all contributing to the considerable salary variations observed.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $140,780 |
| 25th percentile | $202,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $229,900 |
| 75th percentile | $396,810 |
| 90th percentile | $529,820 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $229,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $236,797 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $229,900 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $236,797 | $220,861 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $202,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $229,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $396,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $529,820 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Other States
Related Airline Pilot Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Airline Pilot ($229,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Airline Pilot | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in WA | $109,570 | -52.3% | $52.68/hr |
| Electrician in WA | $95,220 | -58.6% | $45.78/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in WA | $84,050 | -63.4% | $40.41/hr |
| Plumber in WA | $81,030 | -64.8% | $38.96/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in WA | $59,160 | -74.3% | $28.44/hr |
| Construction Laborer in WA | $57,720 | -74.9% | $27.75/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in WA | $57,270 | -75.1% | $27.53/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +1.3% | $112.00/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in WA | $209,370 | -8.9% | $100.66/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in WA | $202,400 | -12.0% | $97.31/hr |
| Engineering Manager in WA | $189,680 | -17.5% | $91.19/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +19.4% | $131.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make in Washington?
- The median annual salary for airline pilots in Washington is $229,900, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $111. This median is 7.2% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for airline pilots in Washington?
- In Washington, airline pilots can expect their annual salaries to fall between $140,780 and $529,820. This wide range reflects experience levels, specific airlines, and additional factors.
How many airline pilots are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,450 airline pilots employed in Washington. This indicates a significant presence of aviation professionals within the state.
Is the salary for airline pilots in Washington above the national average?
- Yes, airline pilots in Washington earn a median salary that is 7.2% higher than the national average. This means the typical pilot in Washington makes more than their counterparts across the country.