Commercial Pilot salary in Albuquerque, NM
Commercial Pilots in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $101,820 a year, based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $165,060 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 4% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $97,920. There are 0.36 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $104,030, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,360 |
| 25th percentile | $66,180 |
| Median | $101,820 |
| 75th percentile | $124,070 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $165,060 |
| Average (mean) | $104,030 |
Half of commercial pilots earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,485 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,242.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,916.15 |
| Weekly | $1,958.08 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because commercial pilots are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for commercial pilots
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $232,160 |
| New Jersey | $226,710 |
| New York | $177,430 |
| California | $165,590 |
| Delaware | $163,600 |
| Ohio | $150,330 |
| Georgia | $145,100 |
| Colorado | $139,680 |
| Texas | $137,960 |
| Vermont | $137,810 |
See Commercial Pilot pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $36,240 | $17.42 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $37,230 | $17.90 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $55,840 | $26.85 |
| Light Truck Driver | $41,710 | $20.05 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $62,150 | $29.88 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $56,210 | $27.03 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $32,430 | $15.59 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $45,470 | $21.86 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $37,470 | $18.02 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $31,250 | $15.02 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $45,960 | $22.09 |
| Parking Attendant | $30,590 | $14.71 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $46,510 | $22.36 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial pilot make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $101,820 a year. Pay ranges from $42,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $165,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $165,060 a year. The top 25% earn $124,070 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,360 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $66,180 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 150 commercial pilots are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.