Commercial Pilots Salary in Tennessee

Commercial pilots in Tennessee earn the most in Chattanooga (average $140,930 a year) and the least in Knoxville ($125,980), across the 5 Tennessee metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the commercial pilots average at $126,190 and the median at $117,480 for 1,030 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $146,080.

Commercial Pilots average salary by city in Tennessee

Chattanooga$140,930
Nashville$137,480
Memphis$135,300
Kingsport$130,300
Knoxville$125,980

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Chattanooga	$140,930	$130,630	$96,880	$107,592	91
Nashville	$137,480	$131,590	$74,770	$105,234	96
Memphis	$135,300	$122,420	$100,020	$103,744	92
Kingsport	$130,300	$114,350	$94,550	$100,326	86
Knoxville	$125,980	$123,000	$85,220	$97,373	93

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Tennessee has no state income tax. 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 Tennessee

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.