As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Airline Pilot in the United States is $170,701. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $149,601 to $195,701, with most professionals earning between $130,391 and $218,462.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $195,701 | $16,308 | $3,763 | $94 |
| Average | $170,701 | $14,225 | $3,283 | $82 |
| 25th Percentile | $149,601 | $12,467 | $2,877 | $72 |
An entry-level Airline Pilot with less than 1 year of experience earns about $161,353. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $162,928. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $166,077. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $170,801, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $180,129.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Airline Pilot | $161,353 |
| Intermediate Level Airline Pilot | $162,928 |
| Senior Level Airline Pilot | $166,077 |
| Specialist Level Airline Pilot | $170,801 |
| Expert Level Airline Pilot | $180,129 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 5% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 0% |
| Experienced | 6% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Airline Pilot compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $118,447 in 2023 to approximately $114,810 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Airline Pilot salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Airline Pilot information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Airline Pilot job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Airline Pilot and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $170,701 | 73.3% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $12,928 | 5.6% | ||
| 401K/403B | $7,169 | 3.1% | ||
| Disability | $3,414 | 1.5% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 3.6% | ||
| Pension | $9,218 | 4.0% | ||
| Time Off | $21,009 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $232,792 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 10.3% |
| Bachelors | 53.8% |
| Masters | 19.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.6% |
What Am I Worth?
No, a college degree is not mandatory to become an airline pilot. Major airlines accept candidates from various bachelor fields and focus more on flight experience and training. The salary for airline pilots ranges from a minimum of $177,501 to a maximum of $226,401, with a mid-salary of $199,801, reflecting the value of skills and experience in this profession.
UPS pilots earn competitive salaries due to the consistent demand in the cargo industry. Their pay ranges from a minimum of $177,501 to a mid-salary of $199,801, reaching up to $226,401. This, combined with flexible schedules and increased job stability, makes their compensation attractive compared to passenger pilots.
No, pilots typically do not make $300,000 a year. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary for an airline pilot is around $177,501, with a mid-range salary of approximately $199,801 and a maximum of $226,401. While experienced pilots can earn higher, reaching $300,000 is not common in the industry.
Becoming a pilot can be challenging due to the extensive time commitment needed for training, which includes hundreds of hours of study and flight time. However, with dedication and effective time management, success is achievable. Additionally, airline pilots can expect salaries ranging from $177,501 to $226,401, reflecting the investment in their training and skills.
Delta pilots earn between $177,501 and $226,401 annually, with a mid-salary of $199,801. This reflects a competitive compensation package, significantly above the national average, highlighting the value placed on their expertise and experience in the aviation industry.
Pilots typically work up to 60 hours a week, adhering to regulations that limit daily hours to 14 and require a minimum rest of 10 hours. Their salaries range from $177,501 to $226,401, with a mid-salary of $199,801, reflecting the demanding nature of their profession and the responsibility they carry in ensuring flight safety.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
