How Much Do Pilots Make in the USA? By Airline, Rank, State – Ultimate Guide
One of the biggest questions aspiring aviators ask is: how much do pilots make in the USA? The answer depends on several key factors—including the airline you fly for, your rank, the aircraft you operate, and where you’re based.
Pilot salaries can vary dramatically, from entry-level flight instructors earning $35,000 per year to seasoned airline captains taking home over $350,000. Factors like union contracts, aircraft type, flight hours, and regional demand all play a role in determining compensation.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down pilot salaries across the U.S. by airline, rank, and location. Whether you’re just starting your flight training or comparing offers from major carriers, this is your go-to resource for understanding real-world pilot pay.
How Much Do Pilots Make in the USA? (2025 Salary Snapshot)
Understanding how much pilots make in the USA starts with looking at the national averages—and how quickly those numbers can rise with rank, experience, and employer. According to the latest 2025 aviation salary data, the national average salary for a professional pilot in the U.S. is approximately $148,000 per year. However, pilot pay varies widely depending on your position in the cockpit.
Entry-level pilots, such as Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) or First Officers at regional airlines, generally earn between $55,000 and $85,000 per year. In contrast, senior captains flying international wide-body routes for major carriers like Delta or United can earn $250,000 to $350,000 or more annually, with some exceeding $450,000 depending on overtime and profit-sharing.
Several key factors influence how much pilots make in the USA, including:
- Aircraft type (regional turboprop vs. wide-body jet)
- Seniority and experience level
- Union contracts and pay scales
- Airline category (regional, low-cost, legacy)
- Geographic location and base assignment
As you advance in your aviation career, your earning potential grows—especially if you remain with a major airline long enough to climb their seniority system.
Pilot Salary by Rank: Flight Instructor, First Officer, Captain
To fully understand how much pilots make in the USA, it’s important to look at how pay is structured by rank. Salaries are tiered based on job responsibilities, aircraft operated, and the size and type of employer. Here’s a 2025 breakdown of pilot pay by rank:
| Pilot Rank | Low Range (Annual) | High Range (Annual) | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Instructor | $25,000 – $60,000 | — | $40,000 |
| First Officer | $55,000 – $120,000 | $150,000+ (at major airlines) | $85,000 |
| Captain | $120,000 – $350,000 | $450,000+ (wide-body, senior) | $250,000 |
Flight Instructors often start on the lower end of the pay scale, especially at smaller schools or as time-builders. Pay may increase based on aircraft type (e.g., multi-engine), location, and student load.
First Officers (co-pilots) see a broad range depending on whether they’re flying for a regional carrier or a major airline. Legacy airlines and international carriers typically pay much higher rates.
Captains earn the most, with pay accelerating significantly after reaching seniority in major U.S. airlines. Captains flying long-haul international routes in wide-body aircraft earn the top salaries in the industry.
These numbers reflect gross salary and may not include per diem, bonuses, profit-sharing, or 401(k) contributions, which can further boost total compensation.
How Much Do Pilots Make at Major vs Regional Airlines?
The type of airline you fly for plays a major role in determining how much pilots make in the USA. Entry-level pilots typically begin their careers at regional airlines, while experienced Captains move on to major, low-cost, or cargo carriers, where pay can more than triple.
Regional airlines such as SkyWest, Republic Airways, and Envoy Air often serve as stepping stones for new pilots. First Officers at regionals usually earn between $55,000 and $85,000, while Captains may top out at $110,000 to $130,000, depending on aircraft type and seniority.
Major airlines, including Delta, United, and American, offer some of the highest salaries in the industry. First Officers start around $120,000 to $150,000, while senior Captains flying wide-body jets can earn $300,000 to $400,000+ with bonuses and overtime.
Low-cost carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, and Allegiant pay competitive salaries. While slightly below the legacy majors, they often offer strong benefits, quicker upgrades, and more flexible scheduling. First Officers may earn $100,000+, and Captains range from $180,000 to $250,000+.
Cargo airlines such as FedEx and UPS match or exceed major airline pay, thanks to strong union contracts. Long-haul international Captains at FedEx often exceed $300,000 annually, with First Officers earning $140,000 to $200,000+, depending on fleet and route.
Pilot Salary by Airline Type (2025)
| Airline Type | First Officer Salary Range | Captain Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional | $55,000 – $85,000 | $100,000 – $130,000 | Entry-level, smaller jets, limited bonuses |
| Major Legacy | $120,000 – $150,000 | $250,000 – $400,000+ | Highest earning potential, long-haul bonuses included |
| Low-Cost Carrier | $100,000 – $140,000 | $180,000 – $250,000+ | Fast upgrades, flexible schedules |
| Cargo Airlines | $140,000 – $200,000+ | $280,000 – $350,000+ | Strong union contracts, high overtime rates |
This table shows how pilot salaries scale not only with experience but also with the type of operation. For pilots planning their long-term career path, moving from a regional to a cargo or major airline offers the largest financial upside in U.S. aviation.
How Much Do Pilots Make by State
While airline pay scales are fairly standardized, where you’re based still impacts how much pilots make in the USA. Factors like cost of living, state tax, major airline hubs, and flight demand affect both base salaries and lifestyle value. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 highest-paying states for pilots in 2025:
| State | Avg Annual Salary | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| California | $205,000+ | Major hubs (LAX, SFO), international routes, high COL |
| Florida | $190,000+ | Charter demand, training hubs, FedEx and cargo ops |
| Texas | $180,000+ | American Airlines HQ, DFW and Houston hubs |
| New York | $170,000+ | Global traffic via JFK, LaGuardia, Newark |
| Georgia | $165,000+ | Delta HQ in Atlanta, high volume domestic flying |
| Illinois | $160,000+ | United hub in Chicago O’Hare, major cargo and commercial ops |
| Washington | $158,000+ | Alaska Airlines base, Boeing field testing, FedEx hub |
| Colorado | $155,000+ | Growing airline presence, United hub in Denver |
| Nevada | $150,000+ | Southwest hub in Las Vegas, private/corporate aviation |
| North Carolina | $145,000+ | Growing regional demand, American Airlines base at CLT |
While salaries may be similar on paper, state taxes and cost of living impact how far that income goes. For example, a $190,000 salary in Florida (no state income tax) can stretch further than $205,000 in California. Choosing your base strategically can make a significant difference in quality of life and financial planning.
Pilot Pay Over Time: How Fast Can Salaries Grow?
Understanding how much pilots make in the USA over time reveals just how rewarding this career can be with consistency and progression. Pilot pay doesn’t stay flat—it increases dramatically with each year of seniority, especially once a pilot transitions from regional to major or cargo airlines.
Years 1–3: Entry-level pilots, including flight instructors and new First Officers, typically earn between $45,000 and $80,000. This stage is often focused on hour-building.
Years 4–6: As pilots move to larger aircraft and more reputable carriers, earnings can grow to $90,000 to $130,000, particularly for those flying for low-cost or early-stage major airlines.
Years 7–15+: Captains flying domestic and international routes often reach $200,000 to $350,000+, especially those with wide-body experience and strong union contracts.
Additional earnings often include sign-on bonuses, holiday pay, international per diem, and profit-sharing—making a mature pilot’s real income substantially higher than base pay alone.
So when asking how much do pilots make in the USA long-term, the answer is: a lot—if you stay in the game and move up the ladder.
What Affects How Much Pilots Make in the USA?
There’s no single salary for every pilot—earnings are shaped by a variety of operational and contractual factors. Here’s what most influences how much pilots make in the USA:
Aircraft Type: A pilot flying a narrow-body Boeing 737 for domestic routes will earn significantly less than one operating a wide-body Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 on international legs.
Airline Category: Pilots flying for cargo giants like FedEx, legacy carriers like Delta, or charters and corporate jets all earn differently. Major and cargo airlines typically lead in pay and benefits.
Rank and Seniority: A First Officer with two years of experience earns far less than a Captain with 15 years at the same airline. Seniority pay steps ensure consistent salary growth over time.
Base Location and Contract: Pay varies by base airport, airline headquarters, and union agreements. Pilots based in California or New York often receive higher salaries to offset living costs.
Ultimately, when considering how much pilots make in the USA, it’s not just about the airline—it’s about how far you advance, what you fly, and where you’re based. Every factor contributes to building a high-income aviation career.
Conclusion: How Much Do Pilots Make in the USA?
So, how much do pilots make in the USA? The real answer is: it varies—but the growth potential is among the highest of any skilled profession. From entry-level roles at regional airlines to senior captain positions at legacy and cargo carriers, pilot salaries scale with experience, rank, and flight hours.
What makes aviation unique is that it’s a career where your earnings can go from $50,000 to over $350,000+ within a decade—especially if you train consistently and advance through structured airline or charter pathways. And beyond the base salary, pilots often enjoy excellent retirement benefits, profit-sharing, and flexible schedules.
FAQ: How Much Do Pilots Make in the USA?
What is the average pilot salary in the USA in 2025?
The average pilot salary in 2025 is approximately $148,000 per year, according to national labor and industry data. This includes a range of roles from First Officers to Captains across regional, cargo, and major airlines.
How much do airline captains make per year?
Captains in the USA typically earn between $120,000 and $350,000+ depending on the airline, aircraft type, and route structure. Senior Captains on wide-body international flights may exceed $400,000 annually with bonuses and overtime.
What’s the starting salary for a pilot in the USA?
New pilots, such as flight instructors or regional First Officers, often start between $45,000 and $80,000 per year. As they gain hours and move up in rank, their earnings increase rapidly.
Do pilots get paid hourly or annually?
Most pilots are paid per flight hour, but airlines typically guarantee a minimum number of hours per month, resulting in consistent annual salary ranges. Additional pay includes per diem, bonuses, and overtime.
Which airline pays pilots the most in the USA?
FedEx, UPS, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are among the highest-paying carriers. Captains at these airlines, especially those flying long-haul international routes, often earn the top salaries in the industry.
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