Aviation is known to be one of the most popular and the highest-paying career fields for those who dream of flying high up in the skies. Pilots are immediately conjured to mind when one thinks of professional, skilled, and responsible individuals.
So what do pilots really earn?
In this article, we will pull back the curtain on the real numbers behind how much pilots get paid, what affects their earnings, how pilot pay varies by region, and how pilot pay evolves as a career progresses.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a pilot or just want to learn about some aspects of the profession, this guide will answer all your questions regarding pilot pay.
Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries
Pilot salaries are not uniform and can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the type of aircraft flown, the pilot’s experience level, the airline or employer, and the region or country of employment.
Additionally, the role of the pilot—whether they are a captain, first officer, or co-pilot—also plays a significant role in determining their earnings.
1. Type of Aircraft
For example, pilots flying wide-body jets (such as the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350) tend to earn more than those flying smaller regional planes. The level of complexity and responsibility of the command associated with larger aircraft commands a higher salary.
2. Experience Level
As with all other areas of the pilot industry, experience plays a big role in a pilot salary. At the very bottom of the pilot pay scale, entry-level pilots (like first officers flying regional airlines) make considerably less than senior captains with thousands of hours behind the stick.
3. Employer
Higher salaries are usually seen at major international airlines, as opposed to regional or budget carriers. Pilots working for bigger airlines, such as Emirates, Delta or Lufthansa, will typically earn more than their colleagues employed by smaller regional airlines.
4. Geographic Location
Salaries differ significantly by country and employed city. In high cost of living cities/countries where there are a lot of aviation jobs, pilots will usually make more, they need to make up for those increased expenses.
Pilot Salaries by Role and Experience
Let me create a comprehensive table showing typical pilot salaries across different roles and experience levels in the US.
| Role | Entry Level (0-3 years) | Mid-Career (4-10 years) | Senior (10+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Airline First Officer | $35,000 – $50,000 | $50,000 – $70,000 | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Regional Airline Captain | N/A | $65,000 – $100,000 | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Major Airline First Officer | $60,000 – $100,000 | $100,000 – $180,000 | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Major Airline Captain | N/A | $150,000 – $220,000 | $200,000 – $400,000+ |
| Corporate/Private First Officer | $45,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 | $110,000 – $160,000 |
| Corporate/Private Captain | N/A | $95,000 – $150,000 | $140,000 – $300,000 |
| Cargo Airline First Officer | $50,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $150,000 | $140,000 – $190,000 |
| Cargo Airline Captain | N/A | $130,000 – $200,000 | $180,000 – $350,000 |
Career Progression and Salary Growth
A pilot’s career typically follows a structured progression, with each stage offering increased responsibility and higher pay.
1. Flight Training and Certification
Flight training and certifications must be gained before pilots will earn a salary. This is a cost intensive stage, training costs between $50,000 and $100,000
2. Entry-Level Positions
Upon certification, pilots typically begin as first officers for low-paying regional airlines. This step is essential to clock flight hours and experience.
3. Mid-Career Advancement
As they gain experience, they can move up to major airlines or become a captain. At this stage, it is an exponential increase in income and generally, it represents a doubling or tripling of salary.
4. Senior-Level Roles
Industry high salaries are paid to senior captains and those operating long-haul international sectors. Others also advance to managerial or trainer positions, which provide even higher salaries for the pilots.
Additional Benefits and Perks
In addition to base salaries, however, pilots typically receive a collection of benefits and other compensation that rounds out their overall pay and benefits. These include:
- Health and retirement benefits: Most airlines provide sweeping health insurance and seasonal retirement programs.
- Travel Perks: Pilots and their immediate family can often fly free or at a reduced rate on their airline and its partner carriers.
- Bonuses: Airlines may grant performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing plans.
- Layover Allowances: Pilots receive per diem allowances during layovers where they stay overnight to include meals and overnight accommodations.
Challenges in the Profession
So, despite the high pay, flying is not without its disadvantages. These include:
- Schedule Deprivation: The job of a Pilot also entails working irregular hours; meaning nights, weekends, and even on holidays.
- Extended Periods away from Home: For regular travellers, it can be long stints away from family and friends.
- Mental Load: Pilots are responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew on board and can feel the mental load for this.
Commercial Airline Pilot Salaries by U.S. City
| City | State | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | NY | $65,000 | $145,000 | $350,000 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $62,000 | $138,000 | $340,000 |
| Chicago | IL | $60,000 | $135,000 | $320,000 |
| Miami | FL | $58,000 | $130,000 | $310,000 |
| Dallas | TX | $57,000 | $128,000 | $305,000 |
| Atlanta | GA | $59,000 | $132,000 | $315,000 |
| San Francisco | CA | $63,000 | $142,000 | $345,000 |
| Seattle | WA | $61,000 | $136,000 | $325,000 |
| Denver | CO | $56,000 | $125,000 | $300,000 |
| Boston | MA | $60,000 | $134,000 | $318,000 |
| Houston | TX | $55,000 | $124,000 | $295,000 |
| Phoenix | AZ | $54,000 | $122,000 | $290,000 |
| Minneapolis | MN | $55,000 | $123,000 | $292,000 |
| Detroit | MI | $54,000 | $121,000 | $288,000 |
| Philadelphia | PA | $56,000 | $126,000 | $298,000 |
| Las Vegas | NV | $53,000 | $120,000 | $285,000 |
| Charlotte | NC | $54,000 | $122,000 | $289,000 |
| Salt Lake City | UT | $52,000 | $118,000 | $282,000 |
| Portland | OR | $55,000 | $124,000 | $294,000 |
| Cincinnati | OH | $51,000 | $115,000 | $275,000 |
| Nashville | TN | $50,000 | $114,000 | $272,000 |
| San Diego | CA | $58,000 | $129,000 | $308,000 |
| Austin | TX | $53,000 | $119,000 | $284,000 |
| Orlando | FL | $52,000 | $117,000 | $280,000 |
| Milwaukee | WI | $49,000 | $112,000 | $268,000 |
Conclusion
Being a pilot is a solid paying profession doing what you love related to aviation. Although the time and money investment to become a pilot is substantial, the financial rewards and job satisfaction are often enough to justify the costs.
One of the best-paid jobs in the world, since salaries start at over $50,000 for the lowest rank to over $350,000 for a senior captain.
If you love flying, fly away, and if you want a lucrative career, then the aviation industry is a place to be as a pilot.
With growth within the aviation industry comes a need for more skilled pilots so it is a great time to pursue this fulfilling career,
An in-depth comprehension of the varied factors determining pilot remuneration and regional disparities can assist a pilot with regards to his/her future journey in the particular field.
The possibilities with this type of career are truly endless and one that can be a dynamic and rewarding profession for individuals who are dedicated, trained, and experienced.
