Commercial Pilot salary in Columbus, IN
Commercial Pilots in the Columbus, IN metro area earn a median of $99,250 a year, based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $88,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,270 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 5% lower than the Indiana statewide median of $104,160. The average (mean) salary is $113,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Columbus, IN
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $88,730 |
| 25th percentile | $88,730 |
| Median | $99,250 |
| 75th percentile | $126,320 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $149,270 |
| Average (mean) | $113,730 |
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 | $8,270.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,135.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,817.31 |
| Weekly | $1,908.65 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $193,940 | 430 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $157,420 | 840 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $130,230 | 190 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $128,900 | 370 |
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 Indiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $38,510 | $18.51 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $32,130 | $15.45 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $43,780 | $21.05 |
| Light Truck Driver | $42,470 | $20.42 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $59,570 | $28.64 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $29,380 | $14.12 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $29,350 | $14.11 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $36,880 | $17.73 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | $45,700 | $21.97 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $34,660 | $16.67 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $34,960 | $16.81 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, IN
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 Columbus, IN?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Columbus, IN metro area is $99,250 a year. Pay ranges from $88,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $149,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Columbus, IN?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Columbus, IN metro area earn at least $149,270 a year. The top 25% earn $126,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Columbus, IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $88,730 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $88,730 or less.