Airline Pilot Salary: Complete 2025 Compensation Guide

The median airline pilot salary reached an impressive $226,600 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics¹. With the ongoing pilot shortage creating unprecedented demand, salaries have surged 50-86% since 2020, making aviation one of the most lucrative career paths available today. Whether you're considering flight training or comparing airline opportunities, understanding pilot compensation is crucial for planning your aviation career.

This comprehensive guide breaks down airline pilot salaries by experience level, airline, and aircraft type, while exploring the total compensation packages that make this career so financially rewarding in 2025.

Average Airline Pilot Salary Overview

Median Salary & Salary Range

The airline pilot salary landscape varies dramatically based on experience, airline type, and aircraft flown. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots was $226,600 as of May 2024¹. However, the overall range spans from approximately $56,000 for entry-level positions to over $700,000 for senior captains at major airlines.

Glassdoor reports an average airline pilot salary of $190,083 based on employee submissions, with most pilots earning between $142,562 and $347,851 annually². This wide range reflects the significant career progression potential in commercial aviation.

Several factors influence where a pilot falls within this range:

• Years of experience and seniority
• Airline type (regional, major legacy, low-cost, cargo)
• Position (First Officer vs. Captain)
• Aircraft type (narrowbody vs. widebody)
• Route assignments (domestic vs. international)

How Pilot Pay Works

Unlike most professions, airline pilots aren't paid an annual salary—they're compensated hourly for flight time. First Officers at regional airlines might earn $60-90 per hour, while senior captains at major airlines can command $300-450+ per hour.

Federal regulations limit pilots to 1,000 flight hours annually, though most fly 700-900 hours per year. Airlines guarantee minimum monthly pay (typically 70-85 hours) regardless of actual flight time, protecting pilots during low-demand periods.

This hourly structure means a captain earning $350/hour who flies 900 hours annually grosses $315,000 from flight time alone—before per diem, profit sharing, and bonuses.

Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level

Entry-Level: Flight Instructor & First Jobs

Most airline pilots begin their careers as Certified Flight Instructors (CFI), earning $35,000-$60,000 annually while building the 1,500 flight hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This hour-building phase typically takes 12-24 months of full-time instructing.

Some pilots build hours through charter operations, aerial survey, or banner towing, though flight instructing remains the most common path.

Regional Airline First Officer

Upon reaching 1,500 hours and obtaining an ATP certificate, pilots qualify for regional airline First Officer positions. Regional First Officer salaries range from $55,000 to $120,000 depending on the carrier and years of service.

However, the pilot shortage has transformed regional airline compensation. Many carriers now offer:

• Signing bonuses of $50,000-$100,000
• First-year pay of $80,000-$100,000
• Rapid upgrade times to Captain (as short as 12-24 months at some carriers)

These incentives have made regional airline positions far more attractive than in previous decades.

Regional Airline Captain

Regional captains earn $150,000-$217,000 depending on aircraft type, seniority, and carrier. Upgrade from First Officer to Captain typically occurs after 3-5 years at regional airlines, though pilot shortages have accelerated this timeline at many carriers.

Major Airline First Officer

Pilots who transition to major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest) as First Officers earn $109,000-$180,000 in their first year, with significant pay increases over time. Major airline hiring requires either experience at regional airlines or direct entry through military or corporate aviation backgrounds.

Major Airline Captain

Major airline captains represent the pinnacle of airline pilot compensation, earning $200,000-$450,000 for narrowbody domestic flying. Senior captains on widebody international aircraft can earn $400,000-$700,000+ when including base pay, per diem, and profit sharing.

The career progression from regional First Officer to major airline captain typically takes 8-15 years, resulting in lifetime career earnings exceeding $10 million for pilots who reach senior captain status.

Pilot Salary by Airline (2025 Data)

Major Legacy Carriers

Delta Air Lines pilots average $201,178 annually, with senior captains earning up to $526,000 per year². Delta's industry-leading contracts and profit-sharing program have made it one of the highest-paying carriers. For a detailed breakdown of Delta pilot compensation, see our comprehensive Delta Pilot Salary guide.

American Airlines pilots average $145,995, though senior widebody captains earn $450,000+ when including profit sharing and premiums².

United Airlines pilots average $151,154, with recent contract negotiations securing 18-40% pay increases through 2027³.

Low-Cost Carriers

Southwest Airlines leads the industry in average pilot compensation at $254,000, with top earners reaching $549,000 annually². Southwest's point-to-point route structure and single aircraft type (Boeing 737) create favorable scheduling and quality-of-life benefits alongside industry-leading pay.

Other low-cost carriers like JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier offer competitive compensation in the $130,000-$250,000 range depending on position and seniority.

Cargo Carriers

FedEx and UPS pilots enjoy some of the highest compensation in aviation, with captain hourly rates reaching $326/hour. Senior widebody captains at these carriers can earn $400,000-$500,000+ annually⁴.

Cargo operations offer different lifestyle trade-offs than passenger airlines, including nighttime flying but potentially more predictable schedules and fewer passenger-related delays.

Aircraft Type Pay Differentials

Pilot pay scales vary significantly by aircraft type. Widebody international aircraft (Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A350) command 25-40% pay premiums over narrowbody domestic equipment (Boeing 737, Airbus A320).

For example, a major airline captain might earn:

• $280/hour flying Boeing 737 domestically
• $380/hour flying Boeing 777 internationally

This differential reflects the additional training requirements, route complexity, and responsibility of operating larger aircraft on international routes.

Total Compensation Beyond Base Pay

Benefits Package

Airline pilots receive comprehensive benefits including:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with minimal employee cost
• Free or heavily reduced travel for pilots and immediate family on their airline
• Per diem allowances of $2.50-$3.50/hour while away from base, generating $15,000-$30,000 annually tax-free
• Paid training for aircraft type ratings and recurrent qualifications

Retirement & Long-Term Benefits

Major airlines offer exceptional retirement benefits:

• 401(k) matching of 16-17% at carriers like Delta and United
• Profit sharing programs distributing 10-15% of company profits annually
• Pension plans (at some legacy carriers for senior pilots)

A pilot contributing 10% of salary with a 16% employer match on a $250,000 income receives $65,000 in annual retirement contributions—one of the most generous retirement packages in any industry.

Signing Bonuses & Incentives

The pilot shortage has created aggressive recruiting incentives:

• Regional airlines: $50,000-$100,000 signing bonuses
• Major airlines: $50,000-$200,000 retention bonuses
• Relocation assistance and moving expense coverage
• Type rating sponsorships (saving pilots $10,000-$20,000 in training costs)

Pilot Shortage Impact on Salaries (2025 Trends)

The aviation industry faces a shortage of 17,000-24,000 pilots by 2032, according to CAE's Aviation Talent Forecast⁵. This shortage has created dramatic compensation improvements:

• Regional airline pay increased 500% between 2000 and 2024
• Major airline contracts secured 18-46% raises in recent negotiations
• Industry-wide salary growth of 50-86% since 2020

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) projects continued upward salary pressure through 2027 as airlines compete for qualified pilots³. Combined with mandatory retirement at age 65 and increasing air travel demand, the pilot shortage ensures strong compensation growth for the foreseeable future.

Career Path & Earnings Timeline

Here's a realistic career earnings timeline for airline pilots:

Years 1-2: Flight training & CFI work ($40,000-$60,000/year) Years 3-5: Regional First Officer ($80,000-$120,000/year) Years 6-8: Regional Captain or Major FO ($150,000-$200,000/year) Years 9-15: Major Airline Captain ($250,000-$350,000/year) Years 16-30: Senior Captain ($400,000-$700,000/year)

With mandatory retirement at 65, a pilot starting at age 23 has a 42-year career with total earnings potential exceeding $10 million before accounting for benefits and profit sharing.

FAQ: Airline Pilot Salary Questions

How much do airline pilots make per hour? Airline pilots earn $60-$447 per hour depending on airline, aircraft type, and seniority. Regional First Officers start around $60-90/hour, while senior widebody captains at major airlines can earn $380-$447/hour.

What is the highest paid airline pilot position? Senior captains flying widebody international aircraft (Boeing 777, 787) at major airlines earn $400,000-$700,000+ annually, making them the highest-paid airline pilots.

How much do first year pilots make? First-year regional airline First Officers earn $80,000-$120,000 including signing bonuses. First-year major airline First Officers earn $109,000-$180,000 depending on the carrier.

Do pilots get paid when not flying? Pilots receive minimum monthly guarantees (typically 70-85 hours of pay) regardless of actual flight time. They also earn per diem allowances while away from base and receive pay for training, union duties, and administrative tasks.

What airline pays pilots the most? Southwest Airlines pilots average $254,000 annually (highest average), while FedEx and UPS offer the highest captain hourly rates at $326/hour. Delta also leads with senior captains earning $400,000-$526,000.

Is being a pilot worth it financially? Yes. Despite $80,000-$150,000 in training costs, pilots recoup this investment within 3-5 years. Career earnings of $10+ million, excellent benefits, and strong job security make it one of the highest-paying careers without requiring a traditional four-year degree.

How to Become an Airline Pilot

To become an airline pilot, you'll need:

1. Obtain required certificates: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Rating
2. Earn ATP certificate: Requires 1,500 flight hours and passing ATP written and practical exams
3. Build flight time: Most pilots instruct or work in charter operations
4. Apply to airlines: Regional airlines hire at 1,500 hours; major airlines typically require 3,000-5,000+ hours

Training costs range from $80,000-$150,000 depending on flight school and aircraft rental rates. The entire process takes 3-4 years for full-time students, though timelines vary based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Airline pilot salaries have reached historic highs in 2025, with median compensation of $226,600 and senior captains earning $400,000-$700,000+ annually. The ongoing pilot shortage has created exceptional career opportunities, with airlines offering signing bonuses, rapid upgrades, and industry-leading contracts.

While the career requires significant upfront investment in training and time building, the long-term financial rewards are substantial. With lifetime earnings exceeding $10 million and comprehensive benefits packages, airline pilots enjoy one of the most lucrative career paths available.

Ready to start your aviation career? Browse current pilot job opportunities on Just Pilot Jobs to find your next position.

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