Commercial Pilot salary in Baton Rouge, LA
Commercial Pilots in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn a median of $89,700 a year, based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $148,130 for the top 10%. That is 27% lower than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 7% lower than the Louisiana statewide median of $95,940. There are 0.21 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.69). The average (mean) salary is $104,480, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Baton Rouge, LA
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,220 |
| 25th percentile | $50,220 |
| Median | $89,700 |
| 75th percentile | $142,290 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $148,130 |
| Average (mean) | $104,480 |
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 | $7,475 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,737.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,450 |
| Weekly | $1,725 |
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.
Buying a home? On a $89,700 salary, see how much house you can afford in Louisiana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Commercial Pilot salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $135,950 | 140 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $99,600 | 70 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $97,570 | 160 |
| Monroe, LA | $91,490 | 40 |
| Lafayette, LA | $79,430 | 210 |
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 Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Baton Rouge, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $34,840 | $16.75 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $54,840 | $26.36 |
| Light Truck Driver | $41,450 | $19.93 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $24,930 | $11.99 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $62,140 | $29.88 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,160 | $23.15 |
| Sailors and Marine Oilers | $47,520 | $22.85 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $28,000 | $13.46 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $129,260 | $62.14 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $27,630 | $13.29 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $66,680 | $32.06 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $44,300 | $21.30 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $28,150 | $13.54 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Baton Rouge, LA
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 Baton Rouge, LA?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area is $89,700 a year. Pay ranges from $50,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $148,130 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn at least $148,130 a year. The top 25% earn $142,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Baton Rouge, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,220 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $50,220 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Baton Rouge, LA?
About 90 commercial pilots are employed in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.