Pilots' salaries vary widely depending on factors such as airline type, pilot rank, experience, aircraft flown, and region. Here is a detailed overview of pilot earnings in 2025:
General Salary Ranges
- Median annual salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers: Around $219,000 to $239,000
- Average U.S. airline pilot salary: Approximately $160,000 to $161,300 per year, with a range from about $83,000 to $250,000 depending on experience and airline
By Airline Type and Rank
Category| Salary Range (Annual)
---|---
Regional Airline Pilots| $55,000 to $120,000 (First Officers to
Captains)145
Major Airline First Officers| $90,000 to $150,0004
Major Airline Captains| $215,000 to $450,000+, with some earning over
$700,00012458
Cargo Pilots| $80,000 to $200,000+, experienced captains can earn over
$200,00045
Charter/Corporate Jet Pilots| $65,000 to $135,0004
Flight Instructors (Entry-Level)| $35,000 to $60,0004
Examples from Major Airlines
- Southwest Airlines pilots average $254,000 annually, with top earners making up to $549,000
- Delta Air Lines pilots earn about $201,000 on average, with some making over $526,000
- American Airlines pilots average $146,000, with some exceeding $700,000
- United Airlines pilots average around $151,000
Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries
- Type of airline (major, regional, cargo)
- Pilot rank (First Officer vs. Captain)
- Aircraft size and mission (widebody international flights pay more)
- Years of experience and seniority
- Flight hours per month (typically 70–85)
- Airline contracts and union agreements
- Base location and regional market differences
- Military vs. civilian training background
Geographic Variations
- U.S. states like California, Florida, and Texas have average pilot salaries ranging roughly from $186,000 to $208,000
- Middle Eastern airlines (e.g., Emirates, Qatar Airways) offer competitive salaries averaging around €90,000 annually
In summary, pilot salaries start relatively modestly in entry-level positions but can grow substantially with experience, seniority, and employment at major airlines, with top captains earning upwards of $400,000 to $700,000 annually
