How Much Does an Airline Pilot Make in 2025?
Airline pilots, including commercial pilots, copilots, and flight engineers, are responsible for operating aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. This includes airline transport pilots, commercial airline pilots, and those working for major carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, as well as regional airlines and charter services. Their role requires intensive training, flight hours, and often a private pilot license or advanced certifications from flight schools to ensure safety and compliance with federal law.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for airline and commercial pilots will grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033, slower than the national average but still producing approximately 18,500 job openings annually due to retirements and career transitions. According to Salary.com, the average airline pilot salary in 2025 is $170,701 per year, reflecting the high responsibility and skill required in aviation careers.
This salary guide provides a detailed overview of pilot salaries, including data for every state and city in the U.S., key factors influencing airline pilot salaries, and proven strategies for aspiring pilots to increase their earnings.
What is the Average Airline Pilot's Salary?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for airline pilots in the United States in 2025 is $170,701 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Airline Pilots: $170,701 per year ($82 per hour)
The average airline pilot salary translates to $82 per hour, with hourly wages ranging from $69 to $100. The average weekly and monthly salaries for airline pilots are $3,283 and $14,225, respectively.
What is the Pay Range for an Airline Pilot?
Salary.com indicates that the salary range for airline pilots starts at $144,337 per year and can reach as high as $207,191. This range varies significantly due to factors such as flight experience, geographic location, type of employer (e.g., major airlines, regional airlines, or cargo pilots), and additional skills like international flight qualifications.
Airline Pilot Salary Range: $170,701 per year ($69 to $100 per hour)
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $69 | $2,776 | $12,028 | $144,337 |
| 25th Percentile | $75 | $3,017 | $13,075 | $156,901 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $82 | $3,283 | $14,225 | $170,701 |
| 75th Percentile | $91 | $3,650 | $15,817 | $189,801 |
| 90th Percentile | $100 | $3,984 | $17,266 | $207,191 |
Salary.com also reports that the average total compensation for airline pilots, including bonuses and benefits like free flights, healthcare, and pensions, is $303,870. This includes an average bonus of $56,700, reflecting the rewarding career path for qualified pilots.
Airline Pilot Salary Factors
Several factors influence pilot wages, including years of experience, location, and specialized skills. Let's explore these in detail.
Years of Experience
The pilot career progression significantly impacts earnings. New pilots, such as first officers or flight instructors, earn less than senior pilots or senior captains with extensive flight hours. The average salary for airline pilots based on experience ranges from $164,622 for entry-level pilots to $177,928 for expert-level pilots with 8+ years of experience.
| Levels | Years of Experience | Average Salary per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Airline Pilot | <1 | $164,622 |
| Intermediate Level Airline Pilot | 1-2 | $165,652 |
| Senior Level Airline Pilot | 2-4 | $167,711 |
| Specialist Level Airline Pilot | 5-8 | $170,801 |
| Expert Level Airline Pilot | 8+ | $177,928 |
Place of Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry or workplace can significantly influence an airline pilot's salary. For example, airline pilots working in couriers and express delivery services or scheduled air transportation can earn $239,200 or more annually. Those in nonscheduled air transportation, such as charter pilot salaries, have median annual wages around $226,870.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Couriers and express delivery services | $239,200 or more |
| Scheduled air transportation | $239,200 or more |
| Nonscheduled air transportation | $226,870 |
| Support activities for transportation | $138,290 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $130,980 |
Skill Set
Professional pilots with in-demand skills can boost their salaries. The Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data report shows that those with Key Flight Management System skills can earn 11.37% more than those without.
An airline pilot with Emergency Landing skills is also likely to see a 11.37% increase, followed by Flight Instrument Use and Maintenance, which offers the same salary boost as Flight Management System and Emergency Landing.
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Management System | 10.80% | +11.37% |
| Emergency Landing | 10.60% | +11.37% |
| Flight Instrument Use and Maintenance | 10.50% | +11.37% |
| Approach and Landing | 10.40% | +11.37% |
| Aircraft Stability and Control | 10.30% | +11.37% |
| Flight Emergency Procedures | 10.30% | +11.37% |
Airline Pilot Salary by City and State
Geographic location significantly impacts pilot salaries due to cost of living, aviation industry presence, and regional demand for professional pilots. Major carriers and cargo airlines often base operations in high-paying regions, offering better compensation.
Highest Paying States for Airline Pilots
Based on Salary.com data, the District of Columbia offers the highest median annual wage for airline pilots at $188,901.
- District of Columbia: $188,901 per year (or $91 per hour)
- California: $188,201 per year (or $90 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $185,701 per year (or $89 per hour)
- New Jersey: $185,001 per year (or $89 per hour)
- Washington: $185,001 per year (or $89 per hour)
Airline Pilot Salary by State
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $184,701 |
| Alabama | $156,801 |
| Arkansas | $154,201 |
| Arizona | $166,301 |
| California | $188,201 |
| Colorado | $174,101 |
| Connecticut | $182,401 |
| District of Columbia | $188,901 |
| Delaware | $172,801 |
| Florida | $161,501 |
| Georgia | $164,601 |
| Hawaii | $178,401 |
| Iowa | $163,301 |
| Idaho | $159,301 |
| Illinois | $173,901 |
| Indiana | $163,801 |
| Kansas | $162,501 |
| Kentucky | $160,601 |
| Louisiana | $162,301 |
| Massachusetts | $185,701 |
| Maryland | $176,001 |
| Maine | $166,401 |
| Michigan | $168,101 |
| Minnesota | $174,601 |
| Missouri | $162,101 |
| Mississippi | $152,201 |
| Montana | $161,101 |
| North Carolina | $162,201 |
| North Dakota | $168,601 |
| Nebraska | $160,801 |
| New Hampshire | $172,501 |
| New Jersey | $185,001 |
| New Mexico | $158,101 |
| Nevada | $168,901 |
| New York | $181,401 |
| Ohio | $166,201 |
| Oklahoma | $157,801 |
| Oregon | $173,301 |
| Pennsylvania | $169,901 |
| Rhode Island | $176,901 |
| South Carolina | $159,901 |
| South Dakota | $155,101 |
| Tennessee | $159,501 |
| Texas | $166,501 |
| Utah | $163,401 |
| Virginia | $171,801 |
| Vermont | $167,501 |
| Washington | $185,001 |
| Wisconsin | $167,901 |
| West Virginia | $153,701 |
| Wyoming | $163,701 |
Highest Paying Cities for Airline Pilots
According to Salary.com, San Jose, California, is the highest-paying city for airline pilots, with an average salary of $215,201 per year or $103 per hour. The top six highest-paying cities are:
- San Jose, California: $215,201 per year (or $103 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $213,101 per year (or $102 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $208,401 per year (or $100 per hour)
- New York, New York: $197,801 per year (or $95 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $196,501 per year (or $94 per hour)
- Paramus, New Jersey: $195,101 per year (or $94 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as an Airline Pilot
Airline pilots can enhance their earnings by pursuing advanced training, specialized skills, and strategic career choices. Here are six effective ways to boost your pilot salary:
- Pursue Advanced Certifications and Flight Training: While a college degree is not mandatory, obtaining an airline transport pilot license or additional ratings (e.g., multi-engine or type-specific certifications) through flight schools can increase earning potential. Advanced pilot training enhances qualifications for major airlines and international flights.
- Develop Specialized Expertise: Focus on skills that employers want most. Airline pilots with Flight Management System skills can earn 11.37% more, while Emergency Landing and Flight Instrument Use and Maintenance also boost pay by 11.37%.
- Gain Experience and Flight Hours: Accumulating flight hours, especially as a flight instructor or at regional airlines, can lead to promotions to first officer or senior captain roles at major airlines like United Airlines or American Airlines, where salaries are higher.
- Work in High-Paying Industries and Locations: Pilots at cargo airlines (e.g., UPS) or major airlines in high-cost cities like San Francisco or New York often earn more. Charter pilot salaries and corporate pilot roles may also offer competitive pay in specific regions.
- Commit to Continuous Professional Development: Staying updated on aviation industry trends, safety regulations, and new technologies through ongoing training ensures competitiveness. Many pilots benefit from joining professional networks or attending aviation career workshops.
- Negotiate Salary and Pursue Advanced Roles: Research market rates for pilot jobs and negotiate during job offers or promotions. Transitioning to senior captain or international pilot roles at major carriers like Delta Air Lines or Southwest Airlines pilots can significantly increase earnings, often including bonuses and profit-sharing.
By combining these strategies--advanced certifications, specialized skills, flight experience, strategic locations, continuous learning, and negotiation--aspiring pilots can maximize their earning potential in this rewarding career.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of August 6, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate that the national average salary for airline pilots in the United States is $135,395.8 (unweighted).
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$170,701 / year
INDEED.COM AVG. SALARY
$105,564 / year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$192,652 / year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$120,918 / year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$87,144 / year
