How Much Does a Pilot Make? The Ultimate 2025 Salary Guide

When people talk about what inspired them to choose their careers, the two most common answers are passion and money. Becoming a pilot is no different. The thrill of flight, the view from above, and the adventure of travel are powerful motivators—but let’s be honest, the paycheck matters too. Flight training is expensive, the workload is demanding, and the journey takes years to complete.

So, how much does a pilot make? The truth is that salaries vary widely based on experience, the type of aircraft flown, and whether a pilot works for a regional carrier, a major airline, or in corporate aviation. Some start with modest earnings, while others quickly rise to six figures with bonuses, overtime, and retirement benefits.

In this 2025 salary guide, we’ll break down:

Pilot salaries from entry-level to senior Captain
Pay differences between regional, major, and cargo airlines
Corporate and private jet pilot earnings
Bonuses, overtime, and benefits beyond base pay

If you’re considering a pilot career—or simply curious about pilot earnings—this guide gives you the full picture.

How Much Does a Pilot Make? Understanding the Salary Structure

One of the first questions aspiring pilots ask is, how much does a pilot make? The truth is, pilot salaries vary widely based on experience, the airline they work for, and the type of aircraft they fly. Unlike standard jobs with fixed annual salaries, pilots earn based on a combination of base pay, flight hours, and additional allowances that make up their total compensation.

A pilot’s base salary is determined by their rank and years of experience at an airline. In addition to base pay, pilots earn an hourly rate for flight time, meaning their actual income depends on how many hours they fly each month. Airlines also provide per diem allowances to cover expenses during layovers, and pilots can earn overtime pay, bonuses, and profit-sharing incentives that significantly increase their earnings.

One of the biggest factors in determining how much a pilot makes is seniority. Unlike other careers where promotions are based on performance, pilots move up the pay scale based on how long they’ve been with an airline. The longer a pilot stays at one airline, the more they earn, and the better their schedule and aircraft options become. However, switching airlines resets seniority, which is why many pilots carefully plan their career moves.

Regional airlines typically offer lower starting pay, but pilots who gain experience and transition to major carriers like Delta, United, or American Airlines see a significant jump in earnings. Cargo pilots working for FedEx, UPS, or DHL also have competitive salaries, often matching or exceeding those of commercial airline pilots. Private jet pilots and corporate aviators have more variable pay, with earnings largely depending on the clients they fly for.

How Much Does a Pilot Make at Different Career Stages?

The answer to how much does a pilot make depends on where they are in their career. A newly certified pilot won’t earn anywhere near as much as a Captain with 20 years of experience flying international routes. However, salary growth in aviation is rapid, and pilots often see their earnings double or even triple within a decade.

Entry-Level Salaries: Student Pilots and Flight Instructors

Pilots in training don’t earn a salary during flight school, and many take on student loans or work part-time to cover expenses. The first paid aviation job for most is flight instruction, where pilots build experience while training new students. Flight instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, with pay increasing as they gain more flight hours. Other entry-level positions, such as banner towing or aerial surveying, offer similar earnings but vary based on employer demand and location.

Regional Airline Pilot Salaries

Once pilots reach 1,500 flight hours, they qualify for regional airline jobs, where they start as First Officers. Regional airlines operate smaller jets on domestic routes, and salaries for entry-level First Officers range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the airline and location. Some regional carriers offer signing bonuses of $20,000 or more to attract new pilots.

Regional airline Captains, who typically upgrade after a few years, earn between $80,000 and $150,000 per year. While these salaries are lower than those at major airlines, regional pilots gain the experience needed to transition to larger carriers with higher pay.

Major Airline Pilot Salaries

Pilots who move up from regional airlines to major carriers like American Airlines, United, and Delta see their salaries increase dramatically. A First Officer at a major airline earns between $90,000 and $180,000 per year, depending on experience and aircraft type. Captains, especially those flying long-haul international routes on wide-body aircraft, can earn $250,000 to $350,000 annually, with some exceeding $400,000 per year when factoring in overtime and bonuses.

The longer a pilot stays with a major airline, the more they earn due to scheduled pay increases and improved bidding options for routes and aircraft types. Those who reach senior Captain status at top carriers command some of the highest salaries in the industry.

Cargo, Private, and Corporate Pilot Salaries

Not all pilots work for commercial airlines. Many choose careers in cargo aviation, private jet operations, or corporate flying, each of which has its own pay structure.

Cargo pilots flying for FedEx, UPS, and DHL often earn salaries comparable to major airline pilots, with First Officers making around $80,000 to $180,000 and Captains earning over $300,000 per year. These positions often come with strong retirement benefits and predictable schedules, making them attractive alternatives to passenger airlines.

Private jet pilots and corporate aviators have less standardized salaries, with earnings depending on factors such as aircraft type, employer, and client demand. Some corporate pilots start at $70,000 per year, while those flying high-profile clients in large private jets can earn well over $200,000 annually. However, these roles may require on-call availability and flexible schedules, making them different from traditional airline jobs.

How Fast Do Pilot Salaries Increase?

The biggest advantage of becoming a pilot is that earnings grow quickly. Here’s a rough estimate of how much a pilot makes at different career stages:

Years 1-3: Entry-level pilot roles ($25,000 – $50,000)
Years 3-6: Regional airline First Officer ($50,000 – $80,000)
Years 6-10: Regional airline Captain ($80,000 – $150,000)
Years 10-15: Major airline First Officer ($90,000 – $180,000)
Years 15+: Major airline Captain ($250,000 – $350,000)

Most pilots double or even triple their salaries within their first 10 years, making aviation one of the few careers with such rapid financial growth. However, since pay is seniority-based, pilots must carefully plan their career moves to maximize long-term earnings and job security.

How Much Does a Pilot Make in Regional vs. Major Airlines?

When it comes to how much does a pilot make, one of the biggest factors is whether they work for a regional airline or a major airline. The pay gap between the two is significant, and most pilots use regional airlines as a stepping stone to higher-paying positions at major carriers.

Salary Differences Between Regional and Major Airlines

Regional airlines typically operate smaller aircraft on domestic routes, serving as feeder carriers for major airlines. Because these airlines don’t generate as much revenue, salaries for pilots at regional carriers are lower than those at major airlines.

A first-year First Officer at a regional airline earns between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on the airline and the aircraft flown. After a few years, regional airline Captains earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, with some reaching $200,000 with overtime and bonuses.

In contrast, pilots at major airlines like Delta, American, and United earn significantly more. A major airline First Officer starts between $90,000 and $180,000 per year, while senior Captains flying wide-body international routes can make $250,000 to $350,000 annually, with top earners exceeding $400,000 per year.

How Experience and Seniority Impact Earnings

Seniority plays a huge role in determining how much a pilot makes. The longer a pilot stays with one airline, the higher their hourly rate and the better their schedule and aircraft options.

Pilots who transition from regional airlines to major carriers typically experience a massive jump in salary. However, making the switch resets seniority, meaning they start at the bottom of the pay scale at their new airline. Because of this, some pilots stay at regionals longer to upgrade to Captain before moving to a major airline.

Salary Trends for Low-Cost Carriers vs. Legacy Airlines

Not all major airlines pay the same. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit generally pay less than legacy carriers like Delta, United, and American. While LCC Captains can still earn over $200,000 per year, legacy airlines tend to offer higher base pay, better retirement benefits, and more profit-sharing opportunities.

Some pilots prefer low-cost carriers because they offer faster upgrades to Captain and less international flying, while others choose legacy airlines for long-term earnings potential.

How Much Does a Pilot Make in Cargo vs. Passenger Airlines?

Pilots don’t just fly passengers—many work in cargo aviation, which offers competitive pay and different lifestyle benefits. Some cargo pilots, especially those at FedEx, UPS, and DHL, earn salaries comparable to or even higher than passenger airline pilots.

Salary Comparison Between Cargo and Passenger Airlines

Cargo pilots and passenger airline pilots follow similar pay structures, but cargo carriers often pay more due to overnight flying, long-haul routes, and specialized cargo handling.

A cargo airline First Officer earns between $80,000 and $180,000 per year, depending on the company and aircraft type. Captains at FedEx and UPS can make over $300,000 per year, with some senior pilots earning closer to $350,000 to $400,000 annually with overtime.

Passenger airline pilots at major carriers earn similar salaries, but cargo pilots often have better retirement packages, profit-sharing, and more stable contracts.

Differences in Pay Structures: Hourly Pay vs. Salaried Contracts

Most passenger airline pilots are paid per flight hour, meaning their earnings fluctuate based on monthly schedules. However, cargo pilots—especially at FedEx and UPS—often have salaried contracts with guaranteed minimum pay, offering more financial stability.

Passenger airline pilots may also have more flexible schedules, with some opting for part-time flying or seniority-based route selection. Cargo pilots, on the other hand, frequently operate overnight or long-haul flights, with fewer layovers and more time at home between flights.

The Impact of Long-Haul vs. Short-Haul Routes on Pay

Long-haul pilots—whether flying cargo or passengers—tend to earn more than those flying short-haul routes. International Captains on Boeing 777s or Airbus A350s have the highest earnings potential, often reaching $350,000+ per year.

Short-haul pilots flying regional routes or domestic flights earn less but often enjoy better schedules and more time at home. Some pilots prefer the trade-off, while others chase the highest possible salary by flying long-haul, regardless of the airline type.

Private Jet Pilot Corporate and Charter Pay

Private jet pilots operate in a completely different world compared to airline pilots. Instead of flying scheduled routes for commercial carriers, they work for private jet charter companies, corporate aviation departments, or high-net-worth individuals. Their salaries can vary significantly based on factors like clientele, aircraft type, and global demand for private aviation.

Earnings for Private Jet Pilots, Charter Pilots, and Fractional Ownership Pilots

The salary for a private jet pilot depends largely on their employer and flight schedule. Those working for fractional ownership programs like NetJets or Flexjet typically earn stable salaries with set schedules, while independent charter pilots and personal jet pilots may earn more on a per-flight basis but with less predictable income.

Entry-level private jet pilots flying smaller business jets like the Cessna Citation or Learjet typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 per year.

Mid-level corporate pilots with experience on Gulfstreams, Challengers, or Falcon jets can earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually.

Senior private jet pilots working for ultra-high-net-worth clients or VIP charter companies can exceed $200,000 per year, with some top earners making $250,000 or more.

Charter pilots, who work for companies offering on-demand private jet flights, often have variable pay based on flight hours. Some pilots working under contract charge per flight or per trip, earning daily rates of $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the aircraft type and client.

The Role of Clientele, Aircraft Type, and Global Demand in Salary Variations

The wealth of the client or employer plays a massive role in how much a private jet pilot makes. Those flying for Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, or high-profile government officials tend to earn higher salaries and receive better benefits than those working for smaller private companies.

Aircraft type also makes a difference. Pilots flying larger, long-range business jets like the Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier Global Express often earn more than those flying smaller light jets, due to the added complexity and range of their missions.

Global demand for private aviation has been rising, especially after the pandemic, as more individuals and businesses seek private travel solutions. This has driven higher salaries and better job security for private jet pilots, particularly in regions like North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Corporate Aviation vs. Airline Careers

While private jet pilots can earn competitive salaries, corporate aviation comes with a different lifestyle compared to airline jobs.

Benefits of Private Jet Careers:

More flexibility in scheduling and flight destinations.
Higher potential earnings for those flying VIP clients.
Less repetitive routes compared to airline pilots.
More luxurious work environment with high-end aircraft interiors.

Drawbacks of Private Jet Careers:

On-call nature of the job, requiring high availability for last-minute flights.
Less job security, as contracts can change based on the client’s needs.
Fewer structured career progression opportunities compared to airline pilots.
Varied schedules, often requiring irregular hours and time away from home.

For pilots who enjoy the exclusivity and variety of private aviation, the pay and perks can make it an attractive alternative to traditional airline careers. However, those seeking more structured schedules, union protection, and long-term stability often prefer commercial airline jobs.

How Much Does a Pilot Make Per Hour, Per Month, and Per Year?

Pilots don’t earn a traditional fixed salary. Instead, their pay is structured around hourly wages, monthly earnings, and total annual compensation. Understanding how much a pilot makes requires breaking down how their income is calculated based on flight hours and additional pay factors.

How Much Does a Pilot Make: Breakdown of Pilot Salaries

Pilots are paid per flight hour, but their total earnings depend on how many hours they fly per month. Airlines set a monthly minimum guarantee, ensuring pilots are paid for a certain number of hours even if they don’t fly that much.

For example, a major airline Captain earning $350 per flight hour with an 80-hour monthly guarantee would make:

Per Hour: $350
Per Month: $28,000 (80 flight hours × $350)
Per Year: $336,000 (before bonuses and overtime)

For comparison, a regional airline First Officer earning $100 per flight hour with a minimum of 75 hours per month would make:

Per Hour: $100
Per Month: $7,500
Per Year: $90,000

How Much Does a Pilot Make Per Flight Hour?

The per-hour pay rate varies significantly based on experience, aircraft type, and employer. Below is an estimate of average pilot hourly rates at different levels:

Pilot Level	Average Hourly Pay
Flight Instructor	$25 – $50 per hour
Regional Airline First Officer	$50 – $120 per hour
Regional Airline Captain	$120 – $200 per hour
Major Airline First Officer	$150 – $250 per hour
Major Airline Captain	$250 – $400 per hour
Cargo Airline Captain (FedEx, UPS, DHL)	$300 – $400 per hour
Private Jet Pilot	$150 – $400 per hour (varies by contract)

How Flight Hours Impact Earnings

The more a pilot flies, the more they earn. However, FAA regulations limit pilots to flying 1,000 hours per year, which means airlines maximize efficiency by offering overtime pay, bonuses, and additional incentives.

Pilots who take on extra flight hours, international routes, or seniority upgrades can significantly boost their earnings. Those who work under union contracts often have guaranteed pay raises and profit-sharing bonuses, further increasing their total compensation.

Annual Salary Estimates Based on Flight Hours

To estimate how much a pilot makes annually, we calculate using standard flight hour limits:

Pilot Level	Average Annual Salary (Based on 1,000 Hours)
Regional Airline First Officer	$80,000 – $120,000
Regional Airline Captain	$120,000 – $200,000
Major Airline First Officer	$150,000 – $250,000
Major Airline Captain	$250,000 – $400,000+
Cargo Airline Captain	$280,000 – $400,000+
Private Jet Pilot	$100,000 – $250,000+

How Bonuses and Overtime Increase Pilot Salaries

In addition to their base salary, pilots earn extra through overtime, long-haul flights, and signing bonuses. Some major airlines offer:

Overtime pay for flying beyond scheduled hours.
Profit-sharing bonuses based on airline performance.
International flight pay, which increases earnings for long-haul Captains.
Retention bonuses for pilots who commit to staying long-term.

These additional earnings can boost total annual salaries by tens of thousands of dollars, making aviation one of the most lucrative professions over time.

How Much Does a Pilot Make at the Highest-Paying Airlines?

When aspiring pilots ask, how much does a pilot make, one of the biggest factors is the airline they work for. Some airlines pay significantly higher salaries than others, with major U.S. carriers, Middle Eastern airlines, and global cargo operators offering the best compensation packages.

How Much Does a Pilot Make at the Top-Paying Airlines?

Pilot salaries differ based on fleet type, route structure, and airline profitability. Below is a look at how much a pilot makes at some of the highest-paying airlines:

United States – Top-Paying Airlines

Delta Air Lines: Senior Captains make over $400,000 per year, with profit-sharing bonuses.
American Airlines: Captains earn up to $350,000 annually, with additional compensation for international routes.
Southwest Airlines: A well-paid low-cost carrier, where senior Captains earn $290,000 – $320,000 per year.
FedEx and UPS: Some of the highest-paid pilots in the world, with Captains making $350,000+ annually.

How Much Does a Pilot Make in Europe?

Lufthansa (Germany): Senior pilots earn over €250,000 ($270,000) per year.
British Airways (UK): Long-haul Captains earn £200,000 – £275,000 ($250,000 – $300,000) annually.
Air France (France): Captains flying international routes earn over €240,000 ($260,000) per year.

Middle East – How Much Does a Pilot Make at Tax-Free Airlines?

Emirates (UAE): Senior Captains flying Airbus A380s or Boeing 777s can make $350,000+ per year, tax-free.
Qatar Airways (Qatar): Captains earn over $300,000 per year, with full relocation benefits.
Etihad Airways (UAE): Competitive tax-free pay, with Captains making $280,000 – $320,000 per year.

How Much Does a Pilot Make in Asia – Highest-Paying Airlines

Singapore Airlines: Captains earn $250,000+ per year, with high international demand.
Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong): Senior Captains make around $290,000 annually, plus premium benefits.
Japan Airlines (JAL): Captains earn over $220,000 per year, with structured salary growth.

How Much Does a Pilot Make as Airline Salaries Increase?

Due to a global pilot shortage, how much a pilot makes is expected to increase in the coming years. Airlines, particularly in North America, the Middle East, and Asia, are raising salaries to attract and retain pilots. Some major trends include:

Higher sign-on bonuses for new pilots.
Faster upgrades to Captain positions.
Higher profit-sharing and stock options for airline employees.

With demand increasing, pilot salaries at top-paying airlines are expected to rise further, making aviation an even more lucrative career path.

How Much Does a Pilot Make with Bonuses, Overtime, and Benefits?

A pilot’s base salary is only part of their total earnings. Many pilots increase their annual income significantly through bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits. Understanding how much a pilot makes requires looking at these extra income opportunities.

How Much Does a Pilot Make with Overtime Pay?

Pilots are typically paid per flight hour, but they can earn extra by taking on additional flights.

Overtime pay is often 1.5x to 2x the regular hourly rate, meaning senior pilots can earn $400,000+ per year.
Some pilots volunteer for holiday and last-minute flights, which pay extra bonuses.
Cargo pilots at FedEx and UPS often earn higher overtime pay due to extended duty schedules.

How Much Does a Pilot Make with Sign-On and Retention Bonuses?

Due to pilot shortages, airlines offer large sign-on bonuses to attract new talent.

Regional airlines offer $10,000 to $50,000 sign-on bonuses to new pilots.
Major airlines provide $20,000+ in bonuses for experienced pilots transitioning from regional carriers.
Some airlines offer retention bonuses for pilots who commit to long-term contracts.

How Much Does a Pilot Make with Retirement, Health Insurance, and Perks?

In addition to salaries and bonuses, pilots receive substantial benefits, adding thousands of dollars in value each year.

Retirement plans: Some airlines contribute 10% or more toward a pilot’s retirement fund.
Health insurance: Pilots get comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Free and discounted flights: Pilots and their families can fly free or at steep discounts, making travel a huge perk of the job.

How Much Does a Pilot Make Under Union Contracts?

Most major airline pilots are represented by powerful pilot unions, which negotiate higher wages and benefits. Some of the most influential unions include:

ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association) – Represents pilots in North America.
BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) – Covers pilots in the UK.
Vereinigung Cockpit – Represents pilots in Germany.

Union contracts ensure pilots receive regular salary increases, job security, and profit-sharing bonuses. This structured pay growth makes it easier for pilots to plan long-term financial stability.

How Much Will Pilots Make in the Coming Years?

One of the most pressing questions in aviation today is, how much does a pilot make in the future? With airlines facing a global pilot shortage, salaries are expected to rise significantly over the next decade. Airlines, cargo operators, and corporate aviation firms are already increasing wages, offering retention bonuses, and improving benefits to attract new pilots.

How Much Will Pilots Make as Demand Increases?

Industry analysts predict that pilot salaries will continue rising due to a combination of factors, including retirement waves, rapid airline expansion, and increased air travel demand. In the U.S. alone, airlines need to hire at least 14,500 pilots annually to keep up with industry growth. The shortage is even more severe in regions like Asia and the Middle East, where airline fleets are expanding faster than pilot training pipelines can supply new aviators.

Because of this, how much a pilot makes will likely increase by 15-25% in the next five years, particularly at regional and major airlines. Some key projections include:

Regional airline pilots’ salaries could rise by 20-30% as airlines offer aggressive pay raises to fill vacancies.
Major airline Captains could see base salaries exceeding $450,000 per year by the end of the decade, particularly for long-haul international flights.
Corporate and private jet pilots may see salary growth as demand for luxury and executive travel increases.

How Pilot Shortages Are Driving Salary Increases

The global shortage of qualified pilots is forcing airlines to increase pay and offer better work conditions. Some key trends include:

Faster Captain upgrades: Some airlines are promoting pilots to Captain within two to three years instead of the traditional five to seven.
Higher bonuses and incentives: More airlines are offering sign-on bonuses of $50,000 or more to attract pilots.
Stronger union negotiations: Pilots’ unions are securing record-breaking salary contracts with major airlines, ensuring sustained pay growth.

With these trends in place, how much a pilot makes will continue to increase, making aviation one of the most financially rewarding careers in the years ahead.

Conclusion

For anyone wondering, how much does a pilot make, the answer depends on career stage, airline type, and experience. Entry-level pilots start with modest salaries, but those who stay in the industry see rapid salary growth, with experienced Captains earning six-figure incomes and long-haul pilots at major airlines exceeding $400,000 per year.

With pilot shortages driving salaries higher, now is an excellent time for aspiring aviators to pursue flight training and enter the industry. Regional airlines are offering better pay and faster career progression, while major airlines continue to raise salaries and improve benefits to compete for talent.

For those willing to invest in their training, aviation remains one of the most lucrative and stable career paths. Whether flying for an airline, cargo operator, or corporate client, pilots will continue to see salary increases and career opportunities well into the future.

FAQs: How Much Does a Pilot Make?

Many aspiring aviators and curious readers ask the same questions about pilot salaries. Here are the most common ones answered clearly.

How much does a pilot make starting out in 2025?

Entry-level pilots at regional airlines typically make $40,000 to $70,000 per year. The exact salary depends on the airline, aircraft type, and location.

How much does an airline pilot make per hour?

Most airline pilots earn between $30 to $350 per flight hour, depending on rank and airline type. Pay is calculated only for flight hours, not for time spent on the ground.

What is the average airline pilot salary in the USA?

In 2025, the average airline pilot salary in the USA ranges from $120,000 to $250,000 per year, with senior Captains at major airlines making up to $400,000+ annually.

Do international pilots earn more than domestic pilots?

Yes. International airline pilots often earn significantly more due to long-haul routes, per diem allowances, and higher base pay. Captains flying for global carriers can exceed $450,000 per year.

Which airline pays pilots the most in 2025?

Major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, United, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are among the highest-paying airlines for pilots, offering six-figure salaries, bonuses, and premium benefits.

How much does a cargo pilot make compared to an airline pilot?

Cargo pilots at FedEx, UPS, and DHL often earn $120,000 to $350,000 annually, similar to major airline pilots, with some Captains crossing $400,000 per year on international routes.

Does pilot salary increase with experience?

Absolutely. Pilot salaries rise with flight hours, seniority, and upgrades from First Officer to Captain. Long-term growth can turn a $50,000 starting salary into a $300,000+ career income.

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.