Commercial Pilots Salary in Detroit, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Median annual salary $149,330 +21.7% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $56,040
90th percentile —
Employed locally 380
National median $122,670

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Commercial Pilots
in
Detroit, MI
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $56,040
    25th
    $86,270
    50th (median)
    $149,330
    75th
    $174,930

    Detroit economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $75,123 2023 • Census ACS
    Commercial Pilots salary vs area income 199% Median Commercial Pilots salary is 99% 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
    Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI $189,090
    Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $158,330
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $157,580
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $133,520
    Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area $131,500
    Wilmington, NC $131,400

    Related occupations in Detroit, MI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers$37,380
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$39,790
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$55,830
    Light Truck Drivers$41,530
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,620
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$60,170

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Commercial Pilots make per hour in Detroit?

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

    Is Detroit above or below average for Commercial Pilots salaries?

    The median Commercial Pilots salary in Detroit, MI is 21.7% 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 Detroit?

    Entry-level Commercial Pilots (10th percentile) earn around $56,040 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $86,270.