Commercial Pilot salary in Birmingham, AL
Commercial Pilots in the Birmingham, AL metro area earn a median of $127,280 a year, based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $185,510 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 25% higher than the Alabama statewide median of $101,420. There are 0.28 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $124,160, close to the median.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Birmingham, AL
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,220 |
| 25th percentile | $95,790 |
| Median | $127,280 |
| 75th percentile | $169,370 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $185,510 |
| Average (mean) | $124,160 |
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 | $10,606.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,303.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,895.38 |
| Weekly | $2,447.69 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL | $137,960 | 50 |
| Huntsville, AL | $101,540 | 60 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $95,870 | 50 |
| Montgomery, AL | $91,120 | 60 |
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 Alabama statewide figures.
Related jobs in Birmingham, AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $35,660 | $17.14 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $54,460 | $26.18 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $37,500 | $18.03 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,570 | $23.35 |
| Light Truck Driver | $40,080 | $19.27 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $61,400 | $29.52 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $18,260 | $8.78 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $31,920 | $15.35 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $29,180 | $14.03 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $43,870 | $21.09 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $47,930 | $23.04 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $29,320 | $14.10 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $33,790 | $16.25 |
| Parking Attendant | $29,650 | $14.26 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Birmingham, AL
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 Birmingham, AL?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Birmingham, AL metro area is $127,280 a year. Pay ranges from $40,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $185,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Birmingham, AL?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Birmingham, AL metro area earn at least $185,510 a year. The top 25% earn $169,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Birmingham, AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,220 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $95,790 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Birmingham, AL?
About 150 commercial pilots are employed in the Birmingham, AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.