Airline pilots in the United States earn varying salaries depending on factors such as airline, experience, aircraft type, and job title. As of 2025:
- The median annual salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is approximately $219,140, with some sources citing a median closer to $239,200
- Major airline pilots typically earn between $90,000 and $450,000 annually. Experienced captains at major airlines can make from $150,000 up to $700,000 or more per year, depending on the airline and routes flown
- Regional airline pilots earn less, generally ranging from $55,000 to about $217,530 annually, with entry-level regional pilots starting around $40,000 to $60,000
- Cargo pilots and charter pilots also have varied salaries, with cargo captains earning up to $200,000 or more
- Some top-paying airlines like Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines offer pilots salaries that can exceed $500,000 annually, with American Airlines pilots sometimes earning over $700,000
- Entry-level pilots, such as flight instructors or first officers at regional airlines, may start with salaries around $35,000 to $60,000, but salaries increase significantly with experience and seniority
In summary, pilot salaries in 2025 range broadly from about $40,000 for entry- level positions up to $700,000+ for senior captains at major airlines, with a median around $219,000 to $239,000 per year in the U.S.
