Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Charlotte, NC-SC

In Charlotte, NC-SC, the typical airline pilot, copilot, or flight engineer earns a median annual salary of $154,360. This figure is significantly higher than the local median household income, which stands at $80,201. When compared to the national median for the same occupation, pilots in this area earn less, with the national median being $226,600. Despite earning below the national average, their salaries are still substantially above the local median household income, highlighting the lucrative nature of the profession within the region.

Entry-level airline pilots and those early in their careers tend to earn around or slightly above the 10th percentile mark, which is approximately $97,480 annually. In contrast, experienced workers with a substantial amount of flying hours and advanced qualifications can earn up to the 90th percentile, reaching salaries as high as $208,460 per year. This significant difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned pilots is primarily driven by factors such as flight experience, seniority, aircraft type, and union contracts, which often reward tenure with higher pay scales.