Pilot Salary in USA 2025
Airline vs commercial vs military pay, captain vs first officer breakdown
BLS Median (Airline Pilots)
How Much Do Pilots Earn in 2025?
Pilots are highly trained aviation professionals who operate aircraft for passenger transport, cargo, charter, and military missions. They undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure passenger safety while navigating complex flight operations.
2025 airline pilot salaries are excellent: median $226,600 annually, with average over $200,000. This represents a nearly $10,000 year-over-year increase from 2023 to 2024, reflecting the ongoing pilot shortage and strong industry demand.
The dramatic salary range reflects experience and airline type: new first officers at major airlines start around $90,000–$120,000, while senior captains at Delta, American, and United earn $320,000–$450,000+. Airline, aircraft type, and seniority are the biggest pay drivers. Airline pilots consistently rank among jobs that pay $100K+. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Median and Average Pilot Salary
High-level statistics for airline and commercial pilots in 2025:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BLS median annual salary | $226,600 |
| Average annual salary | $200,000+ |
| New first officer (Year 1) | $90,000–$120,000 |
| Experienced first officer (Year 6) | $230,000–$290,000 |
| Senior captain (Year 12+) | $320,000–$450,000 |
| Year-over-year increase (2023–2024) | ~$10,000 |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Senior airline pilots earn 5–7x the national average, making this one of the highest-paid professions in America.
Captain vs. First Officer Salary
Airline pilot compensation is heavily rank-based. The difference between first officer and captain is substantial.
| Airline | First Officer Year 1 | First Officer Year 6 | Captain Year 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | $120,690 | $289,650 | $317,730 |
| American Airlines | $116,050 | $231,160 | $320,780 |
| United Airlines | ~$110,000 | ~$250,000 | ~$330,000 |
Rank Progression Timeline
First Officer (F/O): Entry rank at airline. Sits in right seat, assists captain. $90,000–$290,000 depending on airline and years.
Captain: Pilot-in-command. Sits in left seat, final authority on aircraft. $200,000–$450,000 depending on airline and years.
Time to upgrade: Typically 5–8 years from first officer to captain at major airlines. Faster at regionals (2–4 years).
Why the Big Jump?
Captains earn 50–100% more than first officers because they bear ultimate responsibility for aircraft safety, crew, passengers, and operational decisions. The captain upgrade represents a major milestone in career progression.
Pilot Salary by Airline: Comprehensive Breakdown
Airline choice significantly impacts career earnings. Here's how major carriers compare:
Major Airlines (Highest Pay)
| Airline | FO Year 1 | FO Year 6 | Captain Year 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | $120,690 | $289,650 | $317,730 |
| American Airlines | $116,050 | $231,160 | $320,780 |
| United Airlines | ~$110,000 | ~$250,000 | ~$330,000 |
| Southwest Airlines | ~$100,000 | ~$220,000 | ~$290,000 |
Regional Airlines
| Airline | FO Year 1 | FO Year 6 | Captain Year 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA Airlines | $158,250 | $258,910 | $302,060 |
| Horizon Air | $151,000 | $170,000 | $194,000 |
| Mesa Airlines | $151,000 | $168,000 | $190,000 |
| Republic Airways | $145,680 | $163,230 | $187,090 |
Charter and Cargo
| Airline | FO Year 1 | FO Year 6 | Captain Year 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omni Air International | $128,000 | $174,000 | $201,000 |
| iAero Airways | $97,000 | $133,000 | $159,000 |
| NetJets | $77,000 | $178,000 | $200,000 |
Budget Airlines
| Airline | FO Year 1 | Captain Year 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | $57,000 | $154,000 |
Why Major Airlines Pay More
Delta, American, and United pay 50–100% more than regionals because: larger aircraft (wide-body international routes), stronger unions and contracts, higher revenue per flight, and greater profitability. The trade-off: more competitive hiring and longer path to captain.
Commercial Pilot vs. Airline Pilot Salary
Not all pilots fly for airlines. Here's how different pilot careers compare:
| Pilot Type | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Airline pilot (major carrier) | $120,000–$450,000 |
| Regional airline pilot | $90,000–$200,000 |
| Charter pilot | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Corporate/business jet pilot | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Cargo pilot | $90,000–$250,000 |
| Helicopter pilot | $60,000–$120,000 |
| Flight instructor (CFI) | $40,000–$70,000 |
Airline vs. Corporate Flying
Airline pros: Highest pay potential, structured career path, strong benefits, union protection
Airline cons: Seniority-based scheduling, time away from home, hub-based living requirements
Corporate pros: Often home more, premium travel experience, relationship with passengers
Corporate cons: Lower pay ceiling, less job security, irregular schedules for on-demand operators
Military Pilot Compensation
Military aviation offers a unique path to pilot careers with different compensation structure.
Military Pay Components
Base pay: $40,000–$100,000 depending on rank (O-1 to O-5)
Flight pay: Additional $150–$1,000/month depending on years and aircraft
Aviation career incentive pay (ACIP): Up to $1,000/month for rated aviators
Retention bonuses: $25,000–$200,000 for multi-year commitments in critical specialties
Total Compensation Value
When including housing allowance, healthcare, retirement pension (20-year vesting), GI Bill education benefits, and tax advantages, military pilot total compensation often exceeds $120,000–$150,000 annually in equivalent value.
Transition to Airlines
Many military pilots transition to airlines after completing service obligations (typically 10 years for pilot training commitment). Military experience provides: ATP certificate eligibility, multi-engine and instrument ratings, disciplined training record, and competitive advantage in airline hiring. Military pilots often fast-track to major airlines, skipping the regional airline phase.
For complete military compensation details, see our military pay chart.
What Pilots Do: Role and Career Path
Understanding the work and path helps contextualize compensation.
Core Responsibilities
Pilots: conduct pre-flight planning and weather analysis, inspect aircraft before departure, navigate using instruments and air traffic control, communicate with ATC and crew, monitor aircraft systems during flight, execute takeoffs and landings, handle emergencies and abnormal situations, and ensure passenger and cargo safety.
Career Progression Path
Step 1 - Flight training: Private pilot → Instrument rating → Commercial pilot → Multi-engine rating → CFI certificates ($50,000–$100,000 in training costs)
Step 2 - Time building: Flight instructor, cargo, or charter pilot to build 1,500 hours for ATP certificate (1–3 years)
Step 3 - Regional airline: First officer at regional carrier (2–5 years)
Step 4 - Major airline: First officer, then captain upgrade at Delta, United, American, etc.
Certification Requirements
Airline pilots need: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate (1,500 hours minimum), first-class medical certificate, type rating for specific aircraft, and passing recurrent training and check rides.
Job Outlook and Demand
Pilot careers offer excellent employment prospects.
Pilot Shortage
The aviation industry faces a significant pilot shortage driven by: mandatory retirement age (65 for airline pilots), reduced military pilot production, training pipeline constraints, and industry growth post-pandemic. This shortage has driven: higher starting salaries at all carrier types, signing bonuses at many airlines, faster upgrade times from first officer to captain, and strong job security for qualified pilots.
Recent Salary Growth
Median pilot salary increased nearly $10,000 from 2023 to 2024, reflecting tight labor market conditions. Major airline contracts have included significant pay increases, with Delta, United, and American pilots receiving 30–40% raises in recent negotiations.
Career Outlook
The pilot career outlook is excellent for the next decade. Industry projections suggest continued demand, competitive compensation, and strong job security for qualified pilots.
How to Increase Your Pilot Salary
Several strategies can maximize pilot career earnings.
Target Major Airlines
Delta, American, and United pay 50–100% more than regional carriers. Build competitive qualifications and target major airline hiring when you meet minimums.
Progress to Captain
Captains earn 50–100% more than first officers. Seniority drives upgrade timing—longevity at one airline accelerates captain upgrade.
Fly Larger Aircraft
Wide-body international routes (777, 787, A350) pay more than narrow-body domestic (737, A320). Bid for larger aircraft when seniority allows.
Accumulate Seniority
Pilot pay scales increase dramatically with years of service. Year 12 pilots earn 2–3x Year 1 pilots at the same airline. Loyalty pays—avoid airline-hopping that resets seniority.
Build Hours Efficiently
The faster you reach ATP minimums (1,500 hours), the faster you start airline pay. Consider accelerated programs, Part 141 schools with R-ATP eligibility, or military aviation.
Consider Cargo Airlines
FedEx, UPS, and Atlas Air offer excellent compensation with different lifestyle trade-offs (night flying, less passenger interaction).
Negotiate Effectively
While airline pay is largely contract-based, signing bonuses and base selection may have negotiation room. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pilot salary in 2025?
The BLS median airline pilot salary is $226,600. First officers at major airlines start $90,000–$120,000, while senior captains earn $320,000–$450,000. Regional airline pilots typically earn $90,000–$200,000.
How much do airline captains make?
Airline captains at major carriers earn $200,000–$450,000 depending on airline and years of service. Delta and American captains with 12+ years earn approximately $320,000. Wide-body international captains at the top of the scale can exceed $400,000.
Which airline pays pilots the most?
Delta, American, and United pay the highest among passenger airlines, with senior captains earning $320,000+. Among cargo carriers, FedEx and UPS offer comparable or higher compensation. PSA Airlines stands out among regionals with Year 1 first officer pay of $158,250.
How long does it take to become a captain?
Typical timeline: 2–4 years at regional airlines (faster captain upgrade), then 5–8 years at major airlines. Total time from flight training to major airline captain: 10–15 years. Military pilots may fast-track by skipping regionals.
Is being a pilot a good career in 2025?
Yes, exceptionally so. Airline pilot careers offer: excellent compensation ($200,000+ median), strong job security (pilot shortage), travel benefits, structured career progression, and union protections. Trade-offs include: significant training investment ($50,000–$100,000), time away from home, irregular schedules, and physical/medical requirements.