Commercial pilots' salaries in 2025 vary widely depending on factors such as airline type, pilot rank, experience, and aircraft flown.
Salary Ranges
- Average annual salary: Around $160,000 to $161,300 for airline and commercial pilots in the U.S.
- Median annual wage: Approximately $122,670 for commercial pilots and $226,600 for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers as of 2024
- Entry-level regional pilots: Typically earn between $35,000 and $60,000 per year, with some reports starting as low as $20,000 in rare cases
- Regional airline pilots: Usually earn from $55,000 to $100,000 annually, with captains making up to $120,000
- Major airline pilots: First officers earn roughly $90,000 to $150,000, while captains can make from $150,000 up to $450,000 or more, depending on experience and aircraft
- Cargo pilots: Salaries range from $80,000 to over $200,000 annually
Hourly Rates and Flight Hours
- Hourly pay ranges from about $50 to over $200 per hour, influenced by airline, aircraft type, and experience
- Most full-time pilots fly between 70 and 85 hours per month
Factors Affecting Salary
- Type of airline (regional, major, cargo)
- Pilot rank (First Officer vs. Captain)
- Aircraft size and mission (regional jets vs. widebody international flights)
- Years of experience and seniority
- Airline contracts and union agreements
- Base location and training background (military vs. civilian)
Geographic Variation
- Average pilot salaries in states like California, Florida, and Texas range from about $186,000 to $208,000 annually
- Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways offer competitive salaries, often higher than regional Asian carriers
In summary, commercial pilots in the U.S. can expect to earn from around $35,000 in entry-level roles to over $400,000 annually at senior captain positions in major airlines, with the average pilot earning roughly $160,000 per year. Pay increases with experience, rank, and the prestige of the airline flown for
