Salary of a Plane Pilot
Average Salary of a Plane Pilot in 2025
Flying commercial aircraft is one of the top jobs in aviation. It offers great pay for skilled pilots. Knowing your value as a pilot is crucial in the competitive aviation market of 2025.
This guide reveals real salary data from government sources and major job platforms.
You'll learn what pilots make based on their experience. You'll also see which airlines offer the best pay and how international jobs stack up.
We'll cover common questions about hourly pay and annual salaries. We'll talk about benefits, retirement plans, and ways to help you earn more as a commercial airline pilot.
What's the Average Salary of a Plane Pilot in the USA?
$170,000 per year (Average)
This figure comes from analyzing multiple reliable industry sources.
Glassdoor says airline pilots earn about $195,999 a year. Jobted reports a lower average of $103,480 gross yearly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says salaries start below $101,710. The top 10 percent earn over $239,200.
The national average, based on these major platforms and the latest data, is about $170,000 per year. Pilot salaries have risen a lot since last year. This is because there are fewer pilots available in the industry.
In 2025, aviation salary reports show captains making between $400K and $700K or more. There are global increases of 5% to 8%. This growth shows a high demand for skilled pilots. Airlines are also working hard to attract talent.
Plane Pilot Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $170,000.
This is based on data from major job platforms. Senior positions can earn even more.
Salary range: Entry-level pilots begin as Certified Flight Instructors, making $35,000 to $60,000. In contrast, senior captains at well-known airlines can earn about $400,000 each year. Delta, United, and American Airlines captains can make upwards of $500,000 annually.
Salary by experience: A job board analyzed over 8,600 salary data points.
It found that junior pilots at regional airlines earn around $50,000 to $80,000 each year.
Mid-level first officers at major airlines earn between $120,000 and $180,000. Senior captains can make $300,000 to over $500,000.
75th percentile: Top earners at major airlines make over $300,000. Senior pilots at budget airlines, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit, earn as much as $270,000 a year.
Plane Pilot Salary Regional Comparison
Location and airline choice have a significant impact on pilots' earnings worldwide.
International carriers often offer tax-free salaries and comprehensive benefits packages.
Pilot pay varies by country due to:
Cost of living
Aviation market size
Regulatory requirements
Switzerland offers the highest annual average salary for pilots at CHF 166,495 ($192,256). Here's how salaries compare across major aviation markets:
Pilot salaries in Australia average 153,700 AUD per year (USD $153,700). This makes them competitive with salaries in the US. The expected Australian pilot salary ranges between AU$ 120,000 and AU$ 160,000.
Middle Eastern airlines provide great deals. They often pay tax-free salaries that exceed $200,000 for experienced captains.
Switzerland offers the best value for cost and salary. The USA offers great career growth and many airlines to gain experience.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Plane Pilot
1. Target Major Airlines Over Regional Carriers: Major airlines pay a lot more than regional carriers. First officers at major airlines earn $120,000-$180,000 compared to $50,000-$80,000 at regional airlines.
2. Build Flight Hours and Experience: Pilots make between $50 and over $200 an hour. This depends on the airline, type of aircraft, and their experience. Each more 1,000 flight hours usually raises earning potential by 10-15%.
3. Pursue Captain Upgrade Opportunities: Captains earn 2-3 times more than first officers. Senior captains can earn about $400,000 each year. First officers make between $120,000 and $180,000.
4. Consider International Airlines: Switzerland offers the highest pilot salaries at $192,256 annually. Middle Eastern carriers offer tax-free salaries plus housing allowances for experienced pilots.
5. Specialize in Larger Aircraft Types: Wide-body aircraft pilots earn premium pay. Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 captains usually make 15-20% more than narrow-body pilots.
6. Maximize Flight Hours and Overtime: Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month. Extra flight hours over the minimum can boost annual earnings by $20,000 to $40,000 through overtime pay.
FAQs About Plane Pilot Salary
What is the average salary of a Plane pilot before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Pilots also receive comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and travel privileges.
Does the average salary of a Plane pilot include flight hour pay?
Base salaries typically include guaranteed least flight hours. More hourly pay ranges from $50 to over $200 per hour for hours beyond the least.
How much do major airline Plane pilots make compared to regional pilots?
Major airline first officers earn $120,000-$180,000, while regional pilots start at $50,000-$80,000. The salary difference reflects plane size, route complexity, and airline profitability.
What benefits do Plane pilots receive beyond salary?
Pilots get a range of benefits. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, travel perks, and per diem for meals and hotels during layovers.
How long does it take to become a captain and earn top Plane pilot salary?
Most pilots become captains in 8 to 15 years. This depends on the airline's hiring needs and seniority systems. Captains earn 2-3 times the first officer's salaries.
Do international Plane pilots earn more than domestic pilots?
International pilots often receive extra pay for long flights and time away from home. Countries like Switzerland pay up to $192,256 annually for experienced pilots.
Can cargo Plane pilots earn as much as passenger airline pilots?
Cargo pilots average $163,121, with salaries ranging from $122,979 to $211,464. Senior cargo captains can match passenger airline captain salaries.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats (2025).
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