How to become a pilot in the USA
How much do pilots earn in the U.S.?
In 2025, pilots in the United States can expect a median annual pay of about $226,600 for airline pilots, co pilots, and flight engineers, and $122,670 for commercial pilots, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last Updated: December 2025.
How much will pilots earn in 2026?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups pilots into two main categories: “airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers” and “commercial pilots” (which includes charter, corporate, and many non-airline professional pilots). For 2025 wage data, which informs 2026 salary expectations, the BLS reports:
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
- Median annual wage: $226,600
- Lowest 10%: less than $98,560
- Highest 10%: more than $239,200
Commercial pilots
- Median annual wage: $122,670
- Lowest 10%: less than $59,330
- Highest 10%: more than $239,200
When you see a single salary figure for "pilots" online, it's usually a combination of averages or includes starting regional pay blended with advanced widebody Captain pay. This is why salaries range from source to source.
For example, a first-year regional First Officer earns between $70,000-$90,000 in total compensation, while a senior widebody Captain at FedEx can realistically earn $350,000 under current compensation contracts.
Airline pilots' salaries are expressed as hourly pay multiplied by credit hours rather than a flat salary. This means your actual compensation as a pilot may depend upon how many hours you actually work each month, based on which trips you bid on and how fast you move up an airline hierarchy.
If you're still determining if a pilot career is right for you, it's beneficial to read about the entire process of becoming a commercial pilot, as well as what it costs to become a pilot in the U.S. and the available opportunities to fund your journey.
| 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 |
Why do salary numbers look different across websites?
Different sites use different math. Some combine airline and commercial pilot categories, others balance entry-level regional salaries with seasoned widebody Captain salaries, and many use older or outdated sources. That's why there's variance in the numbers despite all representing the same pilot job market.
Airline pilot pay scales: How pay really works
Unlike many jobs that pay an annual salary, airline pilots are paid according to a contracted pay scale. Each pilot group has a collective bargaining agreement that sets hourly rates by:
- Airline
- Aircraft type (narrowbody vs widebody)
- Seat (First Officer vs Captain)
- Year of service (seniority step)
Most U.S. airlines guarantee a minimum of 70 to 85 credit hours per month. If you take a typical figure of 75 hours, that is roughly 900 credit hours per year. Your annual pay is then approximately:
- Hourly rate × 900–1,000 credit hours = rough annual pay (before per diem and bonuses)
Pilots are also paid for certain non-flying duties, such as training events and some reserve days, which is why many pilots use 1,000 credit hours as a simple planning number.
Example pay-scale snapshot (illustrative only)
These numbers are rounded examples based on recent contract trends and public pay tables; exact rates vary by airline and year.
| Role and seat | Approx. hourly rate | Typical annual (base pay) |
| Year one regional First Officer | $85–$95 | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Year one legacy or large low-cost First Officer | $120–$150 | $110,000–$150,000 |
| Year 12 legacy widebody Captain | $325–$400+ | $300,000–$400,000+ |
These examples assume an average of 900-1,000 credit hours per year and do not include per diem compensation for meals on the road, plus bonuses/profit sharing or retirement contributions. When comparing airlines and pay scales, it's essential to look at the full picture over a career lifespan - 20 to 30 years - not just entry level.
To help visualize your potential future career, it helps to align salary scaling with requirements like accruing hours up to your desired goal of 1,500 hours needed for commercial certification, as well as regional career pathways toward becoming a major airline Captain.
Pilot salary by airline type
Another way to view averages is through employers. Each airline's contract is different, but there's a clear correlation among legacy carriers, low-cost carriers, regional carriers, and cargo operations.
Legacy airlines (Delta, United, American, and similar)
Legacy carriers generally have the highest long-term earning potential, especially for wide-body Captains who fly internationally. Recent contracts with major legacy carriers include double-digit pay increases and profit sharing, as well as better retirement investments within the company. Some sources suggest that senior widebody Captains at the major U.S. legacy carriers earn close to $350,000-$500,000 in a strong year, with bonuses included.
Legacy First Officer salaries start in the $110,000-$160,000 range with expedited increases once they reach year four or year five.
Regional airlines
Regional airlines connect small cities to bigger hubs and are often where novice commercial pilots begin their careers. Recently, regional airlines have increased their starting pay exponentially to fill increases.
First Officers report year one totals ranging from $70,000-$100,000 with sign-on bonuses, although their base salaries might be in line with $80,000-$90,000 from most regionals.
Captains earn $120,000+ immediately, depending on experience. Regional airlines also offer pathway programs that help subsidize pilot training costs after hire.
Cargo and express operators (FedEx, UPS, and others)
Cargo pilots are typically some of the highest-paid in the industry - especially with union contracts among FedEx/UPS that include additional pay for night flying/international routes.
Cargo operators also pay widebody Captains nearly the same amount as those who exclusively fly passengers on those aircraft. However, many cargo pilot jobs require prior experience, so they might only be considered at the mid-career level.
Summary of pilot salary ranges
As air travel demand rises, pilots play a vital role in ensuring safety and comfort while connecting people and goods across the globe. Understanding a pilot's financial landscape is crucial for aspiring professionals amid technological changes and industry shifts.
- Entry-level pilot roles often start around $35,000–$60,000.
- Mid-level regional airline jobs range between $55,000 and $100,000.
- High-level positions at major airlines or cargo carriers can exceed $200,000.
This salary data from BLS represents a wide range of job opportunities and can be a guide for what is possible, depending on your chosen career path within aviation.
In specific regions:
- Florida: Average airline pilot salary is $187,910
- Texas: Average airline pilot salary is $186,500
- California: Average airline pilot salary is $208,070
Factors affecting a pilot’s salary
Putting a number on how much a pilot gets paid isn't as simple as just one salary figure. Getting paid a considerable amount requires earning potential that kicks off small but builds over time. Learn what factors impact a pilot's salary now so you can make choices about your career avenue if earning potential is your primary focus.
The type of airline is biggest factor - regional airlines offer lower salaries than major airlines, which tend to provide better benefits in addition to projected union agreements down the line. Aircraft type also impacts compensation - a widebody international Captain makes significantly more than a regional jet pilot.
Key salary factors:
- Type of airline (regional, cargo, major)
- Pilot rank (First Officer, Captain)
- Aircraft size and mission (narrowbody vs. widebody)
- Years of experience
- Monthly flight hours (typically 70–85 hours)
- Airline contract and union agreements
- Base location
- Military vs. civilian training background
Pilots are paid per hour, and their rank determines how many flight hours are scheduled versus what they're getting paid hourly. Most pilots average between 70 and 85 hours a month, fully employed.
The longer you stay with one carrier, the better your salary gets - and those trained by different branches might get preferential treatment or additional offers based on background.
Additional compensation factors
Pay can be more than just hourly wages. As an airline employee, there are certain benefits and compensation that go beyond a typical salary expectation.
Many pilots get per diem for meals while working out of town, plus overtime and holiday bonuses during peak times, or even sign-on bonuses/career performance plans available at regional airlines and cargo possibilities.
Typical pilot benefits include:
- Per diem and travel reimbursements
- Sign-on and performance bonuses
- 401(k) matching and retirement plans
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Discounted or free flights for family
These benefits provide significant quality-of-life improvements that go beyond mere numbers, appealing to those who would prefer a career in aviation over living far from family members, often without financial compensation.
What pilots actually take home: Example scenarios
To make the numbers more concrete, it helps to look at simplified example months. These are not guarantees, but they show how hourly pay, credit hours, and per diem add up.
Example one: Year one regional First Officer
- Hourly rate: $90
- Monthly credit: 75 hours
- Per diem: $2.25/hour, 80 hours away from base
Approximate monthly gross pay:
- Base pay: 90 × 75 = $6,750
- Per diem: 2.25 × 80 ≈ $180
- Estimated monthly total: $6,900+, or roughly $82,000–$85,000 per year before taxes and benefits.
This aligns with many public estimates that first-year regional pilots now earn in the $70,000 to $90,000 range, depending on bonuses and flying schedules.
Example two: Year three legacy airline First Officer
- Hourly rate: $150
- Monthly credit: 78 hours
- One premium trip at 150 percent pay: extra 10 credit hours
Approximate monthly gross pay:
- Base pay: 150 × 78 = $11,700
- Premium trip: 150 × 1.5 × 10 = $2,250
- Per diem and other pay: ~$500–$800
Estimated monthly total is in the $14,000 to $15,000 range, or roughly $165,000–$180,000 per year before profit sharing and retirement contributions.
Actual take-home pay will vary month to month, especially when you are on reserve or during training, but these examples show why many pilots see their income rise rapidly between years two and five.
Salary growth for potential pilots
Becoming a pilot offers a natural salary growth trajectory that starts low before increasing at each level through post-accredited training programs. Most new Certified Flight Instructors only average about $35-$60K, depending on location/frequency of flight teaching.
As First Officers progress with regional airlines, they reach $55-$80K, depending on which job they choose. Captaining or major airline positions raise salaries to six figures within five years if conditions are right.
Market conditions influence this speed - when there's demand for additional flights and airline staffing, opportunities emerge like never before, allowing early-career pilots to meet immediate needs nationwide.
A simplified career progression might look like:
- Years one to three: Regional First Officer, building experience and seniority.
- Years three to six: Regional Captain or low-cost carrier First Officer, often reaching or surpassing $100,000 in base pay.
- Years six to 12: Major airline First Officer, with pay and benefits often exceeding $150,000 to $200,000 total compensation.
- Years 12+: Major or cargo airline Captain, especially on widebody aircraft, with top earners reaching into the high $200,000s and beyond.
Your timeline will depend on hiring cycles, airline growth, and your readiness to move when opportunities arise.
Building a plan that combines how long it takes to become a pilot, knowing how to afford flight school, and choosing the right airline career pathways can help you reach each step as efficiently as possible.
Career earnings progression:
| Career stage | Avg. salary | Flight hours | Typical timeframe |
|
Flight Instructor (CFI) |
$35K–$60K | 250–1,500 | 0-12 months |
| Regional First Officer | $55K–$80K | 1,500–2,500 | 12-24 months |
| Regional Captain | $85K–$120K | 2,500–3,500 |
Two-four years |
| Major airline First Officer | $120K–$160K | 3,500–4,500 |
Four-six years |
| Major airline Captain | $200K–$239K+ | 5,000+ |
Six+ years (long-haul ops) |
Employment outlook for pilots
Where salary makes sense, employment outlook makes more. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow over the next ten years as fleets expand, retirements continue and passenger demand stabilizes and increases.
In practice, this means:
- Airlines are still aggressively hiring, although the rate has tempered down from unprecedented 2022-2023 levels.
- Pilot shortages are often most acutely felt by regional carriers and low-cost carriers, meaning a quicker increase in starting pay and benefits for new hires.
- Those in training now have the greatest likelihood of entering an active industry by the time they are ready to fly professionally.
For those looking at the financial investment to become a pilot, this compelling data supports the return on investment with great pay and a favorable long-term demand scenario.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a projected employment growth of faster-than-average 6% from now until 2032. Aircraft manufacturers and consulting firms project that hundreds of thousands of new pilots will be needed across the globe through early 2040, while North America is still one of the largest markets.
Key factors driving growth are a rise in retirements, global travel increases, and airline fleet expansions. Airlines are hiring actively, and flight schools (like our flight school campus in Orlando) are training more pilots than ever. Yet, demand still exceeds supply.
Aspiring pilots can take confidence in knowing that the employment outlook is solid and that early training positions them for a stable, upward-trending career path.
Pilot salary FAQs
Many regional airline First Officers in year one earn a total compensation package worth $70,000 to $90,000, depending on the airline, sign-on bonuses, and total hours worked. Base salary hovers in the low- to mid-$80,000s, with per diem and additional optional bonuses making up the rest.
Many pilots earn $100,000 by year two to year five of professional flying. Some regional Captains and First Officers at low-cost carriers cross that mark even faster, especially if they pick up premium trips or work for carriers that boast strong profit sharing. This is contingent upon hiring waves within the airport industry, willingness to switch airlines, and proximity to earning hours.
Reserve pay is the pay that pilots earn while on “reserve.” That is, while they are waiting to cover an open trip versus having a regular line of pay. Most contracts guarantee a certain amount of credit hours for reserve months (generally on par with line-holder minimums), so that as a pilot gets reserve guarantee hours, they at least get paid for those even if they do not work. However, if that pilot on reserve ends up receiving a lot more credit hours than guaranteed, they'll be paid as such.
Yes. A variety of pay situations occur outside of block or credit hours. For example, training events are paid hours. Certain reserve days are also compensated. In addition, deadheads (repositioning for upcoming trips) are also compensable. Per diem applies while away from base, too, even while a pilot isn't working. Therefore, when companies assess a year’s worth of potential pay based on guaranteed credit hours, it’s not just for flying time, it’s for other time as well.
They all vary by region. Generally speaking, Florida, Texas, and California have commercial pilots who earn salaries at or above average national median levels due to hub existence for legacy carriers, low-cost carriers, regional carriers, and cargo airlines, leading to large flying opportunities as well as access to higher-paid fleets (BLS notes many regions in these areas with airline-pilot averages higher than national averages).
For many people, yes. The upfront cost for training is high; however, incredible salary offers, benefits, and long-term demand create a fascinating career over a 20-30 year period. Therefore, when comparing median salary amounts related to other similarly trained professions, pilots are often at the top of that list alongside other professionals with sound career improvements. This supports a responsible plan for the cost of training to become a pilot, including scholarships, various loan opportunities, and airline tuition assistance, for an ultimate return on investment!
Data sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Airline and Commercial Pilots, pay and outlook tables.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment projections and wage tables for detailed occupations (airline and commercial pilots, top and bottom 10%).
- Public pilot-contract summaries and pay-scale information from airline and industry resources such as Airline Pilot Central and major-carrier press releases.
- Industry news and analysis on pilot hiring, contract updates, and wage trends from reputable aviation and business outlets.
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