How Much Do Airline Pilots Make in 2026

How Much Do Airline Pilots Make in 2026?

Written by: ATP Flight School Training and Career Education Series Team ATP Flight School’s Training and Career Education Series Team develops career and training information for prospective pilots, based on real-world instructional experience, industry insights and reporting, FAA-aligned standards, and ATP’s structured training programs.

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In 2026, airline pilots in the U.S. typically earn between $85,000 a year as first-year regional First Officers and $450,000+ as senior Captains at major airlines. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $232,140 , while commercial pilots earn a median of about $123,220 . Airline pilots are paid an hourly rate with a monthly flight-hour guarantee—not a flat salary—so annual pay rises with seniority, aircraft, and Captain upgrade.

Key Pilot Salary Facts for 2026

Figure What it means Source
$232,140 Median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots & flight engineers U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$123,220 Median annual wage for commercial pilots U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$85,000 — $217,530 Typical regional airline pilot annual pay band ATP Industry Research
$98,680 — $450,000 Typical major airline pilot annual pay band ATP Industry Research
$90 — $450+/hr Common airline pilot hourly rate range by seniority & equipment ATP Industry Research
~75 hours/month Typical flown hours under FAA monthly limits (plus per diem) FAA / industry practice

Airline Pilot Career Ladder Pay

Most pilots build earnings in stages: flight instructing, then a regional airline First Officer seat, then regional Captain, then a major airline First Officer seat, and eventually major airline Captain. Pay steps up with each year of company seniority and again when you upgrade seats.

Regional Airline Pilot Salary $85,000 — $217,530

First-Year Regional Airline Pilot Pay »

Major Airline Pilot Salary $98,680 — $450,000

Major Airline FO & Captain Pay »

Commercial Pilot Salary Guide »

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How Hourly Pilot Pay Becomes an Annual Salary

Airline pilots are paid according to an hourly system. Although annual earnings are often presented as a salary, commercial pilots generally earn an hourly wage based on flight hours, with a guaranteed minimum number of hours each month. Depending on airline, seniority, equipment, and role, airline pilots can make between $90 per hour to over $450 per hour.

Airline Pilot Hourly Rates

$90 — $450 Per Hour

Due to the constraints placed on pilots by the FAA, most fly about 75 hours per month. In addition to flight time, pilots are also paid per diem, which reimburses food and beverage expenses on the road. A simple estimate is:

Hourly rate × monthly hours × 12 + annual per diem ≈ annual pay

All together, senior airline pilots can earn over $450,000 a year.

Regional vs Major Airline Pilot Pay

Regional airlines are the most common first airline job. First-year regional totals often land near $85,000–$115,000+ when guarantee hours, per diem, and any first-year bonuses are included. Major airlines pay substantially more once you hold a seniority number there—especially after upgrading to Captain on larger aircraft. Use the dedicated pages for full comparison tables rather than treating this guide as a by-airline matrix.

Compare Regional First-Year Pay » Compare Major Airline FO & Captain Pay »

First Officer vs Captain Salary

Company seniority (and pay) 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. 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. Below is an example pay scale for an American Airlines pilot.

Tip: If you are interested in becoming a commercial airline pilot, take a look at the steps you need to take  »

Airline Captain and First Officer Explained » Download Your FREE Pilot Career Guide »

American Airlines Pilot Salary First Officer
Boeing 787		 Captain
Boeing 787
Year 1 $125/hr $443/hr
Year 4 $286/hr $454/hr
Year 8 $316/hr $469/hr
Year 12 $330/hr $483/hr
Note: these numbers are for illustration purposes only and are not promises of future earnings. Sources: ACN The Grid and AirlinePilotCentral.
What Is the Salary for a Regional Airline Pilot in 2026?

Compare the first-year pay of a pilot at each regional airline. How much you will earn and the regional's path to which Major Airline.

Regional Airline First Year Pay »
Calculate How Much You Can Earn as a Pilot
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Airline Captain and First Officer Explained » Get Your Training & Career Plan »

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

Factors Affecting Pilot Salary

Airline pilot salary varies and can range anywhere from $85,000 per year to several hundred thousand per year depending on:

What Is a Regional Airline?

Flying at a regional airline is a likely first step for many pilots. However, climbing to the ranks of Captain at a major airline is the pinnacle of a pilot's career.

Regional Airline Explained »

Which Airline Company?

There are a variety of pay, benefits, and bonus packages dependent on who you fly for and ATP has Career Tracks™ to 38 major and regional airlines.

Browse ATP's Airline Career Tracks™ »

What Is Pilot Seniority?

A pilot's experience level (pilot seniority) is measured by how long they have been with a company. Airlines operate on a seniority-based system and seniority is everything as an airline pilot.

Pilot Seniority Explained »

What Is a Captain and First Officer?

Your first stop after training and flight instructing will probably be flying as a First Officer. After gaining experience, you will upgrade to Captain. Upgrading not only increases your salary, but usually comes with substantial bonuses.

Airline Captain and First Officer Explained »

FREE Flight School Guide »

Pilot Salary FAQs

How Much Do Airline Pilots Make a Year?

Most airline pilots earn between $85,000 and $450,000 annuallyually in 2026, depending on regional vs major airline, seniority, and Captain vs First Officer seat. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $232,140 median for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.

How Much Do Pilots Make an Hour?

Airline pilot hourly rates commonly range from about $90 to $450+ per hour. Annual pay is usually estimated from that rate times guaranteed monthly hours (often near 75) plus per diem.

How Much Do First-Year Pilots Make?

First-year regional First Officers commonly start near $85,000, with effective first-year totals higher when bonuses and per diem are included. See the regional airline pilot pay chart for airline-by-airline first-year totals.

How Much Does a Captain Make vs a First Officer?

Captain pay is substantially higher than First Officer pay at the same airline and year. On major airlines, Year-12 Captains often earn in the high six figures, while Year-1 First Officers are closer to the lower end of the major-airline band. Compare carriers on the major airline pilot salary page.

Do Regional or Major Airline Pilots Make More?

Major airline pilots generally earn more than regional pilots once they hold a seniority number at a major. Regional flying is still the typical entry point and can include strong first-year packages before the move to a major.

Where Can I See Commercial Pilot Salary and U.S. Wage Statistics Detail?

For U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics commercial vs airline definitions, benefits overview, and career-earnings context, see the commercial pilot salary guide.

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