Airline Pilot Salary - How Much Do Pilot's Make?

There are multiple factors that motivate individuals to pursue a career as an airline pilot, primarily their passion for flying and the excitement of exploring the world. However, the increasing global demand for commercial pilots has made pilot salaries a compelling aspect to consider in the aviation field. If you've been contemplating becoming an airline pilot and are curious about the earnings, the financial benefits of a pilot's paycheck far outweigh the relatively modest investment required for flight training. In the United States, airline pilot salaries can range from $56,000 to $500,000+ per year in 2023. It's crucial to grasp the methodology behind calculating pilot salaries.

However, an airline pilot salary is dictated by a variety of factors. This includes the type of pilot and the seniority of the pilot. For instance, the average pay for a first-year pilot is likely far less than for an experienced one. Some pilots early in their careers may only make $45,000. However, experience matters – and the longer pilots work and master their craft also translates to higher earnings potential. The highest-earning pilots are reported to make $180,000 or more per year. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how pilot salary is calculated, why pilot pay range matters, compare to private pilot salary, and more of what you need to know as it pertains to pilot pay.

Just like in any other job, pilot salaries are not the same for everyone. The amount a pilot earns can change from year to year and can vary based on the airline they work for, the type of aircraft they fly, and even the routes they take. Several factors come into play when determining a pilot's salary, including their qualifications, experience, job title, and any agreements made by pilot unions. It's also worth noting that pilots are typically paid based on the number of hours they fly, rather than receiving a fixed annual salary. If you check out Glassdoor, a website where people share their own salary information, you'll find that the average salaries for domestic airline pilots are generally decent. However, it's important to remember that these figures can differ from one airline to another.

To give you an idea of the variation in pilot salaries, let's take a look at some examples. At Southwest Airlines, pilots make an average of $222,000 per year, although some can earn as much as $549,000. United Airlines pilots, on the other hand, have an average salary of $205,000. At Delta Airlines, the average pilot earns around $192,000, but the highest earners can reach up to $526,000. American Airlines pilots have an average salary of $118,000, but there are pilots within the company who make over $700,000. It's worth noting that pilot salaries are on the rise, so these figures may continue to increase. Even international airlines offer competitive pay, like Qatar Airways where pilots typically earn between $173,000 and $187,000 annually. China Southern Airlines starts its pilots at $228,000 per year. Lastly, the average salary for a Lufthansa pilot is around $102,000 per year.

As private pilots either fly planes for private customers or taxi corporate executives nationwide, they can take many different job opportunities. Typically, private pilots work for smaller, or private, companies that can result in growing a greater career autonomy.

Before you begin assessing private piloting job positions, you must have already obtained your private piloting license. Alternatively, you may also be in the process of completing your licensure in a piloting program.

With the growing need for pilots, starting salaries offer a surprisingly generous range. However, as the salaries range based on the job position you accept, it is hard to generalize a specific salary. Therefore, we list below common starting salaries based on the job position you take.

Depending on what you privately pilot, your average salary may drastically change. For example, private pilots for jet companies earn an average of $111,800 a year. However, many private jet companies compensate at hourly rates and are unionized.

The FAA mandates that pilots of any industry do not exceed 1,000 flight hours a year. For numerous reasons, this mandate allows pilots the necessary rest time between flights to ensure safe transit.

Private pilots often experience a more regular and reliable work schedule. For example, a private pilot can find relief in knowing that after eight days of working they will receive six days off afterwards. However, there may be the rare exception of a last-minute scheduling.

Additionally, private pilots get to experience the luxury and accessibility of flying to many private airports around the nation. Therefore, you will experience shorter taxying times during departure and arrival flight procedures.

While facing a current piloting shortage, you have the unique opportunity to experience a more stable job field as a career airline pilot. This is especially true for commercial and airline pilots.

As a commercial pilot in 2019, the lowest reported starting salaries listed just under $45,000. However, with accrued experience and longevity as a pilot, the highest reporting earnings exceeded $179,440. Therefore, it – quite literally – pays to be a pilot long-term.

Fortunately, exploring careers as an airline pilot proves more profitable from the beginning. When starting a position as an airline pilot, the lowest 10 percent earn less than $74,100. However, the highest 10 percent reported salaries exceeded $208,000. As a result, you will quickly find value in  how long it takes to become an airline pilot.

Average Annual Salaries

The  Occupational Outlook Handbook for Airline and Commercial Pilots  reports the median pay for airline and commercial pilots in 2019 was $121,430, a salary that quickly repays your  commercial pilot license investment. Below are a few additional pilot salary statistics as of May 2019:

Commercial and Airline Pilots Work Schedule

Although the salary proves rewarding, there are many skills and requirements needed as a commercial or airline pilot. One of them involves a flexible work schedule and availability. With variable work schedules, commercial and airline pilots may work several days in a row followed by another few days off. However, seniority at an airline company may enable pilots to receive preferred routes and more concrete schedules. 

Similar to that of a private pilot, federal regulations limit the minimum and maximum requirement regarding flight hours and resting periods between. On average, airline and commercial pilots fly 75 hours a month and log up to 150 hours each month performing other duties. These duties include checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans.

One thing to keep in mind is that commercial pilots are mandated by the FAA to retire by age 65. While this should by no means discourage anyone from pursuing a piloting career, it should be a consideration depending on your current age. However, even at 65, your piloting career does not have to end and result in retirement if that is not your desire. You can continue your career by transitioning to private piloting or flight instructing.

Pilots don’t typically earn an annual salary like most full-time professionals. Instead, they earn hourly wages for the time they spend flying as well as a per diem to account for time spent away from home. Most airlines guarantee pilots will fly at least a certain number of hours per month, which helps them understand what their baseline salary is. In fact, most pilots fly about 75 hours per month and then spend other time working on other flight-related duties, which may include preparing flight plans

Ultimately, pilots are paid for the number of hours flown each year. However, you will need to consider a pilot cannot fly more than 1,000 hours each year for the safety of everyone involved by ensuring pilots are well-rested. Knowing this, you have some control over the money you make, as pilots who schedule more flights will end up making more money.

Your compensation offers will likely increase as you gain more years of experience. Typically, you will start as a first officer and work your way up to a captain, where you will see a significant jump in your hourly rate. Having more experience will allow you to apply for available captain positions. As a bonus that comes with seniority, you will be able to pick out your schedule each month, deciding the number of flights and type of aircraft you get to fly. This will ensure you get closer to the 1,000 minimum hours.

It’s advantageous to get experience flying different kinds of aircraft, but as a rule of thumb, the larger the aircraft you fly, the larger the hourly rate. When picking your flights, choosing the largest flights available will let you earn more money.

Although two pilots in a similar position will earn roughly the same, salaries can vary if the pilots work at different airlines. When deciding what airline to work for, do your research to determine the pros and cons of different airlines, and prepare for interviews to get the job at the place you want.

According to Salary.com, the average salary range for a pilot in the Chicago area is between $131,700 and $171, 700 per year, with the median salary coming in at $152,100.

The salary range for pilots – let alone any profession – shows that pay doesn’t come at a fixed amount and rewards experience and tenure. So, while a pilot may begin their career at a lower annual salary, as they grow and progress, they’ll likely earn significantly more money.

Piloting for either private or commercial careers is a rewarding industry. While receiving fair compensation, you get to explore the world with a front row seat. If now is the time for YOU to start flight school, start looking at next steps!  

J.A. Flight Training is conveniently based in Chicago’s western suburb, Sugar Grove. No matter which career path you follow, you can count on experiential learning with the most up-to-date equipment, flight simulators, and aircrafts available. We are proud to offer world-class training that prepares our students for a successful future as a pilot through flexible classes and affordable programs.

If you would like to receive more information about our airline career pilot program, or how to earn a bachelors degree from Purdue Global or Liberty University while you do it, contact us today to get started on your new career path!