GEORGIA — Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers are Georgia’s highest-paid workers, according to a recent analysis of wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The occupation recorded a median annual wage of $618,090 in Georgia. Cardiologists ranked second at $610,070, according to the May 2025 BLS estimates.
Georgia and Idaho were the only two states where the highest-paying occupation was outside healthcare. Airline pilots in Idaho earned a reported median wage of approximately $508,000, while medical specialists led the rankings in the other 48 states.
The Georgia figure applies specifically to airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers—not every type of pilot. BLS estimated that 8,770 people worked in that occupational category statewide, with an average annual wage of $476,310. Individual earnings can vary significantly based on airline, seniority, aircraft and assigned routes.
Georgia’s strong aviation industry is centered around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which remained the world’s busiest airport in 2025 with approximately 106.3 million passengers, according to Airports Council International.
Airline pilots generally need extensive flight experience, federal certifications and recurring training. Many begin as commercial or military pilots before qualifying for airline positions.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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