Commercial Pilot salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Commercial Pilots in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn a median of $128,500 a year, based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $71,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $176,210 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 1% higher than the Michigan statewide median of $126,670. There are 0.15 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.47). The average (mean) salary is $134,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,650 |
| 25th percentile | $108,600 |
| Median | $128,500 |
| 75th percentile | $170,380 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $176,210 |
| Average (mean) | $134,340 |
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 | $10,708.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,354.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,942.31 |
| Weekly | $2,471.15 |
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.
Buying a home? On a $128,500 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $133,220 | 410 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $128,770 | 100 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $126,400 | 530 |
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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $40,060 | $19.26 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $34,930 | $16.79 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $56,710 | $27.26 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $46,380 | $22.30 |
| Light Truck Driver | $42,640 | $20.50 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $45,070 | $21.67 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $39,160 | $18.83 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $56,210 | $27.02 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $34,830 | $16.75 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $30,020 | $14.43 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $49,440 | $23.77 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $33,890 | $16.29 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $29,060 | $13.97 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area is $128,500 a year. Pay ranges from $71,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $176,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn at least $176,210 a year. The top 25% earn $170,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $71,650 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $108,600 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
About 30 commercial pilots are employed in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.