Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations: What You Need to Know in 2025
The Highest Paying Airlines for Pilots
You’ve done your bit.
Gone past flight school. Paid fees that left your wallet gasping. Survived the rigors of flight training.
Now, it’s time for the next step: getting a job and earning.
But here’s the big question—what are commercial pilot salary expectations in the USA?
How much can you actually make? What factors decide your paycheck? And where should you aim to work for the best pay?
This guide dives straight into the numbers, breaks down the factors affecting pilot salary, and compares earnings across airlines and roles.
Whether you’re eyeing entry-level positions or the highest paying airlines for pilots, this is what you need to know to plan your career.
Let’s get started.
What Are the Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA?
Let’s talk numbers.
In 2025, commercial pilot salary expectations in the USA range widely based on experience, employer, and type of aircraft flown.
Here’s a breakdown:
Starting salaries: New pilots working for regional airlines typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually. It’s an entry point, and while it may seem low, the goal is to build hours and gain experience.
Median salaries: Pilots with a few years of experience, often flying for larger regional airlines or charter services, can earn around $85,000 to $120,000 per year.
Top-tier salaries: Senior captains flying for major airlines like Delta or United, especially on wide-body aircraft, can earn over $300,000 annually, with additional bonuses and benefits.
The pay landscape has shifted over recent years. Pilot shortages and increased demand for air travel have pushed salaries higher, especially at major airlines offering lucrative signing bonuses to attract talent.
But there’s a catch: your FAA certifications and experience play a massive role in determining where you land on this scale. Without an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification and significant flight hours, those six-figure jobs remain out of reach.
Factors Affecting Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA
Not all pilots earn the same. Commercial pilot salary expectations in the USA depend on several factors. Experience matters. So does who you work for—regional or major airlines.
The aircraft you fly plays a role too. Bigger planes, bigger paychecks. Certifications and flight hours? Essential. Even where you’re based can change the numbers. Every detail counts.
Experience Level
The more experience you have, the more you earn.
Entry-level pilots are just starting out. Most work as first officers for regional airlines, earning between $45,000 and $60,000 annually.
The pay isn’t glamorous, but the goal here is to build hours—1,500 or more—to meet FAA requirements and open doors to better-paying roles.
At this stage, you’re gaining skills, confidence, and a foothold in the industry.
Mid-level pilots have 5–10 years under their belt. Many transition to major airlines or become captains at regional carriers. Salaries here see a big jump, often ranging from $85,000 to $150,000, depending on the employer and the routes flown.
By now, pilots are handling more complex operations and taking on greater responsibility.
Senior captains are at the top of their game. With decades of experience and thousands of hours logged, they command the highest salaries. Captains at major airlines flying wide-body aircraft on international routes can earn over $300,000 annually.
These pilots don’t just fly—they lead crews, handle the most challenging routes, and set the standard for professionalism in aviation.
Type of Employer
Who you work for matters—a lot.
Regional airlines are where most pilots start. These carriers offer lower pay, with salaries typically starting around $45,000 to $60,000 for first officers.
However, they’re a crucial stepping stone. Promotions to captain roles can bring salaries into the $80,000 range, and the experience gained here is what major airlines look for.
Major airlines are the top of the ladder. Carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines are among the highest paying airlines for pilots in the USA.
First officers often start at $90,000 or more, while senior captains flying wide-body aircraft can earn upwards of $300,000. These airlines also offer attractive bonuses, profit-sharing, and unbeatable travel perks.
Charter and corporate services have pay that’s all over the map.
Flying for private clients or corporate jets can range from modest salaries to highly lucrative packages, especially for high-profile clients. Pilots flying luxury jets for VIPs can earn six figures, but consistency can vary depending on demand and the employer.
Cargo carriers like FedEx and UPS pay competitively, often matching or exceeding major airline salaries. First officers can start at $90,000, with captains earning $250,000 or more. Plus, cargo schedules often come with predictable routes and fewer passenger-related challenges, making them an appealing option for many pilots.
Aircraft Type
The plane you fly directly impacts your paycheck.
Narrow-body aircraft are used for domestic and shorter routes. Pilots flying these planes earn moderate pay, with captains making between $120,000 and $180,000. It’s solid, but not the top tier.
Wide-body aircraft are where the big paychecks come in. These larger planes handle long-haul international flights, and pilots often earn significantly more. Flying a Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 can push your salary past $300,000 as a senior captain.
Flight Hours and Certifications
Your logbook is your greatest asset.
Flight hours are critical. Most airlines require a minimum of 1,500 hours to even get in the door. Pilots with more hours, especially those with experience in complex or high-performance aircraft, have a clear advantage and command higher salaries.
Certifications matter just as much. An ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) license is a must for commercial airline pilots. Additional ratings—like multi-engine, instrument, or type ratings for specific aircraft—make you more valuable and qualify you for higher-paying roles.
Geographic Location
Where you fly can change what you earn.
High-cost areas like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago often come with higher salaries to balance the cost of living. Pilots based in these hubs typically see an increase in base pay.
Low-cost regions may offer slightly lower salaries, but the affordable cost of living can make up for it.
International routes can boost your earnings significantly. Pilots flying overseas often receive higher base pay, along with per diems and travel allowances that add up quickly.
Understanding these factors helps you see the bigger picture. If you want to maximize your commercial pilot salary expectations in the USA, focus on building experience, gaining advanced certifications, and aiming for employers and aircraft that align with your goals.
Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA Comparison: Regional vs. Major Airlines
Not all airlines pay the same. Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA vary widely between regional and major carriers. If you’re starting with a regional airline, expect lower pay.
First officers earn $45,000 to $60,000, while captains make $80,000 to $120,000. It’s a good place to build hours and experience, but it’s not where the big money is.
Major airlines are a different story. First officers at carriers like Delta or United start at $90,000 to $120,000, and senior captains flying wide-body aircraft can earn over $300,000. Add in bonuses, profit-sharing, and benefits, and the numbers climb even higher.
Regional airlines are great for getting your foot in the door, but major airlines dominate Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA with top-tier pay and perks.
Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA: The Highest Paying Airlines
Some airlines pay better than others. If you’re aiming for the top, Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA point to a few clear winners.
Delta, United, and Southwest consistently lead the pack. First officers start at $90,000 to $120,000, and senior captains can earn over $300,000, especially on international routes.
Here’s why these airlines pay more:
- Bonuses and profit-sharing: Big payouts tied to company profits boost your take-home pay.
- International flights: Pilots on long-haul routes earn higher base salaries and allowances.
- Union contracts: Strong agreements lock in top salaries and benefits.
If you’re aiming for the best Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA, these airlines deliver with high pay, great perks, and long-term stability.
Additional Perks Beyond the Salary
A pilot’s paycheck is just the beginning.
Beyond base salaries, Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA often include additional perks that make the job even more rewarding.
Health benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is standard at most airlines. Some even include wellness programs.
Retirement plans: Airlines offer 401(k) plans, often with generous company matching contributions. Long-term pilots can build substantial retirement savings.
Travel perks: Free or heavily discounted flights for pilots and their families. Some airlines extend these benefits to international travel.
Signing bonuses: Many airlines, especially in times of pilot shortages, offer bonuses that range from $10,000 to $50,000 for new hires.
Profit-sharing: Top airlines like Delta and Southwest provide annual profit-sharing payouts, which can significantly boost total compensation.
Housing allowances: International pilots or those frequently relocating may receive housing stipends or temporary accommodations.
These perks make a big difference, transforming the Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA into a truly competitive package.
How to Maximize Your Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA
Want to earn more? It’s possible. Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA are not fixed—you can take steps to maximize your earning potential.
Get more certifications: Advanced qualifications like type ratings for specific aircraft and the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license open doors to higher-paying roles.
Build flight hours: Airlines prioritize pilots with more hours, especially those logged on complex or high-performance aircraft. The faster you build experience, the sooner you qualify for top-tier jobs.
Aim for high-paying airlines: Target carriers like Delta, United, or Southwest, which are known for industry-leading pay and benefits.
Be flexible with location: Moving to high-demand cities or accepting international assignments can increase your pay. Pilots based in hubs like New York or Los Angeles often earn more due to market conditions.
Maximizing your Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA takes effort, but with the right strategy, you can land the career and paycheck you’re aiming for.
FAQs About Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA
1. What is the starting salary for commercial pilots in the USA?
Most entry-level pilots at regional airlines start between $45,000 and $60,000. It’s a stepping stone to higher pay at major airlines.
2. How do pilot salaries in the USA compare to other countries?
Pilots in the USA generally earn more than their counterparts in Europe and Asia, especially at major airlines. Add in perks, and it’s a clear advantage.
3. Are pilot salaries expected to increase in the future?
Yes. Pilot shortages and demand for air travel are pushing salaries up. Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA are likely to keep climbing, especially at top airlines.
4. What is the highest salary a commercial pilot can earn in the USA?
Senior captains at major airlines, flying wide-body jets, can make $300,000+ annually, with bonuses and profit-sharing adding even more.
5. Do cargo pilots earn as much as passenger airline pilots?
They can. Cargo carriers like FedEx and UPS often pay their captains $250,000 or more, with similar benefits and predictable schedules.
6. What perks come with pilot salaries in the USA?
In addition to competitive pay, pilots enjoy travel perks, health benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. For international pilots, housing allowances are often included.
Conclusion
Commercial Pilot Salary Expectations in USA are on the rise. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for senior captain roles, your earning potential depends on experience, certifications, and the type of airline you choose.
Major airlines lead the way with six-figure salaries, profit-sharing, and perks that go beyond the paycheck. But even regional airlines provide a solid foundation to build your career.
The sky is wide open. Explore opportunities with top-paying airlines and take the first step toward maximizing your earning potential. The time to act is now.
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.
