Regional Airline Pilot Salary: What to Expect in Your First Year
Regional airlines are the first step for most professional pilots in the USA. They offer fast-track hiring, jet experience, and—more than ever—first-year salaries that rival legacy airline entry points.
Thanks to industry-wide pilot shortages, some regional carriers now offer hourly rates exceeding $100 and signing bonuses up to $100,000—making them a high-value launchpad for new commercial pilots.
This guide breaks down exactly what to expect from a regional airline pilot salary in your first year. You’ll get side-by-side comparisons of major carriers, bonus structures, first officer pay scales, and how quickly your income grows after you’re hired.
What Is a Regional Airline?
A regional airline is a smaller carrier that operates short- to medium-haul routes on behalf of a major airline. These flights are typically under 1,500 miles and serve smaller cities that are not profitable or practical for mainline jets to fly into directly.
Instead of selling tickets under their own brand, most regional airlines operate under the banner of a legacy carrier. For example:
- Envoy Air, Piedmont, and PSA Airlines fly for American Airlines
- SkyWest operates for United, Delta, Alaska, and American
- Republic Airways flies regional routes for United and American
While regional airlines are independent companies, they function as contracted service providers, delivering passengers to and from hubs of the larger parent airlines. Flights appear to passengers as if they’re operated by Delta, American, or United—but behind the scenes, it’s the regional carrier doing the flying.
Why Regionals Matter for New Pilots
For most low-hour commercial pilots—especially those fresh out of flight school—regional airlines are the first real step into airline flying. They’re the main route to:
- Logging time in multi-crew turbine aircraft
- Gaining Part 121 experience (required for major airline upgrades)
- Building seniority, leadership, and jet operations experience
- Earning an income while preparing to transition to a legacy or cargo carrier
And in 2025, with pilot demand outpacing supply, regional airlines are offering better pay, faster upgrades, and more competitive benefits than ever before.
Regional Airline Pilot Salary: What to Expect in Year One
The regional airline pilot salary in your first year depends on a few core factors—primarily your hourly rate and how many hours you’re scheduled to fly each month. Most regional pilots start as First Officers and fly an average of 75 to 85 hours per month.
As of 2025, here’s what entry-level First Officers can expect across top regional carriers:
- Hourly Rate Range: $85–$105 per hour
- Monthly Earnings: ~$6,500 to $8,900/month (before taxes)
- Annual Base Salary: $75,000 to $100,000+, excluding bonuses
This range marks a major increase compared to salaries just 3–5 years ago, thanks to ongoing pilot shortages and regional carriers fighting to attract qualified candidates.
The regional airline pilot salary structure is based on pay-per-flight-hour. This means that while base earnings are predictable, pilots can increase total compensation by flying reserve hours, bidding for higher time blocks, or working during holidays.
Bonuses That Boost the Regional Airline Pilot Salary in 2025
While hourly pay forms the foundation of your earnings, bonuses now play a major role in regional airline pilot salary packages—especially in the first year. In 2025, many regional carriers are offering aggressive incentives to attract new pilots and retain talent.
The most common bonuses include:
- Sign-on bonuses for new First Officers
- Training completion bonuses after passing checkrides
- Retention bonuses that reward you for staying with the airline for 6–24 months
- Performance bonuses based on schedule reliability and safety records
At airlines like Envoy Air and Republic, total bonus potential for new hires can reach $60,000 to $100,000—in addition to base salary. Some bonuses are paid in installments, while others are lump-sum payments delivered after milestone achievements like checkride completion or upgrade eligibility.
These incentives significantly elevate the regional airline pilot salary in your first year, often pushing total compensation well into six-figure territory before you even consider upgrades or career transitions.
For many pilots, these bonus structures make regional carriers not just a stepping stone—but a financially viable starting point in long-term aviation careers.
Regional Airline Pilot Salary by Carrier: First-Year Comparison
Not all regional airlines pay the same—and in 2025, the gap between carriers is more visible than ever. While most airlines offer similar flight schedules and training pipelines, salary structures vary based on contracts, company budgets, and hiring urgency.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of what new First Officers can expect from top regional airlines in their first year, combining hourly base rates with maximum bonus potential:
| Airline | Hourly Rate (FO) | Max Bonus Potential |
|---|---|---|
| SkyWest | $90/hr | $75,000 |
| Envoy Air | $100/hr | $100,000 |
| Republic | $95/hr | $75,000 |
| PSA Airlines | $94/hr | $60,000 |
Envoy currently leads the pack with both the highest starting hourly rate and most aggressive signing and retention bonuses. However, all four carriers offer total compensation packages that push the regional airline pilot salary well into six-figure territory within the first 12 months—an unprecedented shift in regional aviation pay scales.
These rates are based on a typical flight schedule of 75–85 hours per month and do not include per diem, travel benefits, or overtime.
How Fast Does the Regional Airline Pilot Salary Increase?
One of the biggest advantages of starting your career at a regional airline is the speed of pay progression. After just 12 months, First Officers often see a 10% to 15% bump in their hourly rate—especially if their contract includes step-based raises or performance evaluations.
By the second or third year, many pilots become eligible for a Captain upgrade, where pay can range from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on the airline and aircraft type.
For those aiming to transition to a legacy carrier or major cargo operation, the average time spent at a regional airline is 2 to 5 years. During that window, pilots build turbine time, climb pay scales, and take advantage of lucrative retention programs.
In short, the regional airline pilot salary doesn’t stay static for long—if you stick with it, income rises quickly, and the path to major airline pay opens up faster than ever before.
What Affects Your Regional Airline Pilot Salary?
Even with published base rates and bonuses, regional airline pilot salary can vary month to month depending on several key factors.
The first is monthly flight hours. Most pilots are paid per flight hour, so if you fly more than 75–85 hours—or pick up reserve or overtime blocks—you’ll earn significantly more. Your base location also matters, as some cities offer higher pay due to cost-of-living adjustments or specific union-negotiated incentives.
The aircraft type you fly can influence your rate as well. First Officers on larger jets or newer regional fleets may receive higher hourly pay than those flying turboprops or older aircraft.
In addition, union contracts and renewal cycles directly impact raises and bonuses. Some airlines update contracts every 1–3 years, and new agreements often include better pay scales or improved benefits. Longevity bonuses, training reimbursements, and even upgrade timelines are also factors that shape your real earnings.
Ultimately, the headline salary is only part of the equation—how much you actually take home as a regional airline pilot depends on how you fly, where you’re based, and what’s written in your contract.
Additional Benefits That Add to Regional Airline Pilot Salary
Beyond paychecks and bonuses, regional pilots receive a range of non-cash benefits that increase the total value of their compensation package.
Most regionals offer 401(k) retirement plans with company match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a per diem for meals while away from base. These can add thousands of dollars in untaxed value each year.
One of the most underrated perks is free or heavily discounted travel—not only for the pilot but often for immediate family members. Pilots typically enjoy unlimited standby travel on partner airlines, plus jumpseat privileges, which make personal travel both affordable and flexible.
Airlines also cover hotel accommodations and ground transportation during training, layovers, or reassignments. And for First Officers commuting to base, many carriers offer crash pads or commuting programs that reduce the cost and stress of travel.
While these benefits may not show up on your pay stub, they represent real-world savings and convenience—especially for pilots in their first few years of airline life.
Regional Airline Pilot Lifestyle: Is It Worth the Pay?
The regional airline pilot lifestyle comes with both rewards and trade-offs—especially in your first year.
Expect early call times, reserve duty, quick turnarounds, and the unpredictability that comes with life as a junior First Officer. Schedules can vary week to week, and it’s common to work weekends, holidays, or be away from home for several days at a time.
But despite the demanding schedule, most new pilots find the experience worthwhile. Flying jets under Part 121 airline operations offers unmatched training value and prepares you for long-term success—whether you move up within the regional ranks or transition to a legacy, cargo, or corporate role.
Regional flying also builds your professional network. You’ll interact daily with captains, dispatchers, instructors, and recruiters—many of whom can open doors to future opportunities. And as hourly rates and bonuses increase, so does the ability to make regional flying a stable, well-compensated stepping stone.
For pilots serious about advancing their careers, the lifestyle challenges are often outweighed by the income, experience, and upgrade opportunities it brings.
Conclusion
The regional airline pilot salary in 2025 reflects a major shift in the aviation industry. With demand for pilots at an all-time high, new First Officers are earning more than ever before—often surpassing six figures in their first year when bonuses are factored in.
Beyond the paycheck, regional airlines offer structured growth, real-world jet experience, and a direct path to the majors or international carriers. Whether you’re building hours, looking to upgrade quickly, or aiming for a long-term career, regional flying delivers strong value from day one.
Ready to take the next step? Train with Florida Flyers Flight Academy and earn the FAA licenses you need to launch your airline career. Get certified. Build hours. Enter the regional pipeline in 12–18 months.
FAQ on Regional Airline Pilot Salary
How much do regional airline pilots make in their first year?
Most first-year First Officers earn between $75,000 and $100,000, with some exceeding that through bonuses and high flight time.
Which regional airline pays the most in 2025?
As of 2025, Envoy Air leads with the highest combination of base pay and bonus offerings, reaching over $100,000 in total first-year compensation.
Are bonuses guaranteed for new pilots?
Bonuses are typically contractual but tied to milestones—such as training completion or retention periods. Not all are paid upfront, and most require a commitment to stay for 12–24 months.
What is the average monthly flight time?
Regional pilots typically fly 75–85 hours per month, though this can vary based on base, seniority, and season.
Do regional airlines promote to captain fast?
Yes. With ongoing pilot demand, many regionals offer captain upgrades within 2–3 years, especially for pilots who meet performance and hour requirements early.
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.
