Commercial Pilot salary in Ann Arbor, MI
Commercial Pilots in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn a median of $126,400 a year, based on BLS data for 530 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,520 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is about the same as the Michigan statewide median of $126,670. There are 2.4 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 7.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $115,170, close to the median.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Ann Arbor, MI
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,280 |
| 25th percentile | $77,470 |
| Median | $126,400 |
| 75th percentile | $138,050 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $178,520 |
| Average (mean) | $115,170 |
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 | $10,533.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,266.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,861.54 |
| Weekly | $2,430.77 |
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.
Commercial Pilot salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $133,220 | 410 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $128,770 | 100 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $128,500 | 30 |
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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ann Arbor, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $36,230 | $17.42 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,470 | $20.90 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $59,230 | $28.48 |
| Light Truck Driver | $43,960 | $21.13 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $38,790 | $18.65 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $58,120 | $27.94 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $65,370 | $31.43 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $32,610 | $15.68 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $36,110 | $17.36 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,340 | $23.24 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $49,780 | $23.93 |
| Parking Attendant | $34,670 | $16.67 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $34,280 | $16.48 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Ann Arbor, MI
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 Ann Arbor, MI?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area is $126,400 a year. Pay ranges from $58,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,520 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn at least $178,520 a year. The top 25% earn $138,050 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Ann Arbor, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,280 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $77,470 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Ann Arbor, MI?
About 530 commercial pilots are employed in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.