How to become a pilot in the USA
How much do pilots earn in the U.S.?
Becoming a pilot is more than a dream job - it's a major career decision and a serious investment. Before committing to flight school, many aspiring aviators ask one big question: How much do pilots actually make? Salary for U.S. pilots varies by airline, rank, experience, and aircraft but offers high long-term earnings potential. From entry-level to captain roles, salaries rise with time, skill, and responsibility. Understanding compensation helps you plan and set expectations.
How much will pilots earn in 2025?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average salary for airline and commercial pilots in 2025 is $160,970 annually, or about $77/hour. This includes pilots from different aviation sectors, such as passenger airlines and cargo operations. Pilot salaries vary widely based on operation type and experience.
Top pilots, like long-haul captains, earn over $239,200 yearly, while newer pilots start around $55,650 in entry-level jobs like flight instruction or regional airlines. These roles provide opportunities for rapid growth through consistent flying and credential upgrades.
|
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 |
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
American Airlines pilots earn between $90/hour (First Officers) and $354/hour (Captains), depending on tenure and aircraft type.
Factors affecting a pilot’s salary
Pilot pay isn’t just a number. It’s a dynamic rate that influences your career trajectory and lifestyle. Your salary depends on various factors that build over time. Knowing these factors can help you select an aviation pathway that aligns with your financial goals.
One of the most significant factors is the type of airline. Regional airlines, often the starting point for new commercial pilots, tend to offer lower salaries than major airlines, which typically pay more and provide better benefits.
The aircraft type also matters. A widebody aircraft captain flying international routes earns substantially more than a pilot flying regional jets.
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 receive pay per flight hour, and their rank (First Officer vs. Captain) and tenure with an airline determine how many hours they have scheduled and their hourly rate. Most full-time pilots fly between 70 and 85 hours per month. The longer you stay with a single carrier, the more your salary grows.
Additional compensation factors
Pilot pay is more than hourly wages, with airlines providing benefits that enhance total compensation and financial security. Many pilots receive per diem for meals, overtime pay, and holiday bonuses during peak seasons. Sign-on bonuses and profit-sharing plans are standard at regional and major carriers.
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 perks make aviation careers attractive not just for pilots but for their families, too.
Salary growth for potential pilots
A pilot’s career offers a structured trajectory for salary growth. Most start as Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), earning $35,000 to $60,000, depending on location and flight frequency.
As they progress to regional airline First Officers, salaries rise to $55,000 to $ 80,000. Promotions to Captain or major airlines can lead to six-figure salaries within a few years.
Market conditions affect advancement. Airlines will offer promotions and increase pay to lure talent during pilot shortages. Aspiring pilots benefit from a financially favorable aviation market.
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 | 2-4 years |
Major Airline First Officer | $120K–$160K | 3,500–4,500 | 4-6 years |
Major Airline Captain | $200K–$239K+ | 5,000+ | 6+ years (long-haul ops) |
Employment outlook for pilots
The demand for qualified pilots will remain strong in the coming decade. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% job growth for airline and commercial pilots between now and 2032, faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.
Key factors driving growth are a rise in retirements, global travel increases, and airline fleet expansions. Airlines are hiring actively, and flight schools 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.
