American airlines pilot salaries: Airline Pilot Salary – How Much Will I Earn as a Pilot?

Airline Pilot Salary – How Much Will I Earn as a Pilot?

Epic Flight Academy students put in a lot of effort to become airline pilots. They make connections while at flight school that will stay with them throughout their careers. But the real question is… how much will they earn?

How Much Is An Airline Pilot’s Salary?

People choose an airline pilot career for a variety of reasons, first and foremost being their love of flying, and, besides, who wouldn’t enjoy the adventure of seeing the world? However, with the growing demand for commercial airline pilots worldwide, airline pilots’ salaries are an excellent reason to consider an aviation career. Have you have been thinking about becoming a pilot, but you’re concerned with how much pilots are paid? For the relatively small investment you make in flight training, the financial rewards of a pilot’s paycheck are more than sufficient. With an annual income in 2022 ranging from $56,000 to $700,000+ in the U. S., it is important to understand how pilot salaries are calculated.

How much do pilots make?

Like other professions, pilot salary is not equal across the board. Pilot salaries vary annually among airlines, the type of aircraft, and even flying routes. For example, salary depends on various factors, such as pilot credentials, experience, job title, and pilot union agreements. Also, most people don’t realize that pilots are paid by the hour and not an annual salary. GlassDoor, a website where people self-report their earnings, shows that average domestic airline pilot salaries are respectable. However, salaries varies among airlines.

For instance, Southwest Airlines pilots earn an average annual salary of $222,000. However, some Southwest pilots earn as much as $549,000. Similarly, United Airlines pilots earn an average of $205,000. The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000. American Airlines pilots earn an average salary of $118,000, with some pilots earning in excess of $700,000. Most importantly, pilot salaries continue to increase. Even international airlines pay well. For instance, Qatar pilots average $173-187,000 annually. Additionally, China Southern Airlines starts its pilots at $228,000 per year. The average Lufthansa pilot earns $102,000 annually.

A short answer is the average airline pilot salary for 2022 was $225,740, but keep reading to learn how to earn at the very top!

The average (mean) salary in 2022 was $225,740, and the median salary was $211,790. The average is up from $198,190 in 2021.

What are some sample salaries for airline pilots?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median U.S. pilot salary at $211,790 in 2022. This means 50% of pilots earn more than this, and 50% earn less. However, there are pilots working for major airlines making more than $700,000 per year. With so many factors impacting airline pilot salaries, it’s important to look at multiple perspectives and examples to have a real understanding of how much pilots earn. In other words, you want to know how much you can expect to earn. How much do pilots make is a simple question with a multi-faceted answer. Salaries vary whether you’re with a legacy or regional airline. Other factors include experience and equipment. We have shared examples of Captain and First Officer salaries for several major airlines. These salaries are based on flying 1,000 hours per year.

Salary Examples for Captains at Major Airlines:

Salary Examples for First Officers at Major Airlines:

How is a pilot’s salary calculated?

First of all, remember that airline pilots are paid by the hour for actual hours flown. Federal law requires that airline pilots are to fly no more than 1,000 hours per year. This is to ensure they are well rested and ready to fly each time they enter the cockpit. Compare this to an average job where workers are expected to work 40 hours per week. Taking two weeks off for vacation, the average person works 2,000 hours per year – double that of a commercial pilot.

A pilot’s hourly rate increases for each year he or she has worked for an airline. The range in hourly rate also changes by airline and by type of aircraft. For example, an experienced Captain flying an A350 for Delta can expect to earn $354 per hour. Delta pays a junior First Officer $92 per hour. Flying a B777 for United Airlines, a senior Captain earns $352, and the junior First Officer $91. All factors matter, such as whether you fly a Boeing 747 or a Bombardier CRJ200. Experience also counts, such as whether you’ve been flying professionally for one year or ten. It also matters which airline you have chosen to fly for. All of this plays a part in how your pay is calculated.

Why does pay range matter?

Remember that these ranges in pay are on a continuum from lowest to highest pay. This changes incrementally depending on your pilot experience with the airline. This applies to cargo airlines as well as passenger planes. FedEx Express pays a junior First Officer $84 per hour, and senior Captains earn $335. The range at UPS is even greater, with junior First Officers starting at $52 per hour and senior Captains earning $341. These are wide ranges among a few examples of freight carriers showing actual salary calculations.

What are some sample salaries for regional airlines?

Regional airlines typically start at around $40-50 per hour for a new First Officer. They determine your starting pay based on various factors, such as your flight experience and type ratings. Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, is one example. In 2019, this U.S. regional airline announced First Officer starting pay of $50-55 per hour and Captains at $76-96 per hour. However, pilot salaries have experienced rapid growth in the past few years, with Piedmont starting pay for FOs at $90 and Captains now at $146. Additionally, regional airlines tend to contribute 3-5% for your 401k, reaching 10% after you’ve been with them a while. Most regional airlines do not want to be a stepping-stone on your way to the major airlines. This is why their pay has become more competitive and generous. Pictured below are samples of regional pilot annual salaries.

Salary Examples for Regional Airlines Captains:

Salary Examples for Regional Airlines First Officers:

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How do international pilot salaries compare to U.S. airline pilot salaries?

The airline pilot shortage is not just a U.S. problem, and the shortage is predicted to worsen. Many international airlines offer premium pilot salaries to entice American pilots to work for them. For instance, Emirates Airlines pays an average salary of $192,000 plus an additional $50,000 annually for housing. This is on the high side. Also, most pilots have been with Emirates a long time. Most international airlines pay pilots similarly to U.S. airlines. Piloting the larger jets pays approximately $121,000, while flying smaller jets internationally pays around $104,000. This is why many international flight students attend flight schools in the U. S. Training in the U.S. is more available and affordable than in many other countries. An FAA-approved license and ratings will transfer to any country. To properly compare pay rates between airlines, it is always advisable to review their hiring requirements.

Are cargo pilots paid well?

Yes, the reported average salary for cargo pilots in March 2022 was approximately $95,112, with a range of $80,956 to $141,150. Indeed reported the average base salary for cargo pilots in May 2023 as $76,109. As with any position, experience, company, and equipment help determine salary.

Salary Examples for Cargo Airlines Captains:

Salary Examples for Cargo Airlines First Officers:

What is a pilot’s starting pay?

In the U.S., most pilots’ first paid job is the position of certified flight instructor. They first earn a private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and instructor training, and then they teach others to fly. This is mainly because of the 2013 FAA “1,500-hour rule. ” The rule requires all First Officers flying for commercial airlines to have accrued a minimum of 1,500 hours to qualify for their Air Transport Pilot (ATP) license. In order to log these required hours, pilots become instructors. This allows them to “build time” in their logbooks, hone their skills, teach new pilots, and get paid.

Most CFIs earn a modest $30-40 per hour, depending on the flight school. The critical component for U.S. pilots is that they can build their hours without having to rent the use of an airplane, which could be costly. Once they have earned their ATPL, pilots can expect to be hired as a junior First Officer with a regional airline at an hourly rate of $35-70, depending on the company. 

Why does starting pay seem low compared to overall pilot salaries?

The reason pay starts on low side is because airlines are investing what will later become part of your salary into your training. This is why your pay isn’t great the first year. Although you have your CPL and have logged the minimum hours to fly commercial, you must be trained in the airline’s fleet. International airline pilots earn their ATP with different minimums depending on the country. For example, flight students from Colombia, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia know that when they train in the U.S. and return home to begin their flying careers, they only need to have logged 250 hours instead of 1,500. Most have logged these required hours before leaving the U.S. Therefore, most international flight students can begin their airline pilot careers without first becoming instructors. To fully understand the number of hours needed to fly in your country, check with the Civil Aviation Authority there.

Do pilots receive a minimum daily guarantee?

Yes, most airlines use the model of a minimum daily guarantee. Remember, pilots do not fly for 40 hours per week. Pilots are only allowed to fly 1,000 hours in a calendar year. Therefore, most airlines offer a monthly guaranteed minimum hours, usually around 75 to 80. Some offer minimum pay on a daily basis, typically around 4.1 hours. This guaranteed minimum ensures you’ll have a paycheck even when a flight is grounded.

Rather watch our 6-minute video on pilot salaries?

Do pilots ever receive signing bonuses?

Yes, regional airlines frequently offer signing bonuses. For example, in 2018, Envoy Air offered a $45,000 signing bonus, and Air Wisconsin offered $31,000. Envoy Air, Silver Airways, and GoJet Airlines offered signing bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. Trans States offered a $44,000 first officer signing bonus. In 2019, Piedmont Airlines announced an $18,000 bonus. By 2023, signing bonuses were breaking records. For example, Envoy Air, Piedmont Airlines, and PSA Airlines offered $100,000. Signing bonuses have become more common due to the pilot shortage, especially with regional airlines. Therefore, this is good news for pilots who have recently completed flight school and want to begin their aviation careers. In addition to signing bonuses, some airlines pay annual bonuses to employees. For instance, in 2019, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air workers shared $120 million in bonuses due to outstanding performances in 2018.

Can I earn overtime and earn beyond my base salary?

Yes, pilots can earn 100-300% increases by working on their days off. The airline you work for often pays these rates just to make sure a scheduled flight happens. When a pilot is making $500-700,000 annually, they are typically picking up this overtime to make that happen.

Do I need a college degree to fly for the airlines?

Although most airlines do not require a college degree, many do assign value to having a degree. Many airlines use a point system to determine the best candidate and rate of pay. A college degree can give you an edge during the hiring process. Epic Flight Academy has partnered with Daytona State College where your flight training transfers as college credit (23 credit hours).

Does networking help in the hiring process?

Yes, we see this again and again. Your qualifications will ultimately carry you across the finish line to the pilot job you are seeking. However, we know of many instances where friends helped former classmates land new positions. We frequently hear from our graduates who share their new positions and other career information. They network through social media after graduating from flight school and continue to support each other once they launch their aviation careers. Your flight school is also a source for networking. Here at Epic, we frequently host events for our students to meet representatives from our partner airlines. Airline reps enjoy meeting students during their training and build relationships with them. All of this leads to strong connections that help our flight students on their career paths. Never underestimate the power of networking.

What kinds of benefits do airline pilots receive?

Airlines typically provide excellent employment benefits. These include health, life, dental, and vision insurance and a retirement plan. You also receive paid vacation time, sick days, holidays, and other personal time off benefits. Most airlines provide per diem to cover food expenses, etc. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits is the pilot’s schedule. Because a pilot can only fly 1,000 hours per year, you often have as much as two weeks off every month, resulting in greater leisure time than most occupations. Most airlines offer free airfare via jumpseats. Airlines typically extend this perk to family members as well based on seniority and other factors.

Pilots can also find themselves overnighting in some wonderful locations. As a result, they enjoy spontaneous sight-seeing and memory-making. Employees in any field of work often forget about the value of benefits. These benefits cost employers real money. When calculating your actual pay, always remember to include your total benefits package to understand the value of your compensation. In today’s gig economy where companies frequently contract people as freelancers who receive no benefits, pilots remain fortunate considering the many benefits paid by their employers.

How many years can an airline pilot work?

In the U.S., the FAA requires airline pilots to retire at the age of 65. However, they can still fly as private pilots for companies like NetJets, where Indeed reports the average pay at $207,771 per year. The mandatory retirement age in the U.S. is one of the main causes of the pilot shortage. Airline pilots must also maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid losing their Class 1 Medical. ATPs must have a Class 1 Medical. Pilots should never smoke or use drugs. They must limit alcoholic intake, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. In other words, good pilots take all steps necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid losing their Class 1 Medical.

Can I really get paid to do what I love?

Yes. Pilot job growth potential is above average for jobs and job security. Many people who become pilots do so for less tangible reasons than pay and perks. Pilots often profess to having a “calling” to fly. Perhaps there are pilots in their family tree or inspirational stories of military missions. Maybe the desire to fly is innate in humans, just stronger in some. We understand the deeper reasons people choose this career path, however many are certainly motivated by salary.

We provide pilot salary information to help you understand the nuanced ways airlines determine pilot salaries and factors that contribute to increases in salary. After all, you have to make a living, and isn’t it wonderful when you can get paid to do what you most love? Therefore, we provide examples of pilot salaries to give you an idea of the range. Whether fractional, charter, regional, law enforcement, or major airlines, starting pay is generous. And, the longer you fly, the more you earn. Following are examples of charter pilot salaries.

Salary Examples for Charter Airlines Captains and First Officers:

Calculate Your Pilot Salary Below:

• Average Charter
• Average Cargo
• Average Regional
• Average Major

Average Charter Airline Pay

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• Annual

Average Cargo Airline Pay

• Hourly
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• Annual

Average Regional Airline Pay

• Hourly
• Weekly
• Monthly
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Average Major Airline Pay

• Hourly
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• Annual

How does this calculator work? First of all, we averaged the ‘year 6’ captain salaries of the airlines we shared on this page. We entered those averages into the calculator so you can see an estimate. Now, how can you use this calculator? Simply enter data into any one of the fields, and the calculator will do the rest. For example, If you enter $65 per hour, the calculator will show what that will be each week, month, and year. Remember, this is a pilot salary calculator. Pilots fly 1,000 hours per year, so this calculator only calculates pilot salaries, not other occupations.

Are there trends in pilot wages?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles salary data on airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. For example, in 2023, the Bureau reported the median pilot salary in 2022 at $211,790. Compare this to the median salary for all workers in the U.S. in 2022, which was only $56,420. Trends clearly show pilot wages on the rise.

Median Annual Pilot Salary Trends in the United States:

• 2022: $211,790
• 2021: $202,180
• 2020: $186,870
• 2019: $174,870
• 2018: $140,340
• 2017: $137,330
• 2016: $127,820

Are pilot incomes expected to increase?

Yes, the upward trend in pilot salaries and bonuses shows no signs of abating. Southwest Airlines will increase pilots’ salary by nearly 30% in 2020 according to their new contract. An average Southwest pilot earned $230,626 in 2015, so their pay is certainly above average. Delta pilots voted for a similar deal, and in 2023 saw another 37% increase. With the ongoing pilot shortage and increase in air travel, airline pilots can expect a steady rise in wages.

Do pilots belong to labor unions?

Many pilots do join unions to advocate for their best interests, including wages and benefits. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) is the largest union for pilots in the world and represents 63,000+ pilots from around the world. This includes the U.S. and Canada. ALPA is a member of the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress. Airline Pilots Association is the labor union that represents pilots from American Airlines.

What steps can a pilot take to earn at the top?

1. First, be a good pilot.

   Take your currency requirements seriously and focus on safety first. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Avoid tobacco and alcohol use, because good health is highly valued.

2. Second, be a good employee.

   Be reliable, be a good colleague, maintain a positive attitude, and be flexible. Adhere to your corporate values, which likely emphasize customer satisfaction. Your work reputation follows you, therefore you need to make sure it’s a good one.

3. Third, research.

   You may have reasons for wanting to work somewhere, so keep this in mind. Then, find out what different airlines are paying. Legacy airlines, such as Delta and United, are known for top pay. However, with various signing bonuses and benefits, you may be surprised at what other airlines offer. Check your network to see if anyone has pertinent information.

4. Fourth, negotiate.

   Decide what you really want. Be willing to compromise. Although you may not be able to negotiate your salary, you can likely negotiate your benefits. Prioritize. Make sure you are asking for what you really want. A younger pilot may focus on salary, whereas a long-time pilot may want more personal time off.

5. Fifth, prepare.

   Whether you’re going to your first job interview or your fifth, prepare yourself. Follow proven tips on how to get a job as a pilot. Prepare for your job interview. Most importantly, learn all you can about the company ahead of time.

News and trends regarding airline pilot salaries

2023

• March 1, 2023 – Forbes reports Delta pilots receive 34% pay increase.
• February 24, 2023 – USA Today reports pilot salary increase is highest since 2010.
• December 5, 2023 – Reuters shares US pilot salaries are outpacing global salaries.

2022

• September 29, 2022 – SkyWest doubles pilot salaries.
• April 22, 2022 – ABC News reports the severity of the pilot shortage is driving up salaries.
• February 22, 2022 – Parade published the top-paying 30 careers with airline pilot coming in at #14 earning an average of $186,870.
• January 26, 2022 – Forbes reports Delta pilots looking for salary gains with $265,800 the average salary for a 12-year captain.
• January 13, 2022 – Market Watch reports airline pilot salaries as the highest salary in the non-medical field.

2021

• November 8, 2021 – Wall Street Journal reports high demand for pilots.
• October 25, 2021 – Emirates is hiring 6,000 new staff with Captains earning $11,710 USD monthly.
• August 30, 2021 – Piedmont Airlines offered more than $180,000 in bonuses, while Envoy Air and PSA Airlines offered $150,000 in potential earnings.
• August 25, 2021 – This Six-Figure Career Path is Booming Right Now according to Motley Fool.
• June 23, 2021 – United CEO complains about pilot shortage.
• April 12, 2021 – The 10 highest-paying airlines in the world for pilots in 2021.

2020

• September 29, 2020 – Airline pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers rank in the top 50 fastest-growing jobs that pay over $100k.
• May 3, 2020 – Pilot salaries increase based on the airline they work for. For example, your location impacts your salary at American Airlines.
• January 20, 2020 – Delta Airlines’ profits were high, therefore they paid all 90,000 employees an extra two months’ salary as a bonus.
• January 7, 2020 – CNBC has added airline pilot to its best paying jobs list of 2020, the first time the position has appeared on its list. They report a salary of $146,600.

Being an airline pilot has always offered a rewarding career and now more so than ever! Therefore, do your research to make sure you receive the best flight training possible.

At American Airlines, pilot pay — and airfares — are headed up with new deal

American Airlines pilots have a new agreement on the table that proposes about a 21% pay raise for this year on top of back-dated raises going back to 2020 and more increases in years to come.

On Friday, the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American’s more than 15,000 pilots, reached an agreement in principle with the Fort Worth carrier.

These pay raises could significantly impact consumers and their summer travel plans. The two biggest costs for a carrier are fuel and wages. Carriers with new pilot deals will need to figure out how to factor in billions in new expenses and still stay financially afloat.

Related:DFW Airport travelers’ top 10 destinations, a forecast for future flyer demand and more

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American needs higher fares to stay profitable to absorb the impact of the increases across the industry, not just the pilot pay raises, said George Ferguson, senior aerospace, defense and airline analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

“There’s wage increases everywhere across the airlines right now, but the pilots are definitely getting the most,” Ferguson said.

The higher airfares, Ferguson said, have already kicked in.

“It’s already been planned for it in there as much as they can get, because it’s a very competitive market,” Ferguson said. Airlines “have an idea of how much they’ve got to increase fares in order to get back those higher costs.”

Airfare is higher this year for international travel, according to Hopper. Plane tickets to Europe and Asia this summer are the highest in more than five years. Trips to Europe average over $1,100 per ticket and trips to Asia average over $1,800 per ticket. Domestic airfare is averaging $306 per ticket.

Airlines are facing the same issues other sectors of the economy are facing with older skilled laborers leaving the workforce faster than expected, said Christopher Raite, sector analyst of industrials and materials at Third Bridge Group Limited.

“When you have the knowledge drain, it’s twofold,” Raite said. “Obviously you’re losing a great employee, but the gap then with the new employees, is even more apparent.”

Here’s the breakdown of the deal. The contract terms are dependent on an anticipated ratification date of Aug. 1.

The contract is effective for four years and will be amendable again on Aug. 1 2027. Pilots would be back paid, based on eligible earnings, 4% from 2020, 4% from 2021, 14% from 2022 and about 21% for 2023 in the three months preceding the date of signing.

American CEO Robert Isom said in March that American’s pilots would receive a 21% pay increase on average in the first year. At that point with base salary and 401(k) matches, captains operating narrow-body planes, typically used for short-haul domestic and international flights, would make $475,000 a year at the top of the scale, a $135,000 bump from what they earn today. Captains piloting wide-body planes, larger aircraft that typically fly long hours nonstop, would make $590,000 at the top of the scale, or $170,000 more than the current salary.

The pay rates, the union said, meet or exceed Delta Air Lines’ pay rates. Pilots at Delta approved a contract earlier this year, raising their pay by more than 30% over four years.

According to CNBC, Delta’s pilots received 18% raises on the date of signing, and will receive 5% raises in 2024, 4% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, varying on the aircraft type and years of experience. Delta’s contract runs through December 2026, and ground, scale and merit employees saw pay raises on April 1 this year.

American’s pilots would receive about a 21% increase for this year, 5% in 2024, 4% in 2025, 4% in 2026 and 3% in 2027, the year the contract would become amendable. The increases would occur on May 2 of each year.

In 2024, pilots would receive a 17% 401(k) contribution, and in 2026, the contribution would increase to 18%.

The new contract would also improve profit sharing to match Delta’s at 10% up to $2.5 billion pre-tax profit, and 20% for anything above.

There are also new terms for benefits, long-term disability and more.

The parties still need to wrap up contractual language for the agreement. Once completed, the negotiating committee will present the agreement in principle to the union’s board of directors for consideration. The board needs to review the proposed agreement at least seven days before any meeting to consider the tentative deal.

“It’s a major step in aligning everybody’s eyeballs, running the best airline possible and continuing to take care of our passengers,” Dennis Tajer, Allied Pilots Association spokesperson told on Friday. “And, just as importantly, going out there and beating the competition.”

The summer travel season will pick up this week and pilots could see increases towards the end of the summer.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement in principle on a new four-year contract with the Allied Pilots Association that provides our pilots with pay and profit sharing that match the top of the industry with improved quality-of-life provisions unique to American’s pilots,” American spokesperson Sarah Jantz said. “We have the best and most professional pilots in the business and like all American Airlines team members, they deserve to be paid well and competitively.”

Related:American Airlines pilots reach agreement in principle, days from busy summer travel season

How much do pilots in the USA earn?

One of the biggest challenges the aviation industry will face in the coming years is the lack of aircrew. As we have repeatedly reported on the pages of our website, this problem is especially acute in the United States, which is the world’s largest aviation market. Many pilots in this country are already near retirement age, and the industry has not had time to prepare new flight crews for the rapid growth of the airline fleet.
But other countries are also facing shortages of pilots as the aviation market is global and many pilots from developing countries aspire to join the crews of the world’s major economies. The prestige of the pilot profession has grown significantly over the past decade, and many young people are wondering – how promising is it to invest huge amounts of money and for a long time in studying to work in the aviation industry, when and how much will it pay off?

The experts of our portal estimated the average salary of pilots in the USA. The list was compiled on the basis of anonymous data obtained from 784 former and current pilots who have worked in the past 36 months in various companies in the US aviation sector. The data was processed on October 22, 2019of the year.

The average annual salary for a pilot in the US is reported to be $76,530. However, it varies considerably from one employer to another. It should also be remembered that all wage figures are approximate and it is also not clear whether they include various allowances and whether they are gross or net amounts.

Individuals interested in actual flight crew remuneration should contact the specific carrier. A summary of the average earnings of pilots in the US aviation industry:

Delta Pilot – $225,984 per year;
U.S. Air Force Pilot – $108,427 per year
U.S. Navy Pilot – $85,527 per year
Come to Fly Pilot – $240,868 per year;
TXM Recruit Pilot – $200,000 per year;
American Airlines Pilot – $122,007 per year;
Offshore Staffing Inc Pilot – $123,373 per year;
Offshore Staffing Pilot – $119,619 per year;
The Rockhill Group Pilot – $102,227 per year;
Aerosource Pilot – $100,000 per year;
U. S. Army Pilot – $84,507 per year;
Lyon Aviation Pilot – $85,977 per year;
AECOM Pilot – $85,655/year;
US Department of Agriculture Pilot – $83,138 per year;
Life Flight Network Pilot – $82,824 per year;
Guardian Flight Pilot – $79,243/year
Department of Homeland Security Pilot – $69,617 per year;
Air Methods Corporation Pilot – $66,132 per year;
U.S. Marine Corps Pilot – $84,675 per year;
Oceaneering Pilot – $70,696/year
U.S. Army Reserve Pilot – $62,417 per year;
Wiggins Airways – $51,502 per year;
Ameriflight, LLC Pilot – $51,624 per year;
Army National Guard Pilot – $41,807 per year;
Keystone Aerial Surveys Inc. Pilot – $37,087 per year;
airworthiness solutions Pilot – $52,680 per year;
Federal Government Jobs Pilot – $90,489 per year;
Mountain Air Cargo Pilot – $40,000 per year;
Geomni, Inc Pilot – $37,335 per year;
Pilot Flying J Pilot – $9.92 an hour;
Equipment Transport, LLC Pilot $13. 58 per hour;
SkyWest Airlines Pilot – $37.23 per hour;
CAE INC. Pilot – $52.99 per hour;
ATP Flight School Pilot – $14.65 per hour;
Helicopter Recruiter Pilot – $250/day
Zing Drones LLC Pilot – $34.65 per hour;
ZING Pilot 39 salaries – $34.65 per hour;
Volt Pilot – 13.9$2 per hour.

Andrey Bochkarev

How much does an airplane pilot earn in the USA

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The average annual salary for a commercial airline pilot is from $130,059,. Salaries range from a minimum of $,112,657 to a maximum of $,146,834 . The bottom 10 percent won $98,813 while the top 10 percent won $62,106 . Union agreements, airline type, aircraft size, and assigned routes are key drivers of pilot pay differentials.

If you are interested in aviation career , stay to learn more about aircraft pilot salary .

In addition to the pilot’s hourly wage, he often receives a stipend to pay during his training period, as well as a daily rate when he is away from home. This allowance covers food and other unexpected expenses that pilots may incur. And airlines often pay for lodging when a pilot has to spend the night away from home.

Years of experience

Once certified to fly large scheduled airline aircraft, a pilot’s salary increases over time. The forecast shows this trend:

• 1-2 years: 116,553-126,942 USD
• 3-4 years: 118,631-12 8,760 USD
• 5-6 years: $120,968-$130,560
• 7-9 years old: $124,345-133814
• 10-14 years old: 128 241-137 570 USD
• 15-19 years: 130 059-139 573 USD
• 20 years and over: 130 059-139 573 USD

Employment growth trend

Expected job growth for airline pilots is lower than the average for other industries. In the period from 2016 to 2026, only about 2,900 jobs will be created in this profession, i.e. the growth rate will be 3 percent. Many of these jobs will be the result of mandatory pilot retirement. Competition for jobs at regional airlines will be less intense than for jobs at major airlines.

Aircraft wages

Pilots’ wages depend on the type of aircraft they fly and how long they have been with the airline. The average annual salary for a large aircraft pilot is $121,408. The average annual salary for a small aircraft is $104,219.

Aircraft pilot earnings in the USA . Non-jet pilots earn significantly less. The pilot of a large non-jet aircraft receives an average annual salary of only 79106 dollars. The average annual salary for a small non-aircraft person is $85,418. Pilots undergo different training for each type of aircraft in which they are certified to fly, so it is worth considering these facts before starting training.

Job Description

The pilot’s tasks begin long before he enters the cockpit. Before a scheduled flight, it performs several important checks. Check the weather along the route, the condition of the aircraft, the total amount of fuel required for the trip, as well as the weight and distribution of passengers and cargo on the aircraft.

It also presents the flight plan before the aircraft leaves the landing area. During the flight, it monitors the aircraft’s instruments, radio communications, and uses the incoming data to evaluate and detect problems that could affect the flight. Supervises all maintenance personnel in the aircraft cabin and in the aircraft cabin. Finally, the pilot contacts the air traffic controller to receive and follow instructions for a safe landing on the assigned runway.

Education requirements

Airline pilots need a bachelor’s degree, but not in aviation. You must complete flight school or the military and obtain a private pilot’s license before you can obtain a commercial pilot’s license. Once you have flown 1,500 hours in a specific aircraft and under certain conditions, you can apply for a carrier pilot certification. In addition to preparing for college, you will spend several years preparing for the FAA exams to gain experience that earns you a commercial airline pilot salary.

Industry

In 2016, 88 percent of pilots worked for commercial airlines. The next largest employer was the federal government, which accounted for just 4 percent of pilots. Frequent travel and duty are the main causes of fatigue or burnout in the industry. Airline pilots only fly about 75 hours a month due to federal regulations. They could accumulate another 150 hours by performing their other duties. Federal law also requires certain rest periods for pilots and retirement at age 65.

How wages are growing

How much does a commercial pilot earn? . Each airline has its own payment program, but almost all of them have an increase in the offer standard every year. Through this ongoing increase, Commercial Airline Pilots and Airline Pilots can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $117,290 and up. . Pilots experience higher salary increase in their first five years . These promotions are usually higher for senior officers than for captains, and the largest pay increases often come after a year’s probation. Almost all first officers become captains after a few years of experience.

Traditional carriers, the largest and oldest carriers in the US, have some of the highest pay rates for pilots. For example, the first officer on a Boeing 757 at Delta Air Lines costs from $70 an hour in the first year, and the salary in the second year is much higher. In 10 years, the first Delta officer will be earning $151 an hour. With a minimum 65-hour warranty, a Boeing 757 first officer starts earning at least $55,000 a year and by year 10 will be earning over $120,000 a year, not counting travel expenses.

By comparison, a Delta captain on the same plane starts at $206 an hour in the first year and earns $222 an hour in the tenth year. This is approximately $160,000 in the first year and $173,000 in year 10, not including per diem.

At major airline Southwest Airlines, first officers start at an hourly rate of $57 for the first year. By the fifth year, that amount had more than doubled to $130 an hour. In year 10, the first officer’s hourly rate at Southwest is $148. In the first year, the captain of the Southwest earns 191 dollar per hour. By the fifth year, he is earning $200 an hour, and by the year, $10,212 an hour.

Regional airlines pay less and pilots fly smaller aircraft. Flying a regional airline is the most common way to gain the experience required by major airlines, making it a necessary step for most new pilots.

For example, on Island Air, the first officer earns $43 an hour in the first year and $58 an hour in the fifth year. Captains on the same airline earn $67 an hour in the first year and $9$7 an hour in the fifth year.

The good news is that with the current pilot shortage at full capacity, regional airlines are being forced to become more competitive when it comes to hiring pilots, with many offering paid training, travel expenses, login bonuses and engagement programs with your major partner airlines and the best benefits for pilots. Island Air is currently offering a $12,000 union bond, of which $5,000 covers relocation costs. Piedmont Airlines is offering a $15,000 membership bonus and, according to its website, a guaranteed job with American Airlines.

Promising pilots who continue this career have great potential for impressive salaries after less than ten years of service. Those who soar in the sky throughout their careers can earn a very comfortable salary after they retire.

Closing note

This post is not intended for those who want to become a pilot, but rather a general introduction to how the pilot salary works (on some airlines it is hourly and on others it is monthly) and on what it is based (years with the airline, position as captain or first officer, etc.