Commercial Pilot salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Commercial Pilots in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn a median of $130,630 a year, based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $84,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $205,730 for the top 10%. That is 6% higher than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 11% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $117,480. There are 0.14 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.47). The average (mean) salary is $140,930, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $84,500 |
| 25th percentile | $96,880 |
| Median | $130,630 |
| 75th percentile | $159,260 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $205,730 |
| Average (mean) | $140,930 |
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 | $10,885.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,442.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,024.23 |
| Weekly | $2,512.12 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $146,880 | 560 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $131,590 | 370 |
| Knoxville, TN | $123,000 | 80 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $122,420 | 200 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $114,350 | 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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $37,830 | $18.19 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $34,410 | $16.54 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $57,440 | $27.62 |
| Light Truck Driver | $49,990 | $24.03 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $40,260 | $19.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $62,270 | $29.94 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $35,180 | $16.92 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $42,460 | $20.42 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $31,270 | $15.03 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $38,050 | $18.29 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $30,180 | $14.51 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $30,120 | $14.48 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $29,550 | $14.21 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $45,700 | $21.97 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA
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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area is $130,630 a year. Pay ranges from $84,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $205,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn at least $205,730 a year. The top 25% earn $159,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $84,500 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $96,880 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
About 40 commercial pilots are employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area, not counting the self-employed.