Commercial Pilots Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $141,330 +15.2% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $92,220
90th percentile $182,250
Employed locally 150
National median $122,670

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Commercial Pilots
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $92,220
    25th
    $104,150
    50th (median)
    $141,330
    75th
    $178,260
    90th
    $182,250

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Commercial Pilots salary vs area income 168% Median Commercial Pilots salary is 68% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Commercial Pilots

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Waterbury-Shelton, CT $315,450
    Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY $280,630
    West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area $237,050
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $232,600
    Connecticut $227,140
    Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $227,140

    Nearby metros — Commercial Pilots salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $163,530
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $157,580
    Omaha, NE-IA $147,310
    Georgia $139,350
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $133,520
    Cedar Rapids, IA $132,110

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$58,880
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$44,530
    Stockers and Order Fillers$37,330
    Light Truck Drivers$45,850
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$59,260
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$51,470

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Commercial Pilots make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Commercial Pilots in Des Moines, IA is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Commercial Pilots salaries?

    The median Commercial Pilots salary in Des Moines, IA is 15.2% above the national median of $122,670. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Commercial Pilots in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Commercial Pilots (10th percentile) earn around $92,220 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $104,150.