Average Salary for a Plane Pilot in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a plane pilot is one of the most important factors for people thinking about this career path. Flying planes is not just a dream job - it pays very well, too.
Many people want to know how much pilots really make before they spend years training. This matters because becoming a pilot takes a lot of time and money. You need special training, licenses, and thousands of flight hours.
The good news is that pilot jobs pay some of the highest salaries in America.
The pilot shortage in America has made salaries go up fast. Airlines are fighting for good pilots by offering better pay and bonuses.
This blog will show you exactly what pilots earn in 2025. We will look at pay for new pilots and experienced captains. You will learn which states pay pilots the most money. You will also get real tips to earn more as a pilot. Whether you want to fly for airlines, cargo companies, or private jets, this guide has the salary facts you need to make smart career choices. Explore other high-paying careers in science and engineering.
Average Salary for a Plane Pilot in the USA
$170,000 per year (Average)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for airline and commercial pilots in 2025 is $160,970 annually.
Many salary platforms show similar numbers, with data ranging from $170,701 to $191,964 per year. We calculated this average by looking at data from several global salary surveys, government statistics, and major job platforms, including BLS reports and industry surveys.
The average pilot salary has increased since 2024, when it was just over $200,000 for airline pilots specifically. This increase happened because airlines need more pilots but cannot find enough qualified people. The pilot shortage has pushed salaries up across all experience levels.
Salary for a Plane Pilot Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $160,970 per year according to government statistics, with many USA data sources showing ranges between $160,000-$192,000 annually based on multiple salary surveys.
Salary range: Entry-level pilots earn $48,000 to $120,000 depending on the airline, while senior captains at major airlines can earn around $400,000 to $500,000 annually. The wide range depends on experience, airline size, and aircraft type.
Salary by experience: According to several global salary surveys:
Junior pilots (First Officers): $55,000-$80,000 for regional airlines, $130,916 average for entry-level positions
Mid-level pilots: $50-$200 per hour, depending on aircraft and airline
Senior captains: $400,000+ at major airlines, with some earning $30,000-$40,000 per month
75th percentile: Based on USA salary survey reports, pilots in the top 25% earn $220,000+ annually, while international airline captains can reach $300,000-$500,000 depending on routes and aircraft size.
Salary for a Plane Pilot: Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in pilot pay. Major airline hubs usually pay more because of higher demand and cost of living. Airlines based in expensive cities often offer better salaries to attract pilots. International routes also pay more than domestic flights. Here's how pilot salaries compare across different regions:
Data collected from multiple USA salary surveys and airline industry reports
Major hub cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago offer the best value when you consider salary versus career opportunities. These locations have more airlines and flight options, which means more job choices and faster career growth.
7 Tips to Grow Your Plane Pilot Salary
1. Get Advanced Certifications: Pilots with special aircraft certifications earn significantly more, with hourly rates varying from $50 to over $200 based on aircraft type and experience. Getting certified on larger, international aircraft can boost your salary by 20-30% according to industry surveys.
2. Move to Major Airlines: Major carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines pay much more than regional airlines, with captains earning upward of $500,000 annually. The jump from regional to major airlines can double your salary.
3. Focus on International Routes: Widebody captains flying international routes earn more than narrow body captains on domestic flights. International flights require special training but pay 15-25% more than domestic routes.
4. Build Flight Hours Quickly: More flight hours mean faster promotions. Many airlines have hour requirements for captain positions. Building hours through flight instruction or cargo flying can speed up your career timeline and salary growth.
5. Consider Cargo Flying: Cargo pilots earn strong salaries, with averages around $154,000-$163,000 annually. Cargo airlines often have different schedules and may offer faster career advancement than passenger airlines.
6. Negotiate Signing Bonuses: Most regional airlines now offer signing bonuses due to pilot shortages. These bonuses can range from $10,000 to $50,000+, depending on your experience and the airline's needs.
7. Stay Current with Training: Airlines pay more for pilots who stay current with the latest training and safety programs. Regular training shows you are serious about your career and makes you eligible for better positions and pay raises.
FAQs About a Plane Pilot's Salary
What is the average salary for a plane pilot in the USA?
The average salary ranges from $160,970 to $170,701 per year according to government statistics and salary platforms. This number includes all types of pilots from entry-level to senior captains.
Is the pilot's salary before or after taxes?
All salary numbers mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to pay federal and state income taxes on your pilot salary just like any other job.
Does the average pilot salary include bonuses?
No, the base salary numbers do not include bonuses. Many airlines now offer signing bonuses and performance bonuses separately. These can add $10,000-$50,000+ to your total yearly pay.
How much do entry-level plane pilots make?
Entry-level pilots earn between $48,000-$130,000 annually, depending on the airline type, with regional airlines paying $55,000-$80,000 and some positions averaging $130,916.
What salary can senior plane pilots expect?
Senior captains at major airlines earn $400,000-$500,000 annually, with some experienced captains making $30,000-$40,000 per month. This represents the top earning potential for airline pilots.
Do cargo plane pilots earn different salaries?
Yes, cargo pilots have their own pay scales, averaging $154,000-$163,000 annually, with most salaries falling between $122,979-$211,464. Cargo flying can be a good alternative to passenger airlines.
How does a plane pilot's pay compare to other careers?
Pilot salaries are among the top-paying careers in the country. The average pilot salary is higher than most professional jobs that require similar education and training time.
What affects a plane pilot's salary the most?
Experience level, airline size, aircraft type, and flight routes affect salary the most. International widebody captains earn significantly more than domestic narrow-body pilots.
Do plane pilots get paid hourly or by salary?
Pilots typically earn both a base salary and an hourly wage for each flight hour, with rates from $50 to over $200 per hour. Most airlines guarantee minimum monthly hours.
How long does it take to reach top pilot salary levels?
It typically takes 15-20 years to become a senior captain at a major airline. The career progression goes from First Officer to Captain, then to senior Captain positions on larger aircraft.
Are there salary differences between different types of plane pilots?
Yes, airline pilots, cargo pilots, corporate pilots, and charter pilots all have different pay scales. Airline pilots generally earn the most, followed by cargo and corporate pilots.
Do plane pilots receive benefits beyond their salary?
Yes, most airline pilots receive full health insurance, retirement plans, travel benefits, and paid time off. These benefits can add significant value beyond the base salary.
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All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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