Pilot Salary: How Much Do Airline Pilots Make in 2025?
If you're considering a career as an airline pilot, one of your first questions is probably: how much do pilots make? The short answer: the median annual salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $219,140 as of recent BLS data, with top earners exceeding $260,000 annually.
But pilot pay varies dramatically based on your experience, employer, and position. Let's break it down.
Pilot Salary by Career Stage
Entry-Level First Officers (Regional Airlines)
When you first get hired at a regional airline, expect to earn between $60,000 and $90,000 in your first year. This has improved dramatically from just a few years ago when starting pay was closer to $25,000.
Major Airline First Officers
After building experience (typically 2-5 years), many pilots transition to major carriers like Delta, United, or American. First Officers at major airlines earn $150,000 to $200,000+ after a few years on the property.
Captains at Major Airlines
This is where compensation really takes off. Captains at major carriers earn $280,000 to $400,000+ annually, depending on equipment type and seniority.
Cargo Pilots (FedEx/UPS)
Cargo carriers are known for top-tier compensation. Captains at FedEx and UPS earn $250,000 to $325,000+, often with better schedules than passenger operations.
How Pilot Pay Actually Works
Pilot compensation isn't a simple annual salary. Here's how it breaks down:
- Hourly flight rate - Your base pay is calculated per flight hour
- Monthly guarantee - Typically 70-85 hours minimum pay, even if you fly less
- Seniority-based scales - Pay increases annually for 12-15 years
- Aircraft type premiums - Widebody international flying pays more
- Per diem - Tax-free daily allowance ($2-4/hour when away from base)
Beyond Base Pay: Total Compensation
The numbers above are just base pay. Major airline pilots also receive:
- Profit sharing - Can add 10-20% to annual income
- 401(k) matching - Airlines contribute 10-16% of your pay
- Travel benefits - Free flights worldwide for you and family
- Health insurance - Comprehensive coverage
- Retirement benefits - Defined benefit pensions at some carriers
Career Earnings: The Big Picture
A typical 30-year airline career yields approximately $8 million in total earnings, excluding benefits, retirement matching, and profit-sharing contributions. Many captains at major airlines will earn over $400,000 annually in their peak earning years.
Getting Started
The path to these salaries starts with your initial flight training. While the investment in training can range from $50,000 to $100,000, the return on investment is substantial. Many pilots recoup their training costs within their first few years at a regional airline.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our training programs or book a discovery flight to see if the pilot career path is right for you.