Get the latest update on American Airlines pilot salary in 2025. See how much captains and first officers earn, including pay scale, benefits, and career growth.
Last year, I was chatting with my cousin who just started training to become a pilot. He asked me, “How much do American Airlines pilots make?” That question led me to do some real research. I didn’t want to guess. I wanted to know the actual numbers, the career path, and the pay scale from training to captain. What I found surprised me.
If you’re also asking that question or just want to learn more about the American Airlines pilot salary, you’re in the right place. I’ll explain everything in simple language — from how much a new pilot earns to what a senior captain makes, and the benefits that come with the job. I’ll also share updates on salary growth, flight hours, bonuses, and more. This is based on real 2025 data, personal research, and industry updates.
How Much Do American Airlines Pilots Make in 2025?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, airline and commercial pilots earn an average of $160,970 per year. That’s about $77 per hour. These numbers include both regional and major airlines, as well as pilots in cargo and charter services.
But American Airlines pilots can earn even more. A captain flying international routes on a widebody aircraft can make over $239,000 per year. At the same time, a first officer at the start of their career may earn closer to $55,000, especially in entry-level roles like regional airlines.
If you’re looking for the American Airlines pilot pay scale, it starts at the lower end for new hires and grows quickly with experience, flight hours, and promotions.
| Pilot Type | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Major Airline Captain | $215,000+ |
| Major Airline First Officer | $90,000–$150,000 |
| Regional Airline Pilot | $55,000–$100,000 |
| Cargo Pilot (e.g., FedEx/UPS) | $80,000–$200,000+ |
| Charter/Corporate Jet Pilot | $65,000–$135,000 |
| Flight Instructor (Entry-Level) | $35,000–$60,000 |
American Airlines Pilot Salary Per Month
Monthly earnings vary depending on how many hours a pilot flies. Most full-time pilots fly between 70 to 85 hours a month. If a pilot earns $100 per hour, that adds up to $7,000 to $8,500 per month, not counting bonuses or per diem pay.
Captains usually earn more per hour than first officers. A captain at American Airlines might earn around $150 to $200 per hour, while a new first officer might be closer to $80 to $100 per hour. So if you want to calculate the American Airlines pilot salary per month, just multiply the hourly rate by the average number of flight hours.
First Officer Salary at American Airlines
Starting as a first officer is the first step in a pilot’s career at a major airline. Most American Airlines first officers in their early years earn between $55,000 and $80,000 annually. That depends on the type of aircraft, the length of each flight, and how many hours they’re scheduled to fly.
First officers flying shorter domestic routes on narrowbody jets may earn less than those flying international routes on larger aircraft. But the more years they stay, the faster their pay goes up. American Airlines increases pilot salaries with time and experience, especially for those who stay loyal to the company.
American Airlines Captain Salary
Captains are the highest-ranking pilots in the cockpit. They take full responsibility for the aircraft, the crew, and all passengers. With that responsibility comes a much higher salary.
At American Airlines, a captain can earn over $200,000 a year once they’re fully established. Captains flying widebody aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A330 make even more, sometimes close to $250,000 or beyond.
The American Airlines captain salary is one of the best in the industry because of the size of the airline, the long-haul international routes, and the seniority-based pay system.
American Airlines Pilot Hourly Rate
Pilots don’t get paid a regular fixed salary like office workers. Instead, they get paid per flight hour. That means they only earn during the time the plane is moving.
The American Airlines pilot hourly rate depends on the pilot’s rank and how long they’ve been flying. A new hire might earn $80 per hour, while a senior captain might earn $200 per hour. The more hours you fly each month, the higher your monthly income.
Most pilots also receive a minimum guarantee, meaning they are paid for a set number of hours even if they fly less.
American Airlines Pilot Benefits Package
The pay is great, but the benefits are just as important. American Airlines offers pilots a full benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, and more.
Here’s what’s usually included:
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Travel discounts or free flights for pilots and their families
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Per diem pay for meals and travel
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Overtime pay and holiday bonuses
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401(k) retirement plans with matching contributions
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Life insurance and disability coverage
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Paid time off and paid training
These benefits add value to the base salary. Some pilots say that the free flights alone are worth thousands of dollars each year.
Commercial Pilot Salary at American Airlines
When people talk about commercial pilots, they mean pilots who fly passengers or cargo for money. This includes airline pilots, charter pilots, and cargo pilots.
At American Airlines, commercial pilots make anywhere between $55,000 and over $239,000 per year, depending on their role. Entry-level commercial pilots often start at regional carriers or charter companies and then move up to major airlines like American.
Once you reach American, the commercial pilot salary becomes very competitive. It increases every year, and with bonuses and other pay add-ons, the total compensation can be quite high.
American Airlines Senior Pilot Earnings
Senior pilots earn the highest salaries. These are captains who have worked with the airline for 10 years or more. Some may have flown international routes for most of their careers.
American Airlines senior pilot earnings can reach $250,000 or more, especially for those flying long-haul widebody aircraft. Their schedules may also offer better flexibility and preferred routes.
Seniority matters a lot at major airlines. The longer you stay, the more control you have over your schedule and your income.
American Airlines Pilot Contract 2025
The latest American Airlines pilot contract in 2025 includes new pay raises and improved working conditions. The pilot union and the airline management agreed on updates to pay rates, rest time, and benefits.
This new contract includes higher hourly rates, better retirement options, and stronger scheduling rules. It also includes sign-on bonuses for new hires and extra pay for captains flying during peak seasons.
The 2025 contract is one of the reasons why American Airlines is attracting new talent in a time when the aviation industry is short on pilots.
Pilot Salary Growth Over Time
Pilot pay doesn’t stay flat. It grows steadily as you build experience and hours. Most pilots start as flight instructors, earning $35,000 to $60,000 per year.
After gaining enough hours, they join regional airlines where pay ranges from $55,000 to $100,000. Once they get hired by a major airline like American, the real salary growth begins.
Promotions to captain and international routes lead to six-figure incomes. With time, some pilots go from earning $60,000 to over $200,000 in under 10 years.
Airlines also increase pay when there is a pilot shortage. During these times, new pilots can move up the ranks faster and earn more in less time.
Pilot Pay by State
Pilot salaries can also vary based on where you live. According to recent state-level data:
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In Florida, the average pilot earns $187,910
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In Texas, the average is $186,500
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In California, the average is $208,070
American Airlines has hubs in all three of these states. So if you’re based in one of them, you’ll likely see higher earnings than pilots based in smaller markets.
Flight Hours and Work Schedule
Most American Airlines pilots fly between 70 and 85 hours per month. That doesn’t include time spent in briefings, rest periods, or layovers. While pay is based on flight hours, time away from home can be longer.
Some pilots work a few days per week and have several days off in a row. Others fly back-to-back long-haul trips. Your schedule depends on your seniority and the type of aircraft you’re qualified to fly.
Job Outlook for Pilots
Pilot jobs are expected to grow by 6% over the next 10 years. That’s faster than the average job growth in the U.S. Thousands of older pilots are retiring, and airlines like American need fresh talent to fill the gap.
Flight schools are enrolling more students, but demand is still higher than supply. If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot, now is a good time to start. The path may be long, but the reward is strong pay and job stability.
To Finish Up on American Airlines Pilot Pay
If you’re thinking about becoming a pilot or just want to understand how the pay system works, it helps to know the numbers. From my own research and from talking to real pilots, American Airlines offers one of the best salary packages in the industry.
Start small, build your hours, stay with a good airline, and your pay will grow. The American Airlines pilot salary is more than just a paycheck — it reflects skill, experience, and commitment.
If you’re ready to take that path, focus on training, fly as often as you can, and track your flight hours. One day, you might be earning six figures in the captain’s seat.