Airline Pilot Salary USA: Ultimate 2025 Pay Guide
Airline pilot salary USA in 2025? It’s never looked better. Airlines across the U.S. are raising salaries, offering bonuses, and competing hard to keep cockpits full. But behind the headlines, the real numbers vary—wildly.
A rookie First Officer at a regional carrier might pull in $55K, while a senior wide-body Captain at a major airline can clear $350K+ a year—and that’s before the bonuses kick in.
This guide breaks it all down: exact salary ranges, pay by rank and airline, per diem perks, and how long it really takes to move up. Whether you’re eyeing your first airline job or planning your upgrade to the left seat, this is the only breakdown of airline pilot salary USA you’ll need in 2025.
What Determines Airline Pilot Salary in USA?
Airline pilot salary USA isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, it’s one of the most tiered and variable pay systems in any U.S. profession. Your salary as an airline pilot depends on five major factors: your rank (First Officer or Captain), type of aircraft, seniority, airline contract, and total flight time.
Regional airlines pay far less than the majors. Wide-body aircraft pay more than narrow-bodies. Union contracts may lock in annual raises or profit-sharing, while senior pilots hold bidding power over routes and schedules that affect monthly income. That’s why two pilots with the same license can earn vastly different figures—and why the airline pilot salary USA headlines only tell half the story.
First Officer Salary in USA (2025)
Let’s start where most airline careers begin: as a First Officer (FO). In 2025, entry-level First Officers at regional airlines typically earn between $55,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on aircraft and schedule. But at major carriers, even junior FOs are now making $90,000 to $130,000 per year, driven by new contracts and pilot shortages.
Hourly rates for First Officers range from $85 to $180/hour. Most fly 75–85 hours per month, not counting per diem and bonuses. On top of this, union contracts often lock in guaranteed pay increases year-over-year. In just 3–5 years, a First Officer can move from low five figures to the doorstep of six—proving that airline pilot salary USA isn’t just competitive, it scales fast if you’re flying the right route with the right company.
Captain Salary in USA (2025)
Becoming a aircraft Captain changes everything—responsibility, schedule, and especially pay. Captains are paid significantly more than First Officers, even on the same aircraft. In 2025, Captains at major U.S. airlines earn between $220,000 and $350,000+ per year, with wide-body Captains at international carriers often topping $400,000 when bonuses are included.
Hourly rates for Captains start around $150/hour and can reach $350/hour or more, depending on the airline and aircraft type. For example, a narrow-body Captain at Southwest might earn $260/hour, while a wide-body Captain at Delta or United flying international routes can earn $300–$350/hour. With typical monthly schedules of 75–85 hours, it’s clear how fast the airline pilot salary USA jumps once you’re in the left seat.
Airline Pilot Salary USA: Complete Pay Table by Rank & Airline
Here’s a real-world look at how pilot salaries vary across top U.S. airlines in 2025. These are averages based on public union contracts and current bid packages.
| Airline | First Officer (Yr 1) | FO (5+ yrs) | Captain (Narrow-body) | Captain (Wide-body) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | $92,000 | $155,000 | $250,000 | $320,000+ |
| United | $90,000 | $150,000 | $245,000 | $315,000+ |
| American | $85,000 | $145,000 | $240,000 | $310,000+ |
| Southwest | $95,000 | $160,000 | $265,000 | — |
| Alaska | $82,000 | $135,000 | $220,000 | $290,000+ (on select fleet) |
This table proves what most aspiring aviators already know: airline pilot salary USA doesn’t just reward seniority—it skyrockets with the right airline, aircraft, and seat.
Extra Income: Bonuses, Profit Sharing & Per Diem
The base pay is just the start. A full airline pilot salary in USA includes multiple layers of additional income—and they add up fast. Per diem is the most consistent: airlines pay pilots a flat rate for every hour spent on duty, including layovers and ground time. Rates average $2 to $3.50/hour, which can quietly add $500 to $900/month, tax-free.
Then come the bonuses. Major carriers like Delta and United offer profit-sharing, which can deliver pilots an extra 5% to 20% of their annual salary depending on airline performance. In 2023, Delta paid over $20,000 per pilot just from profit share. Some airlines also offer retention bonuses for Captains, sign-on incentives for new hires, and holiday pay multipliers—especially during peak travel periods. For senior pilots, these extras can add $30,000 or more per year, turning a solid paycheck into a six-figure windfall.
Airline Pilot Salary USA: Highest Paying Airlines (2025)
Not all airlines pay the same—even at the same rank or aircraft type. The highest paying airlines in the USA in 2025 include a mix of legacy carriers and specialized operators, each offering unique perks and contract advantages.
Delta Air Lines is often ranked #1 for total compensation, with Captains earning up to $350,000–$400,000/year on wide-body aircraft. Its profit-sharing program and early Captain upgrade paths make it one of the best-paying carriers overall. United Airlines follows closely, especially for pilots on international routes, offering high hourly rates, solid retirement contributions, and consistent contract raises. American Airlines offers similar base pay but trails slightly in bonuses and flexibility.
Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines, though operating only 737s, pays its Captains near the top of the industry—some earning over $300,000/year with fewer overnight layovers. For those interested in freight, FedEx and UPS offer extremely competitive pay and stable schedules, with wide-body Captains often exceeding $350,000/year after bonuses. Choosing the right carrier is one of the fastest ways to maximize your airline pilot salary in USA without needing to switch roles or upgrade aircraft.
Here’s how the top-paying airlines compare in 2025:
| Airline | First Officer (Yr 1) | Senior FO (5+ yrs) | Captain (Narrow-body) | Captain (Wide-body) | Profit Sharing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | $92,000 | $155,000 | $250,000 | $350,000–$400,000 | Yes (High) |
| United Airlines | $90,000 | $150,000 | $245,000 | $330,000+ | Yes (Strong) |
| American Airlines | $85,000 | $145,000 | $240,000 | $310,000+ | Yes (Moderate) |
| Southwest | $95,000 | $160,000 | $265,000 (maxed 737) | — | Yes (Moderate) |
| FedEx Express | $93,000 | $158,000 | $270,000 | $350,000–$380,000 | Yes (High) |
| UPS | $91,000 | $152,000 | $260,000 | $340,000+ | Yes (High) |
If you’re serious about maximizing your airline pilot salary in USA, targeting one of these carriers—or planning your career around reaching them—can unlock hundreds of thousands in added lifetime earnings.
Airline Pilot Salary USA: Career Progression Earnings
A career as an airline pilot follows a well-defined path—but the timeline and pay can vary drastically depending on the decisions you make along the way. Here’s how the journey typically unfolds:
Stage 1: Regional First Officer (0–2 years): Most pilots begin at regional airlines after reaching 1,500 hours. Here, they earn $55,000 to $80,000/year flying CRJs or Embraer jets. It’s the lowest-paying but most common entry point.
Stage 2: Major Airline First Officer (2–6 years): After gaining seniority and applying to a legacy carrier or major LCC (like Delta or Southwest), pilots earn between $90,000 and $140,000/year, depending on aircraft and schedule. With every year of service, pay increases automatically under union contracts.
Stage 3: Captain Upgrade (6–12 years): Once upgraded, usually between years 6 and 12, pilots step into a major pay jump. Narrow-body Captains at the majors earn $220,000–$265,000/year, while wide-body Captains clear $300,000–$400,000+. You now bid for better schedules, longer routes, and bigger aircraft.
Stage 4: Seniority & Retirement (12+ years): Veteran Captains enjoy top-tier pay, flexible schedules, and early selection on international flights. Lifetime earnings across a 30-year career can exceed $7–9 million, especially for those flying wide-bodies at carriers like Delta, FedEx, or UPS.
This four-stage journey proves one thing: the airline pilot salary USA offers isn’t just competitive—it’s scalable, secure, and packed with long-term potential if you move strategically.
Summary Table: Airline Pilot Salary USA at a Glance
Here’s a quick-reference table to summarize what airline pilots make across ranks, aircraft types, and career stages:
| Role | Aircraft Type | Monthly Pay | Annual Salary | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | Regional Jet | $4,500–$7,000 | $55,000–$85,000 | Entry-level (Year 1–2) |
| First Officer | Narrow-body | $7,000–$10,000 | $90,000–$130,000 | Mid-level (3–6 years) |
| Captain | Narrow-body | $18,000–$22,000 | $220,000–$265,000 | Senior (7+ years) |
| Captain | Wide-body | $25,000–$33,000 | $300,000–$400,000+ | Senior international Captain |
This overview confirms what many already suspect: airline pilot salary USA is one of the most lucrative long-term career paths available—especially for those who plan, stay healthy, and upgrade at the right time.
Conclusion: Is the Airline Pilot Salary in USA Worth It?
For those willing to put in the hours, pass the check rides, and climb the ranks, the answer is simple: yes. The airline pilot salary USA professionals now earn in 2025 reflects the industry’s high demand, increased pressure, and extreme responsibility. Starting pay may be modest, but once you hit a major airline and upgrade to Captain, you’re looking at $250K–$400K+ per year.
But it’s not just the paycheck. It’s the stability, the lifestyle perks, and the fact that salaries are locked in by strong union contracts. From First Officer to wide-body Captain, your income grows with time, not office politics. And with pilot shortages continuing, the momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If you’re aiming for a career that pays you well to do what most people only dream about—you’ve found it.
FAQ: Airline Pilot Salary in USA (2025)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much do airline pilots make in the USA in 2025? | Most airline pilots earn between $90,000 and $400,000/year, depending on rank, aircraft type, and airline. |
| What is the hourly rate for U.S. airline pilots? | Hourly rates range from $85/hour (junior FO) to $350+/hour (wide-body Captain). |
| Which airline pays pilots the most in the U.S.? | Delta, FedEx, and United are consistently ranked as top-paying airlines in 2025. |
| Can a First Officer earn six figures? | Yes. At major airlines, First Officers often earn $120,000–$150,000+ within 3–5 years. |
| Is pilot pay going up or down? | It’s going up—fast. Due to pilot shortages and contract renegotiations, salaries are at all-time highs in 2025. |
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