Airline pilots in the U.S. have a wide salary range depending on factors such as the airline, rank, experience, type of aircraft, and flying routes. Here is an overview of airline pilot salaries in 2025:
- The average annual salary for airline and commercial pilots is around $160,970 to $161,300 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources
- The median salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is higher, around $219,140 to $239,200 annually
- Entry-level regional airline pilots typically start at about $55,000 to $60,000 per year, with captains at regional airlines earning up to $100,000 to $120,000
- Major airline first officers earn between $90,000 and $150,000 , while major airline captains can earn from $215,000 up to $450,000 or more , with some top captains making over $700,000 annually
- Cargo pilots' salaries range from $80,000 to over $200,000 , depending on experience and employer
- Salaries vary by airline, with some major carriers like Southwest Airlines paying pilots an average of $254,000 , and top earners reaching as high as $549,000 ; American Airlines pilots can earn over $700,000
- Benefits such as health, life, disability insurance, and retirement plans are typically included in pilot compensation packages
In summary, airline pilots in the U.S. can expect to earn from around $55,000 in entry-level regional positions to over $700,000 per year for experienced captains at major airlines, with an overall average around $160,000 to $240,000 depending on rank and airline
