Commercial Pilots Salary in New York

Commercial pilots in New York earn the most in Kiryas Joel (average $226,850 a year) and the least in Rochester ($137,000), across the 4 New York metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the commercial pilots average at $184,580 and the median at $177,430 for 1,070 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $146,080.

Commercial Pilots average salary by city in New York

Kiryas Joel$226,850
New York$204,770
Buffalo$161,860
Rochester$137,000

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Kiryas Joel	$226,850	$280,630	$161,800	$155,392	109
New York	$204,770	$225,900	$118,540	$141,202	113
Buffalo	$161,860	$153,210	$109,430	$113,234	96
Rochester	$137,000	$129,350	$75,480	$97,734	97

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; New York City (up to 3.876%) and Yonkers income taxes are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Commercial Pilots salary in other states

Commercial Pilots salary by city and state

More about pay in New York

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 53-2012.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.