If you are wondering how much do airline pilots make, the answer depends on experience, airline, aircraft type, position, seniority, and the type of flying involved. Airline pilots are among the better-paid professionals in the transportation industry, but their earnings can vary considerably during different stages of a career.

In the United States, the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $232,140 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $106,710, while the highest 10% earned more than $463,830.

How Much Do Airline Pilots Make a Year?

how much do airline pilots make typical airline pilot salary is influenced heavily by seniority. A newly hired first officer generally earns considerably less than an experienced captain flying for a major airline. As pilots gain flight experience and move into higher positions, their compensation can increase substantially.

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $232,140. The mean annual wage is higher at approximately $288,650 because highly compensated pilots can significantly raise the average.

The national wage distribution also shows how wide the range can be. The 25th percentile is about $182,280, while the 75th percentile is approximately $384,440. At the 90th percentile, annual earnings exceed $463,830.

Airline Pilot Salary by Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors affecting airline pilot pay. Pilots normally start their airline careers as first officers, sometimes called copilots, and their salaries increase as they gain seniority and qualify for more advanced positions.

First Officer Salary

how much do airline pilots make officers are responsible for many of the same operational duties as captains and play an important role in every flight. However, their compensation is usually lower because they have less seniority and are not the pilot in command.

The starting salary can vary significantly between airlines and contracts. Regional airlines, major carriers, aircraft type, base location, and a pilot’s experience can all influence compensation. Therefore, there is no single national starting salary that applies to every new airline first officer.

Captain Salary

Captains generally earn significantly more than first officers because they have greater responsibility and typically have many years of experience. Seniority is especially important at large airlines, where pilots may progress through different aircraft and positions over time.

Experienced captains at major carriers can reach the upper end of the airline pilot salary range, particularly when they fly larger aircraft or accumulate substantial seniority.

What Factors Affect Airline Pilot Pay?

There is no single number that answers how much do airline pilots make because several factors influence total compensation.

Seniority is one of the biggest factors. Airline pilots commonly receive wage increases as they accumulate experience and move higher on the seniority list. This can make a major difference over a long career.

Aircraft type can also influence pay. Pilots operating larger or more complex aircraft may have different compensation rates from pilots flying smaller aircraft. Position matters as well, with captains generally earning more than first officers.

Airline and contract are also important. Major airlines may offer compensation packages that differ considerably from regional or smaller carriers. Benefits, retirement contributions, paid leave, travel privileges, and other contract provisions can add substantial value beyond base pay.

Routes and schedules may also affect total compensation. Some pilots can receive additional compensation for international flying, while per diem payments can cover expenses when they are away from home.

Do Airline Pilots Get Benefits Besides Salary?

Airline pilots often receive benefits in addition to their regular wages. These benefits can make the overall compensation package more valuable than the base salary alone.

The BLS notes that airline pilots may receive a per diem expense allowance when they are away from home. Pilots and their immediate families may also receive free or reduced-fare airline travel. When pilots have overnight layovers, airlines generally provide accommodations and transportation along with allowances for meals and other expenses.

how much do airline pilots make on the employer, pilots may also have access to retirement plans, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and other employment benefits. The exact package varies by airline and employment agreement.

How Many Hours Do Airline Pilots Work?

how much do airline pilots make an airline pilot does not simply mean spending a fixed number of hours in the cockpit. Pilots also spend time preparing flight plans, reviewing weather, completing required checks, and performing other duties.

The BLS reports that airline pilots fly an average of about 75 hours per month, while working an additional 150 hours per month on other duties. Their schedules can include several working days followed by days off, and overnight layovers are common.

Because airline schedules operate around the clock, pilots may work early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Time away from home is another important consideration when evaluating the profession.

Airline Pilots vs. Commercial Pilots

It is important to distinguish an airline pilot from a commercial pilot when researching pilot salaries. The two occupations are related, but they are not identical.

In May 2025, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $123,220, compared with $232,140 for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. The highest-paid commercial pilots also earn considerably more than the median, but their compensation structure can be different from airline employment.

Commercial pilots can work in areas such as charter operations, aerial services, flight instruction, and other commercial aviation activities. Airline pilots, by contrast, typically work in scheduled passenger or cargo airline operations.

Is Becoming an Airline Pilot Worth It?

For people who enjoy aviation and are willing to invest years in training and experience, becoming an airline pilot can offer strong long-term earning potential. The profession also provides opportunities to travel, develop specialized skills, and progress from first officer to captain.

how much do airline pilots make, the career has significant requirements and challenges. Pilots need extensive training, appropriate licenses and ratings, medical certification, and sufficient flight experience. Airline schedules can also involve irregular working hours and nights away from home.

The long-term employment outlook is positive. The BLS projects overall employment for airline and commercial pilots to grow by 7% from 2025 to 2035, with about 16,400 openings per year on average across the broader occupation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do airline pilots make on average?

The latest U.S. BLS data reports a median annual wage of $232,140 for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers as of May 2025. Actual earnings vary based on airline, seniority, aircraft, and position.

2. How much does an airline captain make?

Airline captains generally earn more than first officers because of their seniority, experience, and responsibility. Senior captains at major airlines can earn well into the higher end of the national airline pilot pay range.

3. Do airline pilots make more than commercial pilots?

how much do airline pilots make, yes. The May 2025 BLS median was $232,140 for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers compared with $123,220 for commercial pilots.

4. Do airline pilots get paid during layovers?

Pilots can receive expense allowances, commonly called per diem, while away from home. Airlines may also provide hotel accommodations and transportation during overnight layovers.

5. Does seniority affect airline pilot salary?

how much do airline pilots make . Seniority is a major factor in airline pilot compensation. Pilots generally receive wage increases as they gain experience and move through their airline career.

6. How many hours do airline pilots fly each month?

The BLS reports that airline pilots fly an average of approximately 75 hours per month, although they spend additional time on preparation, planning, and other duties.

7. Is airline pilot a high-paying career?

Yes. Airline pilots are among the higher-paid transportation professionals in the United States. The latest BLS data places the median annual wage above $230,000, how much do airline pilots make individual earnings can be much lower or higher depending on career stage and employer.

Conclusion

So, how much do airline pilots make? In the United States, the latest available BLS data puts the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers at $232,140, with experienced professionals potentially earning considerably more.

Salary growth depends on factors such as seniority, aircraft, airline, position, routes, and experience. While becoming an airline pilot requires substantial training and commitment, the career can offer strong long-term earning potential along with travel benefits and other compensation.