Sky-High Earnings

Discover the Salary Pilots Can Achieve!

Becoming a pilot not only offers the thrill of flying but also opens the door to impressive earning potential. As a pilot, you can start with a competitive salary and see your earnings grow rapidly with experience. Captains at major airlines can make well over $300,000 per year, enjoying excellent benefits, travel perks, and the opportunity to see the world while being paid to do what they love. With the demand for pilots on the rise, there has never been a better time to take to the skies and pursue a rewarding and financially secure career in aviation.

What is the salary of a pilot?

If you've ever gazed up at a plane and dreamed of being behind the controls, you're not alone. The allure of flying, coupled with the thrill of adventure, has captivated countless individuals. But beyond the thrill, there's also a substantial financial reward to consider.

Pilot salaries can be incredibly lucrative. Major airlines often offer competitive compensation packages that include base pay, overtime, and various benefits. As a pilot, you can expect to earn a comfortable living, with the potential to increase your income as you gain experience and advance in your career.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Base Salary: Even entry-level pilots can earn a six-figure salary, and the pay scale only goes up from there.
Overtime: Pilots often work irregular hours, which can lead to significant overtime pay.
Benefits: In addition to salary, many airlines offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and travel perks.

Airline Pilots

First Officer
Captain
Senior Captain

$70,000 - $100,000

$120,000 - $250,000

$200,000 - $400,000

Commercial Pilots

Cargo Pilot
Corporate Pilot
Flight insturctor

$100,000 - $200,000

$80,000 - $150,000

$30,000 - $60,000

Other Aviation Professionals

Chief Pilot
Aviation Mechanic
Air Traffic Controller

$120,000 - $200,000

$40,000 - $70,000

$60,000 - $100,000

Major Airline Pilot Salaries

Here's a breakdown of average base pay for pilots at some of the major US airlines based on 2021 Glassdoor data:

Delta Air Lines: $71,000 - $293,000
FedEx: $95,000 - $328,000
American Airlines: $66,000 - $296,000
UPS: $89,000 - $265,000
Southwest Airlines: $61,000 - $275,000
United Airlines: $71,000 - $280,000

Helicopter Pilot Salary:

Entry-level: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
Experienced: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
Senior pilots or those with specialized skills: $100,000 or more per year

What is the hourly wage for airline pilots?

Airline pilots typically earn between $50 and $300 per hour, depending on their experience level, the airline, and the type of aircraft.Newer pilots tend to earn on the lower end, while senior captains earn higher hourly rates.