Airline Pilot Salary: How Much Will I Earn in 2025? – The Ultimate Guide
How Much Will I Earn as a Pilot
When people think of high-paying careers, they often mention doctors, engineers, or lawyers. But the airline pilot salary is just as competitive—sometimes even higher. Pilots carry immense responsibility, and their earnings reflect years of training, discipline, and experience.
In 2025, the airline pilot salary ranges widely. Entry-level pilots at regional airlines may start around $40,000 per year, while senior captains at major international carriers can make over $400,000 annually. Your pay depends on factors like airline type, flight hours, aircraft flown, and location.
This guide breaks down the airline pilot salary by hour, month, and year, and shows how experience and career progression impact pay. If you’re considering a pilot career—or just curious about how much pilots really earn—this article gives you the full picture.
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level
The airline pilot salary increases significantly with experience, as seniority plays a major role in the aviation industry. A first-year pilot at a regional airline often earns the lowest pay, but salaries climb steadily with flight hours, certifications, and promotions to larger aircraft.
Entry-Level Pilots (0–2 years): New pilots starting at regional airlines typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. These are usually First Officer roles, where the focus is on building hours and gaining experience.
Mid-Career Pilots (3–10 years): With several years of flying, many move to larger regional jets or secure positions with major airlines. At this stage, the airline pilot salary often ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on the airline and route.
Senior Captains (10+ years): Experienced captains flying long-haul international routes for top airlines earn the highest pay. A seasoned captain can make $250,000 to $400,000+ annually, with additional benefits like retirement plans and travel perks.
Experience not only boosts the airline pilot salary but also provides pilots with more choices in schedules, aircraft type, and airlines, making seniority one of the most valuable assets in the profession.
Airline Pilot Salary Per Hour, Month, and Year
The airline pilot salary is unique compared to most professions because pilots are paid by flight hours rather than a fixed annual salary. This means they earn only when the aircraft is in motion—time spent on preflight checks, boarding, or delays is typically unpaid. On average, pilots log between 75 to 85 flight hours per month, which becomes the foundation of their monthly and yearly earnings.
Comprehensive Airline Pilot Salary Breakdown
| Experience Level & Role | Per Hour | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Airline First Officer | $30 – $60 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Major Airline First Officer | $75 – $150 | $7,500 – $15,000 | $90,000 – $180,000 |
| Regional Airline Captain | $90 – $150 | $8,000 – $12,500 | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Major Airline Captain | $150 – $350 | $15,000 – $35,000 | $200,000 – $400,000+ |
While entry-level roles offer modest pay, the airline pilot salary grows quickly with experience, seniority, and airline type. Captains flying wide-body jets on international routes or operating high-demand cargo flights can even exceed $450,000 per year. For aspiring aviators, this career offers not just the thrill of flying but also one of the most financially rewarding paths in the aviation industry.
Factors Affecting Airline Pilot Salary
The airline pilot salary is not fixed—it varies widely depending on several key factors. From experience to the type of airline, each element plays a major role in determining how much a pilot earns throughout their career.
Experience Level: Like many professions, seniority is one of the strongest drivers of income. First Officers at the start of their careers earn significantly less, while Captains with decades of flight hours command the highest salaries. More experience means better contracts, upgraded aircraft, and higher pay brackets.
Type of Airline: Regional airlines usually pay less than major carriers, with First Officers starting as low as $40,000 annually. In contrast, pilots flying for top U.S. or international airlines can see their salaries multiply once they reach Captain level, often exceeding $300,000 per year.
Aircraft Type: The size and complexity of the aircraft directly affect pay. Pilots flying wide-body jets such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 typically earn more than those flying regional turboprops or smaller aircraft, since larger planes require greater expertise and are used on long-haul routes.
Geographic Location: An airline pilot salary in the U.S. may differ significantly from one in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. Airlines in regions with pilot shortages or high demand for international travel often offer more competitive packages, including housing allowances and tax benefits.
Union Contracts and Benefits: Collective bargaining agreements heavily influence pilot income. Strong pilot unions often negotiate higher hourly wages, better overtime pay, retirement contributions, and generous benefits packages, all of which boost total compensation beyond the base salary.
Additional Allowances: Per diem payments, international flight bonuses, and overtime hours can add thousands of dollars annually. Some Captains flying long-haul or irregular schedules can nearly double their earnings through these additional incentives.
Ultimately, the airline pilot salary is shaped by a mix of personal career progression and external factors like airline type and location. Pilots who strategically build flight hours, transition to larger aircraft, and join major carriers in competitive markets often achieve the highest earnings in the aviation industry.
Airline Pilot Salary by Airline Type: Regional vs. Major Carriers
Not all airline pilots earn the same salary—earnings can vary drastically depending on whether you fly for a regional airline or a major carrier. Regional airlines typically serve smaller cities with shorter routes, while major carriers operate larger aircraft, fly international routes, and offer higher pay scales. For many pilots, starting at a regional airline is the first step before upgrading to a major airline for greater financial rewards.
Salary Comparison: Regional vs. Major Airlines
| Pilot Rank | Regional Airlines (Avg. Salary) | Major Airlines (Avg. Salary) |
|---|---|---|
| First Officer (Entry-Level) | $40,000 – $70,000 per year | $90,000 – $180,000 per year |
| First Officer (Experienced) | $75,000 – $120,000 per year | $150,000 – $220,000 per year |
| Captain (Mid-Level) | $90,000 – $150,000 per year | $200,000 – $300,000 per year |
| Captain (Senior/International) | $150,000 – $180,000 per year | $300,000 – $400,000+ per year |
Regional airlines offer valuable experience and quicker promotions, but their salaries remain lower than those at major carriers. By contrast, major airlines reward seniority, aircraft type, and international operations with some of the highest salaries in aviation. Many pilots begin their careers at regional carriers, then transition to majors for long-term financial growth and career stability.
Highest Paying Airlines for Pilots in 2025
Pilot compensation continues to rise in 2025, with several airlines standing out for their attractive salary packages. Major U.S. carriers, Middle Eastern giants, and select international operators offer top-tier pay — often bolstered by bonuses, per diem, and regional benefits.
Airline Pilot Salary Comparison by Airline
| Airline / Region | Pilot Role | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Captain | $15,000/month → ~$180,000 base with ~50% raise forthcoming |
| Delta Airlines (U.S.) | First Officer / Captain | ~$201,000 average; Captains can exceed $526,000 |
| American Airlines (U.S.) | Pilots (some Captains) | Up to $700,000+ (top earners) |
| Budget U.S. Carriers (Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit) | First Officer / Captain | FO: $48,500–$174,000; Captains: $137,000–$270,000 |
| Major Middle Eastern Airlines (e.g., Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Singapore Airlines) | Pilots | Among the highest globally; top captains earn tax-free salaries potentially exceeding major U.S. carriers. |
| FlySafair (South Africa) | Captains | R1.8M–R2.3M/year (~$97K–$125K USD) |
| British Airways (U.K.) | First Officer / Captain | FO: £32K–£40K; Captain: £100K–£167K (some higher) |
| Virgin Atlantic (U.K.) | First Officer / Captain | FO: £45K–£70K; Captain: £120K–£160K |
| BA vs. EasyJet (U.K.) | Captain | EasyJet Captains: up to £191K vs BA’s ~£138K at EuroFlyer |
In 2025, the highest airline pilot salaries are firmly with major U.S. carriers (especially senior captains at American or Delta), complemented by commanding roles in Middle Eastern airlines known for tax-free pay and benefits. Low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier offer strong earnings but generally trail behind major airlines.
Globally, airlines in the U.K., South Africa, and Asia-Pacific provide competitive pay but still fall below top U.S. and Middle Eastern compensation packages overall.
Airline Pilot Salary by Country: Where Do Pilots Earn the Most?
Airline pilot salaries vary dramatically around the globe. While the job itself is similar everywhere, factors like tax laws, pilot demand, cost of living, and airline competition make some countries far more lucrative than others. In 2025, the U.S., Middle East, and select parts of Europe and Asia stand out as the top-paying regions for pilots.
Best-Paying Countries for Airline Pilots in 2025
| Country | Top Airlines | Average Captain Salary | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States 🇺🇸 | Delta, American, United, Southwest | $200,000 – $400,000+ | Overtime pay, bonuses, strong retirement plans |
| United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 | Emirates, Etihad | $300,000 – $350,000 (tax-free) | Free housing, education allowances, travel perks |
| Qatar 🇶🇦 | Qatar Airways | $300,000 – $350,000+ (tax-free) | Housing, transport, family benefits |
| China 🇨🇳 | China Southern, Air China | $250,000 – $300,000 | High pay for expats, housing, annual bonuses |
| Germany & Switzerland 🇩🇪🇨🇭 | Lufthansa, Swiss Air | $250,000 – $350,000 | Strong benefits, retirement packages |
| Singapore 🇸🇬 | Singapore Airlines | $220,000 – $280,000 | Premium benefits, international travel network |
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | British Airways, Virgin Atlantic | $180,000 – $250,000 | Stable contracts, strong union protections |
| Australia 🇦🇺 | Qantas, Virgin Australia | $150,000 – $220,000 | Work-life balance, long-haul premiums |
Pilot salaries rise in certain regions due to:
- Tax-Free Income – The UAE and Qatar offer tax-free pay, boosting take-home earnings.
- Pilot Shortages – China and Middle Eastern airlines pay premium salaries to attract foreign Captains.
- High Living Costs – The U.S. and Europe adjust salaries to match local expenses.
- Global Competition – Flagship airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines pay top rates to retain elite pilots.
In 2025, airline pilots in the U.S. and Middle East remain the highest-paid worldwide, with Qatar Airways, Emirates, and U.S. major carriers leading the pack. For ambitious pilots, relocating to countries with tax-free salaries, housing benefits, and international flying opportunities can significantly increase long-term financial security and career growth.
The Airline Pilot Pay Gap: First Officer vs. Captain
One of the biggest leaps in airline pilot salary happens when a First Officer upgrades to Captain. The jump isn’t small—it often doubles a pilot’s income because Captains carry full command of the aircraft, crew, and passengers. This promotion marks the most important financial milestone in an airline pilot’s career.
First Officer vs. Captain Salary Comparison (2025)
| Airline Type | First Officer Salary | Captain Salary | Pay Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Airlines | $40,000 – $90,000 | $90,000 – $150,000 | Up to 2× |
| Major Airlines | $90,000 – $180,000 | $200,000 – $400,000 | 2× or more |
| International & Cargo Airlines (FedEx, Emirates, Qatar) | $100,000 – $180,000 | $250,000 – $450,000+ | 2–2.5× |
The pay gap exists because Captains take on ultimate responsibility for:
- Making final decisions on flight operations and emergencies.
- Ensuring aircraft safety and regulatory compliance.
- Leading and mentoring First Officers and cabin crew.
With this level of accountability, airlines reward Captains with higher base pay, stronger retirement plans, and better scheduling flexibility.
For pilots, the fastest way to boost lifetime earnings is to reach the Captain’s seat as early as possible. Seniority-based pay means the longer you serve as Captain, the higher your salary climbs. Beyond pay, Captains enjoy more control over flight routes, international assignments, and long-term job security.
Simply put, upgrading to Captain isn’t just a promotion—it’s the single biggest financial turning point in an airline pilot’s career.
Pilot Salary Growth: How Earnings Increase Over Time
Like most careers, airline pilot salary doesn’t stay the same throughout a pilot’s journey. It grows significantly with each milestone—starting from flight training and early jobs at regional airlines, and eventually peaking with senior Captain roles at major international carriers. This growth is shaped by seniority, flight hours, airline type, and aircraft size.
Airline Pilot Salary Progression (2025 Estimates)
| Career Stage | Typical Role | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Instructor / Entry-Level | Teaching new pilots, time-building | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Regional First Officer | Co-pilot at regional airlines | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Regional Captain | Captain at regional carriers | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Major Airline First Officer | Co-pilot on large jets (domestic & international) | $90,000 – $180,000 |
| Major Airline Captain | Senior command position | $200,000 – $400,000+ |
| International & Cargo Captain | Flying long-haul and freight aircraft | $250,000 – $450,000+ |
How Salary Growth Happens
- Seniority Pay Scales – Airlines reward pilots with annual raises as they accumulate years of service.
- Aircraft Transitions – Moving from smaller jets to wide-body aircraft means higher pay.
- Captain Upgrade – The biggest salary jump occurs when a First Officer becomes a Captain.
- International & Cargo Operations – These positions often pay premium salaries, sometimes tax-free.
The beauty of an airline pilot salary is its exponential growth. While early years may feel financially modest, salaries increase dramatically with every step up the ladder. For those who remain committed, the career offers one of the most rewarding long-term earning curves in the aviation industry.
Conclusion: Is an Airline Pilot Salary Worth It?
A career in aviation demands years of training, discipline, and persistence—but the rewards speak for themselves. The airline pilot salary is among the most competitive in the world, starting modestly at regional carriers but rising into six figures as pilots transition to major airlines and international routes.
What makes this profession truly unique is the exponential growth curve. From building hours as a flight instructor to commanding wide-body jets as a senior Captain, every stage comes with significant pay increases, stronger benefits, and global opportunities. While passion for flying is essential, the financial security, travel perks, and long-term earning potential make aviation a career that balances both passion and prosperity.
For those ready to commit, becoming an airline pilot in 2025 is not just a job—it’s a pathway to one of the most rewarding careers in the skies.
FAQs: Airline Pilot Salary
Curious about how much airline pilots really earn and what factors shape their pay? Here are clear answers to the most common questions about airline pilot salary in 2025.
How much does a new airline pilot make in 2025?
A new First Officer at a regional airline in the U.S. typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 per year. At major airlines, starting pay is higher—around $90,000 annually.
What is the average airline pilot salary in the USA?
The average airline pilot salary in the U.S. is about $150,000 per year, though Captains at major airlines can exceed $300,000 annually.
Do pilots get paid for time spent on the ground?
No. Pilots are usually paid only for flight hours, meaning the clock starts when the aircraft begins moving and stops when it lands. Preflight checks, delays, and boarding are unpaid, though some contracts offer per diem allowances.
Which country pays pilots the most?
The United States, UAE, Qatar, China, and Singapore are among the highest-paying countries for airline pilots. Tax-free income in the Middle East makes salaries especially lucrative.
How long does it take to reach Captain level?
It typically takes 6–12 years of flying experience to upgrade from First Officer to Captain, depending on flight hours, airline demand, and seniority.
Do airline pilots get retirement benefits?
Yes. Most major airlines offer retirement plans, healthcare coverage, and travel perks in addition to salary, making it a stable long-term career.
Can airline pilots earn over $400,000 per year?
Yes. Senior Captains flying international routes or for premium airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, FedEx, or major U.S. carriers can exceed $400,000 annually.
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.
