Commercial Pilot salary in Helena, MT
Commercial Pilots in the Helena, MT metro area earn a median of $100,940 a year, based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $228,130 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 3% lower than the Montana statewide median of $103,690. There are 1.0 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $117,320, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Helena, MT
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,490 |
| 25th percentile | $75,860 |
| Median | $100,940 |
| 75th percentile | $129,630 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $228,130 |
| Average (mean) | $117,320 |
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 | $8,411.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,205.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,882.31 |
| Weekly | $1,941.15 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $137,430 | 40 |
| Billings, MT | $105,830 | 50 |
| Missoula, MT | $104,260 | 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 Montana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Helena, MT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,760 | $19.12 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $56,800 | $27.31 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $40,980 | $19.70 |
| Light Truck Driver | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $30,900 | $14.86 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $56,760 | $27.29 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $62,320 | $29.96 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $36,160 | $17.38 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $37,210 | $17.89 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $46,450 | $22.33 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $52,800 | $25.38 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $36,410 | $17.50 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $34,870 | $16.76 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Helena, MT
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 Helena, MT?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Helena, MT metro area is $100,940 a year. Pay ranges from $48,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $228,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Helena, MT?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Helena, MT metro area earn at least $228,130 a year. The top 25% earn $129,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Helena, MT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,490 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $75,860 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Helena, MT?
About 50 commercial pilots are employed in the Helena, MT metro area, not counting the self-employed.