Commercial Pilot Salary: Ultimate Pay Per Hour, Month & Year

Planes don’t fly themselves. Well, some might in the future, but for now, they need commercial pilots—the people who actually make flying happen. But here’s the real question: how much do they make?

If you think every pilot is rolling in cash, think again. Commercial pilot salary isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Some start at barely $30,000 a year, while others pull in over $300,000 flying for major airlines. It all depends on who you fly for, where you’re based, and how much experience you have. A brand-new First Officer at a regional airline isn’t making the same as a seasoned Captain flying international routes.

And here’s the thing—pilot salaries aren’t just about a paycheck. There are hourly rates, bonuses, per diem allowances, overtime pay, and even profit-sharing deals. Some pilots barely break even in their first few years, while others work the system to maximize earnings.

So, how much do commercial pilots actually make per hour, month, and year? That’s what this guide is all about. We’ll break down salary comparisons, the highest-paying airlines, regional vs. major airline pay, and how pilot earnings grow over time. If you’re serious about an aviation career (or just curious if pilots really make the big bucks), keep reading.

How Much Do Commercial Pilots Make?

Commercial pilot salary varies widely based on airline type, experience, and flight hours. While some pilots start with modest earnings, salaries increase significantly with seniority.

Unlike traditional jobs, pilots are paid per flight hour—not for time spent in preflight preparation, boarding, or delays. Airlines typically limit pilots to 75-85 flight hours per month, meaning actual annual earnings depend on hourly rates and bonuses.

At regional airlines, new pilots earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, with an hourly rate of $30 to $60. After moving to a major airline, First Officers see salaries jump to $90,000 to $150,000 per year, with hourly rates exceeding $100. Captains at major airlines, especially those flying long-haul routes, earn between $200,000 and $400,000, sometimes even more.

The gap between entry-level and senior pilot pay is massive, and reaching higher salary tiers depends on experience, fleet assignment, and airline promotions. Pilots working for cargo airlines like FedEx and UPS or international carriers often earn higher base pay and tax-free salaries in certain countries.

Average Commercial Pilot Salary: What to Expect

The average commercial pilot salary in the U.S. is $115,000 per year, but that number doesn’t reflect the full range of earnings. A pilot’s actual salary depends on factors like airline size, flight hours, aircraft type, and route selection.

Regional airline pilots: Typically earn $50,000 to $90,000 per year. These jobs serve as an entry point for new pilots.
Major airline First Officers: Salaries range from $90,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on seniority.
Major airline Captains: Earnings start at $200,000 and can exceed $400,000 for those flying international routes.

Bonuses, profit-sharing programs, and overtime pay significantly boost salaries. Some airlines offer signing bonuses for new hires, while others provide additional compensation for night flights, international routes, and extra duty hours.

Even within the same airline, aircraft type and route selection impact earnings. A Boeing 737 Captain flying domestic routes earns less than a Boeing 777 Captain flying long-haul international flights due to higher flight hours and larger aircraft pay scales.

For those considering a career as a pilot, the numbers speak for themselves—salary growth is steady, and top earnings can reach well into six figures for those who advance to major airline Captain positions.

Commercial Pilot Salary by State: Where Do Pilots Earn the Most?

Commercial pilot salary isn’t just influenced by experience or airline type—location also plays a huge role. In some states, pilots earn well above the national average, while in others, salaries are lower due to cost of living, airline presence, and demand for pilots.

The highest-paying states for commercial pilots tend to be those with major airline hubs, international airports, and strong aviation industries. States like California, New York, and Texas consistently rank at the top for pilot salaries due to the high volume of flights, competitive airline pay scales, and cost-of-living adjustments.

On the other hand, smaller states with fewer commercial flights may offer lower salaries for pilots. However, pilots based in these regions often benefit from lower living expenses and less air traffic congestion.

Top-Paying States for Commercial Pilot Salary

According to the latest industry reports, these states offer the highest commercial pilot salary averages:

California – Pilots earn between $120,000 and $250,000 per year, thanks to major hubs like LAX and SFO.
New York – Salaries range from $110,000 to $230,000, with high-paying opportunities at JFK and LaGuardia.
Texas – With hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston (IAH), commercial pilots in Texas make $100,000 to $220,000 annually.
Florida – A growing aviation market with salaries between $90,000 and $210,000, depending on airline and experience.
Illinois – Chicago O’Hare (ORD) boosts salaries for pilots to $95,000 to $200,000.

Regional Salary Differences

The commercial pilot salary by state also depends on whether a pilot is working for a regional airline, a major carrier, or an international airline. In general:

West Coast pilots often earn more due to higher living costs and major international traffic.
Midwest and Southern pilots tend to have lower base salaries but benefit from cheaper living expenses and more predictable schedules.
Northeastern pilots working in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia command higher salaries but face higher taxes and airport congestion.

Choosing where to be based as a pilot can directly impact take-home pay. Many pilots commute to high-paying airline bases while living in lower-cost states, maximizing their earning potential.

Starting Salary for Commercial Pilots: What New Pilots Earn

Breaking into aviation isn’t cheap, and starting salary for commercial pilots is often lower than expected. However, salaries rise rapidly as pilots gain experience and move up the ranks.

Entry-Level Pay at Regional Airlines

Most new pilots start at regional airlines, where pay is significantly lower than at major carriers. First-year First Officers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, with hourly rates of $30 to $60.

While this may seem low, regional airlines offer fast-track promotions, allowing pilots to upgrade to Captain status within 2 to 5 years, nearly doubling their salary.

Major Airline First Officers: A Big Pay Jump

After logging enough hours, pilots can transition to major airlines, where starting salaries improve significantly. A First Officer at a major airline earns between $90,000 and $150,000 per year, with hourly rates exceeding $100.

The jump from regional to major airline pay can be life-changing. A new Captain at a major airline can see their earnings skyrocket to $200,000+, making it one of the fastest-growing career paths in aviation.

How Flight Hours and Seniority Affect Early Career Pay

Commercial pilot salary grows steadily with experience. A pilot’s first few years are all about gaining flight hours, building seniority, and moving to higher-paying airlines. Pay increases depend on:

Fleet Type – Larger aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 pay more than smaller jets.
Airline Contracts – Legacy carriers like Delta, American, and United offer better contracts than budget airlines.
Years of Service – A pilot’s salary doubles or triples after 5 to 10 years in the industry.

While starting salary for commercial pilots may seem low, the earning potential is massive. Within a decade, a committed pilot can go from earning $40,000 to well over $200,000 per year, making it one of the most rewarding career choices for those who stay the course.

Factors Affecting Commercial Pilot Salary

Not all commercial pilot salaries are the same, and there’s a reason for that. A new First Officer at a regional airline won’t earn anywhere near what a seasoned Captain at a major carrier makes. Several factors determine a pilot’s earning potential, from experience and aircraft type to airline contracts and flight schedules.

Experience and Seniority: The Biggest Salary Boosters

The more flight hours a pilot has, the higher their commercial pilot salary. Airlines prioritize experience because senior pilots bring greater operational efficiency and safety.

First Officers (Co-Pilots) at regional airlines earn less because they’re still building flight hours and proving their skills.
Captains with several years of experience double or even triple their pay.
Seniority also affects route selection, schedule flexibility, and job security—all of which impact total earnings.

Pilots who stick with an airline long enough can climb the pay scale quickly, making it one of the few careers where income steadily increases with time.

Aircraft Type: Bigger Planes, Bigger Paychecks

Not all aircraft pay the same. Pilots flying larger jets tend to earn more because of higher ticket prices, longer flight durations, and international operations.

Small regional jets (CRJ, Embraer E175) = Lower salaries.
Narrow-body jets (Boeing 737, Airbus A320) = Mid-range pay.
Wide-body aircraft (Boeing 777, Airbus A350) = Higher salaries due to long-haul international flights.

Captains flying long-haul aircraft often earn over $300,000 per year, thanks to extended flight hours and international pay bonuses.

Bonuses, Overtime Pay, and Per Diem Allowances

Commercial pilot salary isn’t just about base pay. Many pilots increase their earnings through:

Signing Bonuses – Some airlines offer $10,000 to $50,000 for new hires.
Overtime Pay – Flying more than the scheduled 75-85 hours per month increases income.
Per Diem Allowances – Airlines pay pilots for food and lodging on overnight trips.

Pilots at major airlines and cargo carriers often benefit the most from these additional income streams, making their total take-home pay significantly higher than base salaries suggest.

Commercial Pilot Salary Comparison: Regional vs. Major Airlines

A pilot’s choice of airline has a direct impact on their salary. The gap between regional and major airline pay is significant, and pilots must decide whether to start small and build experience or aim for major airlines right away.

Regional Airlines: Lower Pay, Faster Promotions

Regional airlines operate smaller aircraft on shorter routes, meaning pilots earn less per flight hour than those flying for major carriers. However, regional airlines provide:

Faster upgrades from First Officer to Captain.
More flight hours in a shorter period.
A stepping stone to better-paying major airlines.

Most First Officers at regionals earn $40,000 to $70,000 per year, while regional Captains make $90,000 to $150,000. While this may seem low, regionals serve as a gateway to higher-paying positions.

Major Airlines: Higher Pay, Slower Promotions

At major airlines like Delta, American, United, and Southwest, pilots make substantially more money—but promotions take longer.

First Officers at major airlines start at $90,000 to $150,000 per year.
Captains can earn $200,000 to $400,000 per year, depending on fleet type and seniority.

Major airline pilots benefit from better contracts, larger aircraft, and long-haul routes, all of which contribute to higher commercial pilot salary.

Why Some Pilots Stay at Regional Airlines

Despite the pay gap, some pilots choose to stay at regional airlines for:

Faster career advancement – Upgrading to Captain at a regional airline can happen in as little as two to five years.
More consistent schedules – Shorter routes mean less time away from home.
Easier transitions into training or management roles.

For those looking to maximize earnings, transitioning to a major airline or cargo carrier is the best long-term strategy. However, pilots who prioritize lifestyle and stability may prefer the regional airline route.

Ultimately, choosing between regional and major airlines depends on a pilot’s career goals, salary expectations, and long-term aviation plans.

Highest Paying Airlines for Pilots: Where to Earn the Most

If you’re looking for the highest commercial pilot salary, the airline you work for makes all the difference. Some airlines pay significantly more than others due to union agreements, international operations, and corporate profitability. Pilots at major airlines and cargo carriers like FedEx and UPS consistently rank among the highest-paid in the industry.

Top-Paying Airlines for Commercial Pilot Salary

Industry reports show that the highest paying airlines for pilots include:

FedEx Express – Cargo pilots earn an average of $300,000+ per year, with Captains at the top of the scale making over $350,000.
UPS Airlines – Similar to FedEx, UPS pilots see six-figure earnings with high overtime pay and retirement benefits.
Delta Air Lines – Delta Captains on wide-body aircraft earn $250,000 to $400,000 per year, making it one of the best-paying passenger airlines.
American Airlines – Competitive pay, with senior Captains earning over $350,000 per year.
United Airlines – Major airline pilots here enjoy strong union-backed contracts, with top-tier Captains making $300,000+.
Southwest Airlines – Despite operating a single aircraft type (Boeing 737), Southwest pilots earn above-average salaries, with Captains making over $250,000 per year.
Emirates Airlines – Pilots flying international routes for Emirates can earn over $300,000 per year tax-free, making it one of the best-paying airlines for international pilots.

The highest commercial pilot salary is often found at cargo carriers and legacy airlines, where contracts are negotiated through strong pilot unions. These airlines also offer additional profit-sharing programs and long-term incentives that boost pilot earnings.

What Affects Airline Salary Differences?

The reason why some airlines pay more than others comes down to a few key factors:

Union Contracts – Airlines with strong pilot unions typically offer higher salaries, better retirement plans, and more benefits.
Aircraft Type – Airlines operating long-haul wide-body aircraft tend to pay more due to extended duty hours and international pay bonuses.
Profitability – Airlines with strong financial performance can afford to pay pilots higher wages and bonuses.
Geographic Location – Pilots flying for international carriers in regions like the Middle East and Asia often receive tax-free salaries and housing allowances, making their total earnings much higher than U.S. counterparts.

Choosing the right airline is a major factor in maximizing commercial pilot salary, especially for those looking to maximize earnings over their career.

Pilot Salary Growth: How Earnings Increase Over Time

A commercial pilot salary isn’t just about what you make today—it’s about how much you can grow your earnings over the years. Pilot salaries are designed to increase steadily with experience, fleet transitions, and airline seniority.

How Commercial Pilot Salary Increases Over Time

The typical salary progression for a pilot looks something like this:

First Officer at a Regional Airline – Starting salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
Captain at a Regional Airline – Within 2 to 5 years, pilots can upgrade to Captain and earn $90,000 to $150,000 per year.
First Officer at a Major Airline – After gaining experience, pilots move to major carriers, earning $90,000 to $150,000 per year.
Captain at a Major Airline – The biggest jump happens when a pilot becomes Captain, with earnings ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 per year.

The highest commercial pilot salary is earned by those who reach the top of the pay scale at major airlines or international carriers.

Key Factors That Drive Pilot Salary Growth

Several factors impact how fast a commercial pilot salary increases:

Flight Hours – The more hours logged, the quicker pilots qualify for promotions.
Aircraft Upgrades – Transitioning from a small regional jet to a long-haul wide-body aircraft significantly boosts pay.
Seniority-Based Pay Increases – Airlines have structured pay scales that reward pilots for each year of service.
Mergers & Airline Expansions – Airline growth and mergers often lead to higher salaries and better contracts for pilots.

The best way to maximize commercial pilot salary growth is to move up in aircraft size, stay with a stable airline, and take advantage of union-negotiated contracts.

For pilots committed to the long haul, the salary potential is enormous—starting in the low five figures and reaching well into the six-figure range within a decade.

Captain vs. Co-Pilot Salary: Understanding the Pay Gap

One of the biggest commercial pilot salary jumps happens when a First Officer (Co-Pilot) upgrades to Captain. The salary gap between these two positions is massive, and for a good reason—Captains carry more responsibility, leadership duties, and flight experience.

Salary Differences Between Captains and Co-Pilots

A Co-Pilot (or First Officer) is the second-in-command on a flight, assisting the Captain in navigation, communication, and flight control. Since First Officers have less experience and responsibility, their salaries are lower than those of Captains.

Here’s how Captain vs. Co-Pilot salary compares at different airlines:

Regional Airlines:

First Officer: $40,000 to $90,000 per year
Captain: $90,000 to $150,000 per year

Major Airlines:

First Officer: $90,000 to $150,000 per year
Captain: $200,000 to $400,000 per year

International and Cargo Airlines (FedEx, Emirates, Qatar Airways):

First Officer: $100,000 to $180,000 per year
Captain: $250,000 to $400,000+ per year

The longer a pilot stays with an airline, the higher their Captain pay climbs, often reaching the top of the airline’s pay scale within 10-15 years.

Why Captains Earn More Than Co-Pilots

The transition from First Officer to Captain isn’t just about flying experience—it’s about leadership and responsibility. Captains are ultimately in charge of the flight, handling critical decision-making, aircraft safety, and crew management.

Here’s why Captains earn significantly more than Co-Pilots:

Decision-Making Authority – Captains are responsible for final flight decisions, emergency handling, and safety compliance.
Years of Experience – Airlines promote pilots based on flight hours, performance, and seniority, making Captains the most seasoned pilots in the cockpit.
Higher Workload & Stress – While Co-Pilots assist, the Captain is the one who faces FAA inquiries, regulatory compliance, and operational accountability.

Because of this, commercial pilot salary takes a huge leap after a First Officer earns their Captain upgrade. Pilots who reach Captain status at major airlines are often among the highest-paid professionals in aviation.

Conclusion

A commercial pilot salary varies significantly based on experience, airline type, and career progression, but one thing is certain—pilot pay only increases with time.

New pilots at regional airlines may start with lower earnings, but salary growth is exponential. With promotions, fleet transitions, and years of service, pilots can climb from $40,000 as a First Officer to $400,000 as an international Captain.

Key takeaways from this guide:

Airline choice, fleet type, and geographic location all impact earnings.
Cargo and major international airlines offer the highest salaries.
Upgrading to Captain results in a massive salary boost, often doubling or tripling earnings.

For those considering a career in aviation, the numbers speak for themselves—becoming a commercial pilot is one of the most financially rewarding career paths, offering steady salary growth, travel benefits, and a career unlike any other.

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.