Commercial Pilot salary in Bismarck, ND
Commercial Pilots in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn a median of $137,510 a year, based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $81,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $372,360 for the top 10%. That is 12% higher than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 3% higher than the North Dakota statewide median of $133,010. There are 1.1 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $187,480, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Bismarck, ND
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $81,730 |
| 25th percentile | $92,880 |
| Median | $137,510 |
| 75th percentile | $285,690 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $372,360 |
| Average (mean) | $187,480 |
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 | $11,459.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,729.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,288.85 |
| Weekly | $2,644.42 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN | $131,950 | 110 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $111,680 | 40 |
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 North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Bismarck, ND
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $62,000 | $29.81 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $37,140 | $17.86 |
| Light Truck Driver | $48,090 | $23.12 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $34,670 | $16.67 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $60,460 | $29.07 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $47,590 | $22.88 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $39,020 | $18.76 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $37,340 | $17.95 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $45,130 | $21.70 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $39,720 | $19.09 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,660 | $22.91 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $60,640 | $29.16 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Bismarck, ND
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 Bismarck, ND?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Bismarck, ND metro area is $137,510 a year. Pay ranges from $81,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $372,360 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Bismarck, ND?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Bismarck, ND metro area earn at least $372,360 a year. The top 25% earn $285,690 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Bismarck, ND?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $81,730 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $92,880 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Bismarck, ND?
About 80 commercial pilots are employed in the Bismarck, ND metro area, not counting the self-employed.