isworthit

Is an Airline Pilot a Good Career in Washington?

Washington · 2026 BLS salary data

an Airline Pilot pay in Washington

The median wage is $229,900/yr — 1% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Washingtonranks #10 of 37 states by median pay.

The numbers in Washington

Real BLS state-level figures for Airline Pilot.

Median salary
$229,900/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$202,420 – $396,810
National median
$232,140/yr
Employed in Washington
3,450

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Washington

Salary alone can mislead — Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
107
Nominal median
$229,900
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $214,860
State income tax
None

Washington's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #14 of 37, down from #10 on raw salary.

Washington levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Airline Pilot nationally — Washington pay is 1% below the national median. See the full an Airline Pilot career guide →

The verdict

Yes long-term, but the road is expensive and slow — senior airline captains earn exceptional pay, yet you face six-figure training costs and years of low regional pay first. Worth it if you're committed to the career and can weather the ramp-up.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Exceptional pay ceiling for senior airline captains
  • Strong long-term demand and hiring
  • Travel and a non-desk lifestyle
  • Clear seniority-based progression
  • Strong union protections at major airlines

Cons

  • Six-figure training and licensing costs
  • Years of low regional pay before top salaries
  • Time away from home; irregular schedule
  • Strict medical and recurrent-training requirements
  • Seniority system means slow early progression

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People committed to aviation long-term
  • Those who can fund or finance training
  • Anyone who values travel over routine

✗ Probably not if…

  • People needing high pay quickly
  • Those who can't handle time away from home

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Airline Pilot is worth it — titles link to the original threads.