First Officer Salary USA: Ultimate 2025 Pay Guide

First officer salary USA has reached all-time highs in 2025—making this one of the best times in aviation history to step into the right seat. Airlines are competing hard for new pilots, and First Officers are seeing major bumps in base pay, bonuses, and contract protections.

Whether you’re flying regionals or just landed a job with a legacy carrier, your earnings can vary wildly. Entry-level First Officers may earn $60K–$80K, but at the majors, experienced FOs now make $130K–$150K+, with some wide-body roles pushing even higher. Knowing what to expect helps you plan your career—and your income—more strategically.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real numbers behind first officer salary USA: what you’ll make at each stage, which airlines pay the most, and how fast you can climb the ladder to Captain.

What Does a First Officer Do?

A First Officer, sometimes called the co-pilot, is second-in-command in the cockpit—but that doesn’t mean second in skill. First Officers are fully licensed pilots responsible for managing flight systems, communicating with air traffic control, monitoring weather, and executing takeoffs and landings depending on the flight leg. On many flights, they operate the aircraft while the Captain supervises.

The role demands constant focus, strong communication, and teamwork. First Officers must be ready to assume command instantly if the Captain becomes incapacitated. While they don’t carry final authority, their duties are critical to safety—and their responsibilities grow with seniority, especially on longer international routes.

First Officer Salary USA: What to Expect in 2025

So what does a First Officer earn in 2025? Thanks to renegotiated contracts and pilot shortages, the numbers are better than ever. The average first officer salary USA ranges between $55,000 and $150,000+, depending on airline, aircraft type, and experience.

Regional airline First Officers typically start around $55K–$75K/year, but those who join major carriers like Delta or United earn between $90K and $150K by their fifth year. On wide-body aircraft, some senior First Officers now earn up to $175,000/year—especially when bonuses, profit sharing, and per diem are included. These figures make the First Officer role not just a stepping stone, but a lucrative position in its own right.

Pay by Experience: Entry-Level to Senior First Officer

Like most careers in aviation, your paycheck as a First Officer grows with every year of experience—and often dramatically. A new First Officer at a regional airline might earn $55,000/year, while a senior First Officer at a legacy carrier can clear over $150,000/year, even before bonuses.

Here’s how first officer salary USA scales with experience in 2025:

Experience Level	Typical Monthly Pay	Annual Salary Range	Common Airline Type
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs)	$4,500–$6,500	$55,000–$78,000	Regional airlines
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs)	$7,000–$10,000	$90,000–$130,000	National/low-cost carriers
Senior (6+ yrs)	$10,000–$12,500+	$130,000–$160,000+	Legacy/wide-body carriers

This progression isn’t just about flying hours—it also reflects union contract raises, aircraft upgrades, and bidding rights. With each year in the right airline, your value—and income—rises sharply.

First Officer Salary USA by Airline

Not all airlines pay equally. Some offer faster upgrades and better contracts. Others lag in pay but may offer better work-life balance. The chart below shows how first officer salary USA compares across major U.S. airlines in 2025:

Airline	FO Starting Salary	FO (5+ Years)	Wide-body FO	Profit Sharing
Delta Air Lines	$92,000	$155,000+	$175K–$200K+	Yes (high)
United Airlines	$90,000	$150,000+	$170K–$195K	Yes (strong)
American Airlines	$85,000	$140,000+	$165K–$185K	Yes (moderate)
Alaska Airlines	$82,000	$135,000+	$150K+	Yes (low)
FedEx Express	$93,000	$160,000+	$180K–$210K	Yes (high)

Choosing the right airline early in your career can accelerate your path to higher income—and open doors to wide-body upgrades sooner. That’s where the real payoff lives in the first officer salary USA range.

Bonus Pay, Per Diem & Other Benefits

Base salary is just the beginning. In 2025, first officer salary USA packages often include generous extras that significantly boost annual earnings.

Per diem is the most consistent add-on. First Officers typically receive $2–$3.50/hour while on duty—even during layovers. That adds up to $500–$900/month, tax-free. On top of that, many airlines now offer signing bonuses ($10K–$25K for new hires), profit sharing based on company performance, and holiday pay that multiplies hourly rates during peak travel seasons.

Retirement benefits and flight privileges also add long-term value. Most carriers offer 401(k) matching, medical benefits, and the golden perk—free or discounted flights for you and your family. These extras make the First Officer position more than just a job—it’s a full professional package.

Career Growth: From First Officer to Captain

Every First Officer dreams of moving to the left seat—and for good reason. The leap from FO to Captain often doubles your pay. While the timeline varies by airline and demand, most pilots upgrade between year 6 and 10.

Once upgraded, you’re looking at $220K–$400K+ per year, depending on aircraft type. Captains also have bidding power over schedules, routes, and base locations—giving them more control over their lifestyle. But it all starts with the right foundation as a First Officer.

Climbing this ladder requires staying current, building hours, and performing consistently. With the first officer salary USA already competitive in 2025, the jump to Captain transforms your income—and your career path—completely.

Summary Table: First Officer Salary USA Snapshot

Here’s a quick-reference snapshot of what First Officers earn in the U.S. aviation industry in 2025, from their first flight at a regional carrier to wide-body ops at a legacy airline:

Experience Level	Monthly Pay Range	Annual Salary	Common Aircraft Type
Entry-Level FO	$4,500–$6,500	$55,000–$78,000	CRJ/Embraer (Regional Jets)
Mid-Level FO	$7,000–$10,000	$90,000–$130,000	Airbus A320, Boeing 737
Senior FO	$10,000–$12,500+	$130,000–$160,000+	Boeing 767, 777, A330
Wide-Body FO (Elite)	$13,000–$15,500+	$170,000–$200,000+	Boeing 787, A350, 777-300ER

This table confirms it: first officer salary USA isn’t just solid—it scales fast. Whether you’re flying regionals or heavy jets, the right career moves lead to high six-figure earnings.

Conclusion: Why First Officer Pay Has Never Been Better

If you’re starting out or already climbing the ranks, 2025 is your year. The first officer salary USA is no longer just a stepping stone—it’s a serious, sustainable career with excellent pay, strong job security, and real upward mobility.

With pilot shortages still affecting airlines nationwide, First Officers are in high demand. Pay is up, bonuses are bigger, and benefits are more competitive than ever. Whether you want to fly domestically, upgrade to wide-body jets, or position yourself for a Captain’s chair in the next few years, now is the time to act.

FAQ: First Officer Salary USA – Common Questions Answered

Question	Answer
What is the average first officer salary USA in 2025?	Most First Officers earn between $90,000 and $150,000/year, depending on experience, airline, and aircraft type.
Which airline pays First Officers the most?	FedEx, Delta, and United offer the highest pay, especially for senior FOs flying wide-body aircraft.
How quickly does a First Officer’s salary increase?	Salaries increase annually under union contracts and jump significantly after year 3–5, or when switching to a major carrier.
Is First Officer pay enough to live on comfortably?	Yes. Even regional First Officers now earn $55K–$75K/year, with bonuses and per diem pushing income higher.
How long does it take to become a Captain?	Most First Officers upgrade within 6–10 years, depending on airline growth, seniority, and fleet demand.

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