Senior Captains Earn the Most Airline Pilot Salary

Commercial Airline Pilot Salary How Much do Airline Pilots Make?

Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well.

According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $93,300 per year, which was the the median annual wage in May 2020. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $160,970. In addition to annual earnings, pilots take part in company health, life and disability insurance, and retirement plans. In many cases, these plans exceed what employees in other fields receive.

Factors Affecting Airline Pilot Salaries

Airline pilot salary varies and can range anywhere from $28,000 per year to several hundred thousand per year depending on:

How to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot » Request More Information »

Get Your Free Airline Pilot Career GuideDownload Yours Now — No Obligation

Airline Pilot Career Guide PDF

Complete Guide on How to Become a Pilot (PDF)

Gain immediate access to your complete guide on how to become a pilot. Learn more about the requirements, pay, seniority, steps, and more.

Please double-check the required fields below.

Privacy Policy

Thanks, {{ctrl.newlead.nameFirst}}!

Thank you for your interest in ATP's training programs. One of our admissions advisors will contact you soon to answer your questions and provide you with more information. In the meantime, discover the advantages that set ATP apart.

Aircraft
The world’s largest flight training fleet safely maintained by ATP's unparalleled nationwide maintenance department.
Time Frame
Fast track training allowing you to achieve your goals in the shortest timeframe.
Proven Training
Airlines trust ATP trained pilots — proven by more graduates flying for airlines than from any other school.
Reputation
Professional airline-oriented training for over 35 years. Train with the best flight school in the country.
Cost
Fixed cost based on realistic flight times that exceed FAA Part 141 minimums — others quote a minimum cost.
Testimonials
2,000 testimonials from satisfied ATP graduates. Discover why more professional pilots trust ATP.

Thank you for your interest in ATP’s Airline Training Programs and our resources to help you learn about this exciting career.

Your Next Steps...

Free Airline Pilot Career Guide (PDF)
Airline Pilot Career Guide PDF
Airline Pilot Career Guide (PDF)

Download your complete guide on how to become a pilot. Learn more about requirements, pay, seniority, steps, and more.

Download »
Free Airline Career Pilot Program (PDF)
Airline Career Pilot Program PDF
Airline Career Pilot Program (PDF)

Download your complete guide on how to gain the competitive edge and become an airline pilot through ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program.

Download »
Free Airline Pilot Career Guide (PDF)
Airline Pilot Career Guide PDF
Airline Pilot Career Guide (PDF)

Download your complete guide on how to become a pilot. Learn more about requirements, pay, seniority, steps, and more.

Download »
Free Airline Career Pilot Program (PDF)
Airline Career Pilot Program PDF
Airline Career Pilot Program (PDF)

Download your complete guide on how to gain the competitive edge and become an airline pilot through ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program.

Download »
AirlinePilot.life
AirlinePilot.life
Get Real Answers from Real Airline Pilots

AirlinePilot.life is an online community, where current airline pilots share their insight on the career and life as a professional pilot. They are here to help answer your questions as you embark on this exciting career!

Ask a Question »
Financing Application
Start Your Financing Application

Consider starting the Online Financing Application to find out what funding may be available to you without any obligation.

Qualify for a FREE Admissions Flight (valued at $195) when your loan application is approved.

Start Financing App »
Free Online Training
Online Modules

As an ATP student, you'll have access to a mobile-optimized web app from which you can view lesson plans, online scheduling, and a comprehensive collection of online modules. Sample this resource by getting started with a free module now.

Start an Online Module »
Free Admissions Flight Module
Start Your Admissions Flight

An Admissions Flight with ATP is an excellent opportunity for you to get a first-hand look at training with ATP. The best part is that you can get started with a free online lesson right now.

Start Free Lesson »
Free Info Packet
Information Packet by Mail

We will reach out to you as soon as possible to grab your address and send you a packet in the mail. Don't want to wait? Give us a call now — 904-595-7950.

Call 904-595-7950 »

Envoy Air — The Fastest Path to American Airlines Now Offering $180k in Bonuses

Learn More »

Two airline pilots walking towards American Eagle ERJ at IWA training center

What Can Airline Pilots Plan to Actually Earn? How Much Airline Pilots Make Per Year

At a Glance Airline Pilot Pay Overview

Median Airline Pilot Salary $160,970
Hour Flown Per Month 85 Hours
Factors Affecting Pay Experience, Airline, Aircraft

Airline pilots are hourly employees and are paid by flight hour. Due to the constraints placed on pilots by the FAA, most fly about 85 hours per month. There are more work hours involved, such as preflight planning, but time in the cockpit, and thus the pay, is usually about 85 hours monthly. In addition to flight time, pilots are also paid per diem, which serves to reimburse pilots for the food and beverage expenses that they incur on the road. For this discussion, add in $7,000 per year to every annual salary to reflect per diem.

The table below shows which airline pays pilots the most.

First Officer
(Year 1)		 Captain
(Year 6)		 Captain
(Year 12)
Salary for United Airlines Pilots
Salary for United Airlines Pilots 		$93,820 $282,400 $295,660
Salary for Delta Air Lines Pilots
Salary for Delta Air Lines Pilots 		$100,840 $285,460 $298,720
Salary for American Airlines Pilots
Salary for American Airlines Pilots 		$98,800 $289,540 $305,860
Salary for FedEx Pilots
Salary for FedEx Pilots 		$86,560 $270,160 $284,440
Salary for UPS Pilots
Salary for UPS Pilots 		$55,960 $317,080 $331,360
Salary for Southwest Airlines Pilots
Salary for Southwest Airlines Pilots 		$92,680 $268,120 $286,480
Estimates based on flying a 737 for 85 hours per month and an additional $7,000 annual per diem. Note: these numbers are approximations and are not promises of future earnings.

Download Your FREE Airline Pilot Career Guide »

Major Airline Pilots Earn the Highest Salary Regional Airlines versus Major Airlines

In the May 2020 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the range of salaries for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers from less than $80,920 a year, to the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000. However, these numbers only give us a glimpse of how much a pilot earns and how those earnings change over a career.

Commercial Pilot Salary Range at Regional Airlines: $50,000 to $131,500
Commercial Pilot Salary Range at Major Airlines: $90,000 to $400,000

Start Your Airline Pilot Career Today »

Regional Airlines

Airlines are generally divided into two categories: regional airlines and major airlines. While some pilots choose to stay at the regionals, most use them as a stepping stone to the major airlines. Examples of regional airlines are Envoy Air, Mesa Airlines, Skywest, and Republic.

  • Regional airlines typically fly under the banner of a major airline but are not actually part of that airline; an example of this is CommutAir operating under the name “United Express®.”
  • Regional airlines usually fly smaller jets ranging from 50 to 75 passengers.
  • Regional airlines are where most civilian pilots get their first airline job.
  • Pay at the regional airlines is typically less than at the major airlines.

Learn more about how much airline pilots make starting out »

Major Airlines

Major airlines consist of well-known names, such as American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines®, and the cargo carriers FedEx and UPS. Pilots work many years to get hired by a major airline and rarely leave one to work at another. Pilots at the major airlines enjoy substantial salaries and good benefits.

New hire pilots at Delta Air Lines have the potential to earn $100,840 their first year of employment. From there the pay can vary depending upon what aircraft the pilot flies, but most sixth-year first officers at Delta are earning at least $187,540. While a twelfth-year first officer can easily make more than $204,880 a year if they pick up a few extra hours here and there.

You Can Become a Pilot »

The payoff in aviation comes when one becomes a captain for a major airline.

First Officer1 Captain
(Narrow-Body)1		 Captain
(Wide-Body)2*
Year 1 $100,840 $273,220 $338,500
Year 6 $187,540 $283,420 $351,760
Year 12 $204,880 $296,680 $368,080
Estimates based on Delta Air Lines pilots flying a 7371 , or an A3502 for 85 hours per month and an additional $7,000 annual per diem. Note: these numbers are approximations and are not promises of future earnings. * Only the most senior pilots will hold this position.

Request More Information »

Commercial Airline Pilot — A Seven Million Dollar Career

With union protections and seniority system, job security and guaranteed earnings, advancement at the established airlines are excellent. Established airline pilots are paid very well, with the annual earnings of senior captains around $400,000, some pilots can expect a seven million dollar career in total earnings, illustrated below according to the typical career progression.

Commercial Pilot Salary Chart Over a Pilot's Career

*Graph based on SkyWest Airlines and Delta Air Lines pay scales and are for illustration purposes, not promises of future earnings.

Start Your Airline Pilot Career Today »

Airline Sponsored Pilot Training Financial Assistance & Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement & Cadet Programs »

Mesa Airlines partners with ATP Flight School

Airline Pilot Annual Salary Calculator Calculate Hourly Rates into Annual Pay

Using the formula of 85 hours per month, $7,000 annual per diem, and the hourly pay rates, captains at Envoy Air earn between $84,520 their first year to $86,620 their fourth year. While a senior captain has the potential to earn $97,760 their eighth year to $104,920 in their twelfth year.

The hourly pay for airline pilots is based on their seniority with the company and typically increases after each year the pilot has worked for the airline. Pilots start as a first officer with first year pay, then climb in pay rates each subsequent year with the company. Once a pilot upgrades to captain, they begin earning the captain pay for the year they upgrade. For example, if a pilot upgrades to captain during their fourth year with the company, they will earn year four captain pay.

You Can Become a Pilot »

Airline Pilot Salary — How much do pilots make a hour, calculate the hourly rate to find out how much pilots make a year.
Envoy Logo First Officer
Embraer ERJ-145		 Captain
Embraer ERJ-145
Year 1 $50/hr $76/hr
Year 4 $56/hr $81/hr
Year 8 $88/hr
Year 12 $96/hr
Note: these numbers are approximations and are not promises of future earnings.
Airline Pilot Annual Salary Calculator
Calculate How Much You Can Earn as a Pilot
$
$
$
Compare Airline Pay, Bonuses & Tuition Assistance » Request More Information »

Airline Pilot Requirements

You can become an airline pilot. Here is everything you need to know about becoming a commercial airline pilot starting with no previous experience.

The steps required to become an airline pilot »

Commercial Airline Pilot Career Seniority & What it Means to You

Seniority rules when you are an airline pilot. Seniority decides which monthly schedule you will fly, when you will take vacation, which aircraft you will fly, which crew base you will be working in and how soon it will take you to upgrade from first officer to captain. How soon you upgrade from first officer to captain will affect how much you will earn and when you can move up to a major airline.

What Airline Seniority Means to You » Request More Information »

Related FAQs Airline Career Pilot Program

What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot?
How do I become a pilot?
How do I become a pilot for United Airlines?
How do I become a pilot for American Airlines?
Do I need a college degree to be a pilot?
How long does it take to become a pilot?
How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot?
What is airline seniority?
What is a regional airline pilot's salary?
How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot?
What pilot training programs are available?
What is a student pilot certificate?
What is a private pilot license?
What is a commercial pilot license?
How to become a certified flight instructor (CFI)?
How to earn your ATP certificate?
How much do airline pilots make?
What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook?
What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry?
What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot?

Summary of educational, medical, legal, certification and qualification requirements to become a commercial pilot and fly for major and regional airlines.

What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot? »
How do I become a pilot?

You can become a pilot. Learn how to become a pilot and get your pilot license, including requirements, eligibility, how long it takes, and cost.

How do I become a pilot? »
How do I become a pilot for United Airlines®?

ATP Flight School is the nation’s leader in airline-oriented flight training and has partnered with United to provide ATP students the fastest path to a successful pilot career with United. Learn more about United AviateSM.

How do I become a pilot for United Airlines? »
How do I become a pilot for American Airlines?

Accelerated pilot cadet program, offering a proven path to a pilot career at American Airlines.

How do I become a pilot for American Airlines? »
Do I need a college degree to be a pilot?

No, you don't need a college degree to become a pilot. Learn more about what the college education requirements are to become an airline pilot.

Do I need a college degree to be a pilot? »
How long does it take to become a pilot?

It takes two months to become a private pilot. In two years, you can become a commercial airline pilot. Learn how you can become a pilot with ATP Flight School.

How long does it take to become a pilot? »
How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot?

Enroll in accelerated flight training with ATP and go from zero experience to a commercial airline pilot, with 1500 hours, in two years. Learn how you can become an airline pilot with ATP Flight School.

How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot? »
What is airline seniority?

Airlines operate on a seniority-based system. Learn what this means for your career and why getting to the airlines first is important.

Airline seniority explained »
What is a regional airline pilot's salary?

The shortage of pilots qualified to fly for the airlines is causing regional airlines to offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives. Learn more about how much you will earn as a pilot.

Compare First-Year Pay at Each Regional Airline »
How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot?

ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing in a way that differentiates us from most other flight schools and academies. With over 30 years of experience, ATP designs our flight training programs with enough flight time for the vast majority of students to be successful.

How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot? »
What pilot training programs are available?

Complete list of aviation courses, flight training, and career pilot programs offered by ATP Flight School.

What pilot training programs are available? »
What is a student pilot certificate?

The student pilot certificate is a requirement in order to fly a powered aircraft by yourself, known as “soloing” in aviation.

What is a student pilot certificate? »
What is a private pilot license?

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first major milestone on the road to a career as a pilot. Learn about the private pilot license; including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn your private pilot license.

What is a private pilot license? »
What is a commercial pilot license?

Learn all about a commercial pilot license, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn this pilot license.

What is a commercial pilot license? »
How to become a certified flight instructor (CFI)?

Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.

How to become a certified flight instructor? »

Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.

How to become a certified flight instructor? »
How to earn your ATP certificate?

An ATP certification will also open a wide array of pilot job opportunities with various corporate and private air carriers. Learn more about the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification, such as, eligibility requirements and flight experience requirements.

How to Earn Your ATP Certificate? »
How much do airline pilots make?

Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well.

What is a commercial pilot’s salary? »
What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook?

Commercial airline pilot job career information; airline pilot hiring, pilot salary, retirement numbers, military pilot population reduction and the overall upcoming pilot shortage discussion.

What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook? »
What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry?

Long-term pilot career outlook in response to COVID-19, including long term hiring trends, projections, retirements, and the effects of postponing flight training.

What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry? »
View All FAQs » Request More Info »

Update