Airline Pilot Salary in Atlanta, GA: $166,110 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $79.86/hour | $106,003 - $238,708 range
Median Annual Salary
$166,110
Hourly Rate
$79.86
/hour
Jobs in Area
121
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Atlanta, GA
$166,110
San Jose, CA
$241,887
in San Jose, CA
Airline Pilot Salary Range in Atlanta, GA
Annual Salary Range
$106k
10th percentile
$133k
25th
$202k
75th
$239k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $106,003 | $50.96 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,327 | $64.10 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $166,110 | $79.86 |
| 75th Percentile | $202,252 | $97.24 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $238,708 | $114.76 |
| Average (Mean) | $177,667 | $85.42 |
Airline Pilot Market Insights for Atlanta, GA
Compensation Overview
Airline Pilot compensation in Atlanta, GA aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $106,003 to $238,708 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Atlanta, GA offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Georgia economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Airline Pilot profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 125% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 44% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-3%
vs National Avg
-1%
vs State Avg
125%
Salary Range
121
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Airline Pilot salary growth in Atlanta, GA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$106,003
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$133,327
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$166,110
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$202,252
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$238,708
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Airline Pilot Job Market in Atlanta, GA
Where Airline Pilots Work
Airline Pilots work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Atlanta, GA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Atlanta, GA
- •Research major employers in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Georgia
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Atlanta, GA market rate of $166,110
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $106,003 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median airline pilot salary in Atlanta, GA is $166,110 per year ($79.86/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $106,003 for entry-level positions to $238,708 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level airline pilots in Atlanta, GA typically start at around $106,003 per year ($50.96/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $166,110 within 3-5 years.
Airline Pilots in Atlanta, GA earn a median hourly wage of $79.86 per hour. Hourly rates range from $50.96/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $114.76/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $106,003 and $238,708.
The median airline pilot salary of $166,110 in Atlanta, GA is slightly below the national median of $171,210 (3.0% lower). This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of airline pilots in the area earn more and half earn less.
Airline Pilots in Atlanta, GA earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $166,110 is 3.0% lower than the national median of $171,210. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $163,173.
The top 10% of airline pilots in Atlanta, GA earn $238,708 or more per year ($114.76/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $202,252, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost airline pilot salary in Atlanta, GA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $166,110, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($202,252) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Atlanta, GA has a specialized job market for airline pilots, with approximately 121 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $166,110 is slightly below the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your airline pilot salary to these Atlanta, GA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $106,003, 25th percentile: $133,327, 50th percentile (median): $166,110, 75th percentile: $202,252, 90th percentile (top earners): $238,708. If you earn more than $166,110, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $166,110 median base salary, airline pilots in Atlanta, GA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced airline pilots with 5-10 years in Atlanta, GA typically earn $202,252 (75th percentile) to $238,708 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $238,708. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $166,110.
Airline Pilots in Atlanta, GA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($106,003) to median ($166,110) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($238,708) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $132,705 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
53-2011
SOC Classification
Sample Size
121
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Airline Pilot in Atlanta, GA
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Median: $166,110/yr
How Atlanta, GA Compares
vs National Average
$171,210
vs Georgia Average
$167,820
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$163,173
Cost of living in Atlanta, GA is 1.8% above the national average.
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