Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in North Carolina
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | North Carolina | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,360 | $226,600 | -31.9% vs US |
| State Rank | #15 of 30 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 4,310 jobs | 99,300 jobs | 4.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $97,480 | — |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560 | — |
| Median | $154,360 | — |
| 75th Percentile | $206,160 | — |
| 90th Percentile | $208,460 | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in North Carolina in 2026?
With a median salary of $154,360 in North Carolina and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +29.2%, airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are still in strong and growing demand.
How can airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers increase their salary in North Carolina?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in North Carolina can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: North Carolina currently ranks #15 out of 30 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in North Carolina?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Nonscheduled Air Transportation | $226,870 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $162,290 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods | $141,550 |
How are Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers paid in North Carolina compared to the national average?
The median salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in North Carolina is $154,360, which is 31.9% below the national median of $226,600.