Commercial Airline Pilot Salary: How Much Airline Pilots Make in 2025

Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction, making an airline pilot career highly desirable. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well and today, enjoy the benefits of a high-demand career in a growing job market.

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Career Planning Tip: To alleviate a spike in demand post-pandemic coupled with a major labor shortage, airlines are now offering dramatic pay increases to pilots in order to retain and attract new talent.

Annual Pilot Salary Range

According to the May 2023 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that airline pilot salaries vary significantly, with the salary for commercial pilots being $ per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $. In addition to annual earnings, pilots take part in company health, life and disability insurance, and retirement plans. In many cases, these plans exceed what employees in other fields receive.

Regional Airline Pilot Pay	$ — $

First-Year Regional Airline Pilot Pay »

What is a Regional Airline? »

Major Airline Pilot Pay	$ — $

Major Airline Pilot Pay »

How Much Do Pilots Make an Hour? »

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What Can Airline Pilots Plan to Actually Earn? How Much Airline Pilots Make Per Year Offers Only A Glimpse at Career Earnings

At a Glance Airline Pilot Pay Overview

Median Airline Pilot Salary	$
Hour Flown Per Month	75 Hours
Factors Affecting Pay	Experience, Airline, Aircraft

With increased demand for qualified pilots, the median salary for airline pilots has increased over 12% year-over-year. In the May 2023 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the range of salaries for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers from less than $ a year, to the highest 10 percent earning more than $. However, these numbers only give us a glimpse of how much a pilot's salary can be and how those earnings change over a career.

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Pilot Pay Structure How Pilots Get Paid

Airline pilots are compensated through a multifaceted pay structure that includes a base salary, hourly pay, and a range of benefits. This structure is designed to account for various factors such as experience, seniority, and the type of aircraft flown. Typically, pilots receive a base salary that is paid monthly, which can range from $50,000 to over $200,000 per year depending on the airline and the pilot’s experience.

In addition to the base salary, pilots earn an hourly wage for each flight hour. This hourly rate can vary significantly, from $50 to over $200 per hour, influenced by the airline, aircraft type, and the pilot’s experience. For instance, a senior captain flying a large international aircraft for a major airline will earn a higher hourly rate compared to a junior first officer flying a regional jet.

Beyond the base salary and hourly pay, airline pilots enjoy comprehensive benefits packages. These typically include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The specifics of these benefits can vary by airline and the pilot’s seniority, but they are generally designed to be competitive and attractive, making the pilot career not only financially rewarding but also secure and stable.

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Commercial Airline Pilot — A Ten Million Dollar Career

With union protections, structured seniority system, and guaranteed earnings, advancement at major airlines are excellent. American Airlines pilots, represented by the Allied Pilots Association, can expect to earn substantial salaries, with senior captains earning around $, annually. Established airline pilots are very well paid, with the annual earnings of senior captains around $450,000, some pilots can expect a ten million dollar career in total earnings, illustrated below according to the typical career progression.

Commercial Pilot Salary Chart Over a Pilot's Career

^*Graph based on SkyWest Airlines and Delta Air Lines pay scales and are for illustration purposes, not promises of future earnings.

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Do Pilots Get Paid After Every Flight?

Airline pilots are compensated based on an hourly structure. While we often express a pilot's annual earnings as a salary, commercial airline pilots typically receive an hourly wage based on the number of flight hours flown, with a guaranteed minimum number of hours per month.

Airline pilots are compensated based on an hourly structure. Southwest Airlines pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, enjoy a significant salary range, with average earnings notably higher than those of pilots from other major airlines. While we often express a pilot’s annual earnings as a salary, commercial airline pilots typically receive an hourly wage based on the number of flight hours flown, with a guaranteed minimum number of hours per month.

How Much Pilots Make Per Hour »

Factors Affecting Pilot Salary

Airline pilot salary varies and can range anywhere from $ per year to several hundred thousand per year depending on several factors, including airline, seniority, aircraft, and role. United Airlines pilots can earn a wide range of salaries, with additional benefits and bonuses that make the position financially attractive.

What is a Regional Airline?

Flying at a regional airline is a likely first step for many pilots. However, climbing to the ranks of Captain at a major airline is the pinnacle of a pilot's career.

Regional Airline Explained »

Which Airline Company?

There are a variety of pay, benefits, and bonus packages dependent on each airline company. ATP actively maintains hiring partnerships with major and regional airlines.

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What is Pilot Seniority

A pilot's experience level (pilot seniority) is measured by how long they have been with a company. Airlines operate on a seniority-based system and seniority is everything as an airline pilot.

Pilot Seniority Explained »

What is a Captain and First Officer?

Your first stop after training and flight instructing will probably be flying as a First Officer. After gaining experience, you will upgrade to Captain. Upgrading not only increases your salary, but usually comes with substantial bonuses.

Airline Captain and First Officer Explained »

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International Pilot Salaries

Comparison of International Pilot Salaries

Pilot salaries can vary widely across different regions of the world, reflecting the diverse economic conditions and industry standards. In the United States, the median annual salary for airline pilots is around $140,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure can be higher for pilots flying for major airlines like Delta Air Lines or United Airlines, especially those with significant experience and seniority.

In Europe, the median annual salary for airline pilots is approximately €80,000 (around $90,000 USD), as reported by the European Cockpit Association. Pilots flying for major European carriers such as Lufthansa or British Airways may see higher earnings, particularly those in senior positions.

In Asia, the median annual salary for airline pilots is around $100,000, according to the International Air Transport Association. This region has seen rapid growth in the aviation sector, with airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific offering competitive salaries to attract experienced pilots. In Australia, the median annual salary for airline pilots is about AU$120,000 (around $80,000 USD), based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Pilots working for major Australian airlines like Qantas can expect to earn at the higher end of this range, especially those in senior roles.

These figures provide a general overview, but actual salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific airline, type of aircraft, and the pilot’s experience. The global demand for skilled pilots ensures that salaries remain competitive across all regions.

Pilot Benefits & Perks

Airline pilots enjoy a range of benefits and perks that enhance the overall attractiveness of their career. These benefits go beyond the substantial salaries and include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Health insurance packages typically cover medical, dental, and vision care, ensuring pilots and their families have access to essential healthcare services.

Retirement plans are another significant perk, with many airlines offering 401(k) plans with company matching contributions. This helps pilots build a secure financial future, complementing their high earnings. Additionally, pilots often receive paid time off, which can include vacation days, sick leave, and personal days, allowing them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Other perks can include travel benefits, such as free or discounted flights for pilots and their families, making it easier to explore the world. Some airlines also offer bonuses and profit-sharing plans, further enhancing the financial rewards of a pilot career. These benefits and perks make the airline pilot profession not only financially rewarding but also provide a high level of job satisfaction and security.

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Updated April, 2025