Commercial Pilot salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Commercial Pilots in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $122,420 a year, based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $206,830 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $123,220. Pay here is 4% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $117,480. There are 0.33 commercial pilots per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $135,300, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for commercial pilots in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,900 |
| 25th percentile | $100,020 |
| Median | $122,420 |
| 75th percentile | $181,810 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $206,830 |
| Average (mean) | $135,300 |
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 | $10,201.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,100.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,708.46 |
| Weekly | $2,354.23 |
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 $122,420 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $131,590 | 370 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $130,630 | 40 |
| Knoxville, TN | $123,000 | 80 |
| Jackson, MS | $119,990 | 60 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $114,350 | 30 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $100,230 | 60 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $99,600 | 100 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Airfield Operations Specialist | $64,320 | $30.92 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $39,510 | $19.00 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $63,070 | $30.32 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $37,280 | $17.92 |
| Light Truck Driver | $48,350 | $23.25 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $44,540 | $21.41 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $62,350 | $29.97 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $35,630 | $17.13 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $40,610 | $19.52 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $34,100 | $16.39 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $37,920 | $18.23 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $36,320 | $17.46 |
| Aircraft Service Attendant | $56,620 | $27.22 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for commercial pilots in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $122,420 a year. Pay ranges from $55,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $206,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid commercial pilots make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of commercial pilots in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $206,830 a year. The top 25% earn $181,810 or more.
What is the starting pay for commercial pilots in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,900 a year, and a quarter of commercial pilots earn $100,020 or less.
How many commercial pilots work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 200 commercial pilots are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.