Regional Airline Pilot Salary in USA: Ultimate 2025 Pay Scale Breakdown
The average regional airline pilot salary USA is changing fast—especially in 2025.
With pilot shortages, increased demand for domestic flights, and major carriers depending more on their regional partners, regional pilots are no longer just “paying their dues”—they’re earning real money.
But how much can you actually expect to make?
Whether you’re starting as a First Officer or working your way toward the Captain’s seat, this guide will break down everything you need to know—hourly pay, annual income, bonuses, airline comparisons, and how fast you can level up.
If your goal is to turn flight training into a serious income, understanding the full picture of regional airline pilot salary in USA is your first checkpoint.
Average Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA in 2025
The average regional airline pilot salary USA has climbed sharply in recent years—driven by retirements at major airlines, increased demand for domestic routes, and aggressive hiring across the regional sector.
In 2025, here’s what the data shows:
- First Officers (entry-level): Average salary starts around $55,000–$65,000/year, with some airlines offering hiring bonuses of up to $20,000.
- Captains (senior regional pilots): Typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000/year, depending on aircraft type, location, and employer.
This is a major shift from a few years ago when First Officers barely cleared $30,000. The increase reflects airlines’ need to attract talent and retain pilots who might otherwise jump to major carriers.
Pro tip: Your position (FO vs Captain) and total flight time are the biggest factors determining your regional airline pilot salary USA. Promotion timelines are also much faster now—often within 12 to 24 months.
Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA Per Hour
Let’s break it down to what you’re really getting paid: hourly flight pay—because that’s how regional airline pilots actually earn.
In 2025, typical hourly pay is:
| Rank | Hourly Rate (Avg.) | Monthly Pay (75 hrs/mo) | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | $75–$90/hr | $5,625–$6,750 | $67,500–$81,000 |
| Captain | $120–$160/hr | $9,000–$12,000 | $108,000–$144,000 |
But flight pay isn’t the whole story.
Pilots also earn per diem (typically $1.50–$2.50/hour away from base), overtime (over 75–85 hours), and holiday pay. Some airlines even guarantee minimum monthly pay, regardless of hours flown.
So even if the hourly rate seems low compared to majors, your actual take-home from a regional airline pilot salary in USA can be competitive—especially with smart scheduling and added incentives.
First Officer Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA
For most new commercial pilots, the First Officer seat at a regional airline is the starting point—and in 2025, that starting salary has never looked better.
Across major regionals like SkyWest, PSA Airlines, Envoy Air, and Republic Airways, First Officer salaries now begin at around $55,000 to $65,000/year. Some carriers offer guaranteed minimum hours, plus signing bonuses between $15,000 and $30,000 to attract new recruits.
Pay increases quickly in the first 18–24 months. By the time you’ve logged around 1,000–1,500 hours and completed recurrent training, you’re often eligible for promotions and pay bumps that bring your income closer to $75,000–$85,000/year.
It’s also important to remember that your regional airline pilot salary USA as a First Officer includes more than just your paycheck. Per diem, hotel accommodations during layovers, and profit-sharing can all add to your total compensation package—even in your first year.
Captain Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA
Becoming a Captain is the career turning point where the regional airline pilot salary in USA starts competing with mid-tier major airline roles.
In 2025, Captains at top regional carriers earn between $100,000 and $130,000/year, with some exceeding $140,000 depending on base, aircraft type, and seniority. Hourly rates for Captains now range from $120 to $160/hour, and overtime hours can push that number even higher.
Promotion timelines are shorter than ever. Many regionals now offer Captain upgrades within 12 to 24 months—a dramatic shift from the 4–6 year wait just a few years ago. This accelerated path is a direct result of major airline pilot shortages, which continue to pull senior talent upward.
If you’re aiming for income stability, solid benefits, and command authority, the Captain role in regional aviation delivers both responsibility and reward. For many, it’s not just a stepping stone—it’s a destination career with real earning power.
Salary by Airline – Who Pays the Most?
Not all regional airlines pay the same—and in 2025, the gap is wider than ever. Some offer industry-leading salaries, fast upgrades, and strong bonuses. Others lag behind with outdated pay structures and limited growth.
Here’s how the regional airline pilot salary USA stacks up by employer:
| Airline | First Officer Pay (Year 1) | Captain Pay (Avg.) | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyWest Airlines | $65,000–$75,000 | $125,000–$140,000 | Fast upgrades, stable schedules |
| Envoy Air | $60,000–$70,000 | $120,000–$135,000 | Flow-through to American Airlines |
| PSA Airlines | $58,000–$68,000 | $115,000–$130,000 | Signing bonuses, pilot development |
| Republic Airways | $60,000–$72,000 | $110,000–$125,000 | Strong safety culture, training support |
| Horizon Air | $55,000–$65,000 | $105,000–$120,000 | Partnership with Alaska Airlines |
| Mesa Airlines | $50,000–$60,000 | $95,000–$110,000 | Regional routes in western U.S. |
Tip: Airlines with flow-through agreements to legacy carriers may offer slightly lower starting pay—but far better long-term career value. If your goal is to maximize lifetime earnings beyond the regional airline pilot salary USA, choosing the right partner airline is critical.
Factors that Affect Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA
Even within the same airline, two pilots might earn completely different amounts. That’s because salary isn’t just about the job title—it’s shaped by a mix of conditions, contracts, and career strategy.
Here are the most important factors:
Seniority & Base City: The longer you’ve been with the airline, the higher your pay scale. Also, certain bases (like NYC or LAX) come with extra compensation or schedule advantages due to demand and cost of living.
Union Contracts & Pay Agreements: Pilot unions negotiate pay scales, upgrade windows, and benefit structures. If your airline recently signed a new contract, expect better terms across the board.
Aircraft Type: Flying larger regional jets (like the CRJ-900 or E175) usually pays more than turboprops or smaller regional aircraft. Some airlines also offer type-rating pay incentives.
Flight Time & Schedule: Pilots flying more than the guaranteed minimum hours (typically 75–80/month) earn extra via overtime. Strategic bidding and trip stacking can significantly boost monthly pay.
Understanding how each of these variables affects your regional airline pilot salary USA will help you make smarter career decisions—whether you’re evaluating job offers or planning your upgrade path.
Career Progression: From Regional to Major Airline Pay
The regional airline pilot salary in USA is a solid starting point—but the real earning potential unlocks when you make the jump to a major airline.
Most regional pilots use their time in the right seat—and later in the left seat—as a stepping stone. After logging 1,500+ hours and gaining turbine PIC (Pilot-in-Command) experience, many move on to legacy carriers like Delta, American, or United.
Here’s how the numbers evolve:
| Career Stage | Estimated Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| First Officer (Regional) | $60,000–$80,000 |
| Captain (Regional) | $110,000–$140,000 |
| First Officer (Major) | $120,000–$160,000 |
| Senior Captain (Major) | $250,000–$350,000+ |
Some regionals offer flow-through agreements—structured paths to the majors without reapplying. Envoy, PSA, and Piedmont, for example, funnel pilots directly into American Airlines. This fast-track can cut years off your climb.
If you start strong, the regional airline pilot salary USA can transition smoothly into top-tier airline compensation—all within 5 to 7 years.
How to Start Your Career – Best Training Route
To maximize your earning timeline, you need to start smart—and that means choosing a flight school that gets you into the right seat, fast.
One of the top-rated schools for regional airline readiness is Florida Flyers Flight Academy. Located in St. Augustine, they offer streamlined PPL-to-ATP programs with a focus on fast hour-building and airline placement.
Why it stands out:
- FAA Part 141 structured training
- Year-round flying conditions
- Airline pathway programs
- Fast ATP hour-building support
- International and domestic student onboarding
Graduates regularly go on to fly for SkyWest, Envoy, PSA, and other major regional carriers. If your goal is to reach the top of the regional airline pilot salary USA scale quickly—and move on to majors—starting at the right school is critical.
Conclusion: Is a Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA Worth it?
The regional airline pilot salary USA has improved dramatically over the last five years—and in 2025, it offers a viable, high-potential entry into a long-term aviation career.
Whether you’re starting as a First Officer or climbing the ladder to Captain, today’s regional airlines offer real money, structured upgrades, and a fast track to the majors. And with many carriers offering flow-through agreements, your path to six-figure income is more direct than ever.
Bottom line: if you choose the right school, build flight time fast, and stay flexible with location and schedules, the regional airline pilot salary USA is not just competitive—it’s a smart launchpad for long-term success.
FAQ – Regional Airline Pilot Salary USA
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the starting salary for regional airline pilots in the USA? | First Officers typically earn $55,000–$65,000/year in 2025, plus bonuses. |
| How much do regional Captains earn? | Captains average $100,000–$130,000/year, with top performers reaching $140,000+. |
| Which regional airline pays pilots the most? | SkyWest and Envoy Air offer top-tier pay, fast upgrades, and flow-through options. |
| How fast can you become a Captain? | Many regionals offer upgrades within 12 to 24 months—much faster than before. |
| Do regional pilots get benefits? | Yes—most airlines provide healthcare, per diem, overtime, training pay, and retirement plans. |
| Can regional pilots move to major airlines? | Absolutely. Flow-through programs and open hiring have made this transition faster than ever. |
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.
