Learn about pilot salary in the U.S., ,including commercial pilot pay, airline salaries, and future trends. Find out how to earn more as a pilot!
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how much pilots earn? Many people dream of becoming a pilot, but they also want to know if it pays well. The truth is, pilot salaries vary based on experience, airline type, location, and aircraft type.
If you’re considering a career in aviation or are just curious about pilot salaries, this guide will break it all down. In this article, you’ll learn:
- The average salary of pilots at different career stages
- Pilot salaries at major vs. regional airlines
- The highest-paying airlines for pilots
- How pilots can increase their earnings
- Future salary trends for pilots in 2025 and beyond
Let’s get started into the details of pilot salary in the U.S. and what factors influence them.
How Much Do Pilots Make in the U.S.?
Pilot salaries in the United States range from $50,000 to over $500,000 per year, depending on experience, airline type, and other factors. Here’s a general breakdown of pilot salaries:
| Pilot Level | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (First Officers) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Mid-Level Pilots (3–10 years) | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Senior Captains (10+ years) | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
The highest salaries are found in major airlines, international flights, and private jet services.
Pilot Salary by Airline Type
1. Major Airlines vs. Regional Airlines
There is a big difference in earnings between major airlines and regional airlines.
Major Airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest)
- First Officers: $120,000 – $200,000 per year
- Senior Captains: $300,000 – $500,000+ per year
Regional Airlines (SkyWest, Republic, Envoy)
- First Officers: $50,000 – $80,000 per year
- Captains: $80,000 – $150,000 per year
Regional airlines generally pay less because they operate smaller aircraft and shorter routes. However, pilots often start at regional airlines to gain experience before moving to higher-paying jobs.
2. Cargo Pilot Salary
Cargo pilots work for companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Their salaries are similar to commercial airline pilots:
- First Officers: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Senior Captains: $250,000+ per year
Cargo pilots sometimes earn more than commercial pilots due to overnight flights and international routes.
3. Private Jet Pilot Salary
Private jet pilots fly high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and business executives. Their pay depends on experience, clients, and the type of jet they fly.
- Entry-Level Private Jet Pilots: $80,000 – $120,000 per year
- Experienced Private Jet Pilots: $150,000 – $250,000 per year
- VIP Private Jet Pilots (for celebrities or billionaires): $300,000+ per year
How Do Pilot Salaries Increase Over Time?
Pilot salaries grow with experience. Let’s break it down:
Entry-Level Pilots (0–3 Years)
- Work as flight instructors or regional airline first officers.
- Earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year.
- Gain flight hours to qualify for better-paying jobs.
Mid-Level Pilots (3–10 Years)
- First officers at major airlines earn $120,000 – $180,000.
- Captains at regional airlines earn $150,000 – $200,000.
- Many transition to major airlines for higher salaries.
Senior Pilots (10+ Years)
- Senior captains at major airlines earn $200,000 – $500,000+.
- Some international pilots earn over $500,000 per year.
- Pilots with over 20 years of experience may receive bonuses and stock options.
Factors That Affect Pilot Salaries
Several factors determine how much a pilot earns:
- Type of Airline – Major airlines pay more than regional airlines.
- Flight Hours & Experience – More flight hours lead to higher salaries.
- Aircraft Type – Large aircraft (Boeing 777, Airbus A350) pay more.
- Location & Airline Base – Pilots in cities like New York and Los Angeles earn more.
- Route Type – International pilots earn higher salaries than domestic pilots.
Pilot Salary: Hourly vs. Annual Pay
Unlike regular jobs, pilots don’t earn a fixed monthly salary. Instead, they are paid per flight hour.
| Pilot Level | Hourly Pay |
| Entry-Level Pilot | $50 – $90 per hour |
| Mid-Level Pilot | $90 – $250 per hour |
| Senior Captain | $250 – $400 per hour |
A senior captain flying international routes can make over $400,000 per year by working extra hours.
Highest-Paying Airlines for Pilots in the U.S.
Here are the airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries:
- Delta Air Lines – Senior captains earn up to $400,000 per year.
- United Airlines – Captains make $380,000 – $400,000 per year.
- American Airlines – Pays captains $350,000+ per year.
- Southwest Airlines – Senior captains earn $250,000+ per year.
- FedEx & UPS – Cargo pilots earn over $300,000 per year.
How to Increase Your Pilot Salary
Want to boost your earnings? Here’s how:
Gain More Flight Hours – More experience leads to higher pay.
Upgrade to a Bigger Aircraft – Wide-body jets pay more.
Fly International Routes – These flights have higher salaries.
Earn Additional Certifications – Training in Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 increases pay.
Join a Major Airline – Regional airlines pay less, so aim for major carriers.
Future Salary Trends for U.S. Pilots (2025 and Beyond)
Pilot salaries are expected to rise due to:
Pilot Shortage – Airlines are increasing pay to attract new pilots.
More International Travel – High-paying international flights are increasing.
Union Negotiations – Pilot unions are pushing for better wages.
By 2025, entry-level pilots could start at $80,000 – $120,000, while senior captains may exceed $500,000 per year at top airlines.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pilot Career Worth It?
Becoming a pilot is a great career choice if you love flying and want a high-paying job. Experienced captains at major airlines earn over $500,000 per year, making aviation one of the most rewarding careers.
Thinking of becoming a pilot? Start researching flight schools and earn your FAA certifications today…
FAQ: Common Questions About Pilot Salaries
1. How much do pilots make in the United States?
The salary of a pilot in the U.S. depends on experience, airline, and aircraft type. On average, airline pilots earn between $80,000 and $300,000 per year. Senior captains at major airlines can earn even more.
2. Which airlines pay the highest salaries to pilots?
Some of the highest-paying airlines in the U.S. are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines offer salaries ranging from $150,000 to over $350,000 per year, especially for senior pilots.
3. Do pilots get paid hourly or a fixed salary?
Most pilots are paid per flight hour, but they also receive additional payments such as bonuses and per diems. Airlines usually guarantee a minimum number of flight hours per month, ensuring a stable income.
4. What factors affect a pilot’s salary?
A pilot’s earnings depend on experience, airline, aircraft type, location, and certifications. Major airlines and international flights usually pay more than regional airlines and domestic flights.
5. How can pilots increase their salary?
Pilots can earn more by gaining more experience, getting advanced certifications, working for major airlines, and flying international routes. Some also take on additional roles, such as flight instructors, to boost their income.