Pilot Salary: How Much Do Airline Pilots Make in 2025?

Introduction: Why Understanding Pilot Salaries Matters

For aspiring airline pilots, understanding how pilot pay works isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for planning your future. Whether you’re just starting flight training or exploring a career change, knowing what to expect financially can help you:

• Set realistic goals
  
• Choose the right training path
  
• Plan for your long-term earning potential
  

While becoming a pilot comes with incredible rewards—freedom, travel, and purpose—it’s also a serious investment. Salaries in aviation can vary widely based on factors like airline type, seniority, and aircraft. Some pilots start their careers earning under $50,000 a year, while senior captains at major airlines can make over $400,000 annually.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pilot salaries in 2025—from how pay is calculated to what First Officers and Captains are earning right now. It’s designed to give you a clear, current, and realistic picture of what life as a professional pilot looks like financially.

Pilot Salary Overview

In 2025, airline pilot salaries continue to be among the highest in the transportation industry—and they’re only rising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $219,140 as of May 2023, with the top 10% earning more than $260,000 per year.

However, it’s important to know that pilot pay can vary significantly depending on a few key factors:

• The type of airline (regional vs. major vs. cargo)
  
• Your role (First Officer vs. Captain)
  
• Seniority (pay scales increase every year of service)
  
• The aircraft you fly
  
• Your monthly flight hours and negotiated contract
  

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you might expect in today’s job market:

These figures are averages based on publicly available union contracts, job postings, and pilot forums like AirlinePilotCentral and verified reporting by Business Insider.

In the following sections, we’ll break down how salaries are actually calculated, and what to expect at each stage of your pilot career.

How Is a Pilot’s Salary Calculated?

Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, pilots aren’t paid an annual salary in the way most professionals are. Instead, airline pilots are paid hourly, based on flight time—the hours spent from when the aircraft first moves under its own power for takeoff until it comes to a stop after landing.

Here are the key components of how pilot pay is structured:

1. Hourly Rate × Flight Hours

Most airline pilots are guaranteed a minimum number of hours per month, even if they don’t fly that many. This is known as the monthly guarantee.

• Typical guarantee: 70–80 flight hours/month
  
• Hourly pay: Varies by airline, seniority, aircraft, and position
  
  • A first-year First Officer might earn $90/hour
    
  • A senior Captain on a widebody could earn $300+/hour
    

Example:
A pilot flying 75 hours/month at $150/hour = $11,250/month, or $135,000/year (not including benefits or per diem).

2. Seniority & Pay Scales

Pilot pay is tiered based on years of service with the airline, not total flying experience. Typically each year you work at the same airline, your hourly rate increases.

✈️ A fifth-year First Officer at a major airline might make 40–60% more per hour than in their first year.

3. Aircraft Type

The larger and more complex the aircraft, the higher the pay. For example:

• Narrowbody aircraft (like a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320) typically pay less than
  
• Widebody aircraft (like a Boeing 787 or Airbus A350), which can significantly boost hourly rates—especially for Captains.
  

4. Per Diem Pay

Pilots also receive a daily per diem (meal and travel allowance) while on duty away from base.

• Typical U.S. per diem: $2.00–$3.00 per hour (tax-free)
  
• Adds several hundred dollars per month to overall compensation
  

5. Overtime & Premium Pay

Many airlines offer:

• Incentives for flying extra hours
  
• Holiday pay
  
• International or red-eye trip bonuses
  

In short, pilot pay is a combination of hourly wages, monthly guarantees, experience, and flight assignments. As you build seniority and transition to larger aircraft or more premium routes, your earnings can rise quickly.

Entry-Level Pilot Pay: What New Pilots Can Expect

When you first start your career at an airline, your pay will be on the lower end of the scale—but don’t let that discourage you. Thanks to growing demand and union-negotiated contracts, entry-level pilot pay has improved significantly in recent years.

Starting as a First Officer

Most new airline pilots begin their careers as First Officers (also known as copilots) at regional or low-cost carriers. These roles are often viewed as stepping stones to major airlines.

In 2025, starting pay for First Officers typically ranges from:

• $60,000 to $90,000/year at regional airlines
  
• $85,000 to $120,000/year at low-cost carriers (e.g., Frontier, Spirit)
  

Example hourly rates for new First Officers:

• SkyWest Airlines: ~$90/hour (with a 76-hour monthly guarantee)
  
• Allegiant Air: Starts at $94/hour for First Officers
  (Source: Airline Pilot Central & Business Insider)
  

Bonuses & Incentives

To attract talent, many airlines offer signing bonuses or training stipends in addition to base pay. Examples include:

• $20,000+ sign-on bonuses
  
• Retention bonuses after completing 12–24 months
  
• Cadet programs that pay during training
  

These bonuses can push a new pilot’s total compensation well above six figures in their first year.

Training Pay

Keep in mind that during initial training (before you begin flying revenue flights), some airline pay a reduced daily training stipend—typically $1,200–$2,500/month. Once you’re officially on the line, full pay kicks in. Other airlines will pay full pay day 1 even during training. Read your employment agreement closely.

Fast Progression to Higher Pay

Due to the ongoing pilot shortage, airlines are upgrading pilots to Captain faster than ever before. Some pilots are upgrading in as little as 18–24 months, nearly doubling their pay.

So while entry-level pay may not be grand, the path to six-figure income is shorter and more reliable than in decades past.

2025 Major Airline Captain Salaries

Captains are the commanding officers of the flight deck—and they’re paid accordingly. As the pilot in command (PIC), Captains carry more responsibility and earn significantly more than First Officers. Their pay depends on seniority, aircraft type, and airline.

In 2025, Captain salaries at major U.S. airlines are the highest they’ve ever been, thanks to new union contracts and a competitive hiring market.

Average Pay for Captains in 2025

Estimates assume ~75–85 flight hours/month and are based on publicly available union contract data and reports via Airline Pilot Central and Business Insider.

Factors That Boost Captain Pay

1. Aircraft Type:
   Widebody Captains flying international routes (e.g., A350s or B777s) earn more than narrowbody Captains flying domestic routes.
   
2. Seniority:
   Pay rates increase with every year of service. A 12+ year Captain earns far more than someone newly upgraded.
   
3. Contract Terms:
   Airlines like Delta and United offer profit-sharing, 401(k) contributions, and per diem pay that can add tens of thousands in total compensation.
   

Realistic Timeline to Captain

With the current pilot shortage, some pilots are upgrading to Captain in just 2–5 years, especially at regional and low-cost airlines. At major carriers, it may take longer (5–10 years), but early-career upgrades are becoming more common.

Next, we’ll cover First Officer salaries at major airlines—because even before you make Captain, the pay is still impressive.

2025 Major Airline First Officer Salaries

Before becoming a Captain, every pilot starts as a First Officer—also known as the copilot. While First Officers have less seniority and responsibility than Captains, their salaries at major airlines have seen a sharp increase in recent years.

Thanks to new union contracts, aggressive hiring, and competition between airlines, First Officer pay in 2025 is higher than ever, especially in the early years.

First Officer Pay at Major Airlines (2025)

Note: These estimates assume a standard 75–80 flight hours/month. Data sourced from AirlinePilotCentral.com and 2024–2025 collective bargaining agreements.

First Officer Pay Is Growing Fast

Historically, First Officers—especially at regionals—were underpaid. But today:

• New hires at major airlines often start over $100K/year
  
• By year 3–5, many are earning $150K+
  
• Some narrowbody First Officers can earn $200K+ annually by year 7 or earlier
  

Extra Pay Opportunities

First Officers also benefit from:

• Holiday pay
  
• Overtime or premium trips
  
• Per diem (typically $2–3/hour while away from base)
  
• Profit-sharing and 401(k) matching
  

Career Momentum

While it may take time to build seniority and reach Captain, First Officer pay at the majors offers a solid financial foundation—with rapid increases year over year. If you make it into a major carrier, you’re on a direct path to top-tier income.

Cargo Pilot Pay: How It Compares in 2025

Flying cargo isn’t just an alternative to the airlines—it’s a top-tier career path with some of the best compensation in the industry. Airlines like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Air operate on a global scale and offer salaries that rival or exceed those at major passenger carriers.

For aspiring pilots, cargo flying offers high pay, less interaction with passengers, and often a more predictable schedule.

2025 Cargo Pilot Salary Ranges

Sources: Public pilot forums, Airline Pilot Central, and verified contract summaries from ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association)

Why Cargo Pays So Well

• Night flying premium pay
  
• International routes with longer duty days
  
• Heavier aircraft (e.g., 757, 767, MD-11, A300) often come with higher hourly rates
  
• Strong union contracts (especially at FedEx and UPS)
  

Lifestyle Differences

Cargo pilots often have:

• Fewer last-minute schedule changes
  
• No passenger interactions
  
• More night and early morning flying
  
• Access to global freight hubs (e.g., Memphis, Louisville)
  

While cargo flying isn’t for everyone, many pilots enjoy the routine, privacy, and high pay—especially later in their careers.

🔹 Career Tip

Some pilots choose to transition to cargo after gaining seniority at regionals or majors, while others aim for FedEx or UPS from the beginning. With competitive pay, strong benefits, and global operations, cargo carriers remain a top choice for long-term career growth.

Additional Compensation: What Pilots Earn Beyond Base Pay

A pilot’s paycheck doesn’t stop at their hourly rate. In fact, many pilots earn tens of thousands of dollars per year in extra compensation—especially those flying for major and cargo airlines.

These benefits help explain how a pilot with a $200/hour rate might take home $300,000+ annually. Here’s what adds up behind the scenes:

1. Per Diem (Meal Allowance)

• Pilots receive tax-free daily stipends while flying trips away from base.
  
• Typical rates:
  
  • $2.00–$3.00 per hour domestic
    
  • $3.00–$4.00+ per hour international
    
• On a 4-day trip, this can add $200+ per week—or over $10,000 per year.
  

2. Overtime and Premium Trips

• Most pilot contracts include:
  
  • Time-and-a-half for flying beyond scheduled hours
    
  • Holiday pay premiums
    
  • Bonuses for short-notice or undesirable flights
    
• Many senior pilots opt into extra trips and bring in $20K–$50K+ annually above base.
  

3. Profit Sharing and Bonuses

• Airlines like Delta, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines offer annual profit-sharing checks, sometimes totaling 10–20% of yearly income.
  
• Some airlines also offer:
  
  • Sign-on bonuses
    
  • Retention bonuses
    
  • Referral incentives for recruiting other pilots
    

4. Retirement & 401(k) Matching

• Major and cargo airlines typically match 10–16% of pilot contributions.
  
• Some even automatically contribute, regardless of how much the pilot saves.
  
• This adds significant long-term value, especially over a 20–30 year career.
  

5. Travel Benefits

• Free or deeply discounted flights for pilots and their immediate families
  
• Access to global airline alliances
  
• Standby travel privileges—even on international routes
  

6. Other Perks

• Jumpseat access on other carriers
  
• Uniform and equipment stipends
  
• Hotel, transportation, and parking coverage while on duty
  
• Paid training, license renewal, and recurrent courses
  

The Bottom Line

When you add it all up, the “total compensation” for many pilots far exceeds their base hourly pay. That’s why even mid-seniority pilots at the majors can earn $250K–$350K/year, and senior Captains may earn well over $400K.

Next up: Let’s zoom out and explore what a full career’s worth of flying can look like financially—your lifetime earnings potential as a pilot.

Lifetime Earning Potential: What a Career as a Pilot Can Really Pay

While early-career salaries for pilots may start modestly, the long-term financial outlook is incredibly strong—especially for those who progress to major airlines or cargo carriers. Over the course of a 30–40 year flying career, a pilot can earn millions in total compensation.

A Sample Pilot Career Path (Conservative Estimate)

Let’s look at what a typical pilot might earn over time:

Total Career Earnings: ~$8,000,000+
(Before benefits, bonuses, and retirement contributions)

Other Scenarios to Consider

• Aggressive Upgraders: Some pilots are making Captain at regionals or low-cost carriers in 2–3 years, accelerating their income curve.
  
• Cargo Path: UPS and FedEx Captains can exceed $325K/year with strong retirement plans.
  
• Early Career Starters: Starting at 21 vs. 31 gives you a full decade more of high-earning years.
  

Long-Term Wealth Factors

• 401(k) Matching + Profit Sharing = Hundreds of thousands in additional retirement savings
  
• Union Contracts help protect pilot pay and working conditions
  
• Medical Benefits and travel perks offset living expenses over decades
  

The Big Picture

Pilots don’t just earn a good paycheck—they build a high-income, long-term career. With the current industry demand, fast upgrades, and competitive contracts, pilots today are earning more and retiring wealthier than ever before.

Still thinking about flight training? The earlier you start, the sooner your earning potential takes off.

Final Thoughts: What Aspiring Pilots Should Know About Salary

The path to becoming an airline pilot is demanding—but it’s one of the most financially rewarding careers in aviation and beyond.

Here’s what to take away:

• First-year pay has never been higher, with many new First Officers earning $85K–$100K+ right out of training.
  
• Captain salaries at major airlines now regularly exceed $300K, with the potential to reach $400K+ with seniority and bonuses.
  
• Cargo carriers like FedEx and UPS offer elite-level compensation, often with better schedules and fewer disruptions.
  
• Beyond base pay, pilots receive per diem, profit sharing, 401(k) matching, and other perks that make total compensation even stronger.
  
• Over a full career, airline pilots can earn $7–10 million or more, making it one of the best long-term professions for both passion and financial stability.
  

Whether you’re just beginning flight training or preparing for your first airline interview, understanding how pilot pay works helps you make smarter choices, set realistic goals, and stay motivated for the journey ahead.

✈️ Ready to Take Off?

If your dream is to become an airline pilot, now is the time. With demand surging, pay increasing, and opportunities expanding, there’s never been a better moment to start flying toward your career.

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