Pilot salaries vary widely based on factors such as airline type, experience, rank, and aircraft flown. Here is an overview of how much pilots make in 2025:
General Salary Ranges for Pilots
- Entry-level pilots (e.g., flight instructors or regional airline first officers) typically start around $35,000 to $60,000 per year
- Regional airline pilots earn roughly $55,000 to $120,000 annually, with captains earning at the higher end of this range
- Major airline pilots have salaries ranging from about $90,000 for first officers to $215,000 or more for captains, with some experienced captains earning between $200,000 and $450,000 or higher
- Top earners at major airlines, especially long-haul captains, can make over $239,000 annually, with some pilots earning upwards of $700,000 per year
- Cargo pilots (e.g., FedEx, UPS) earn between $80,000 and $200,000+, depending on experience and rank
Hourly Pay and Flight Hours
- Pilots are generally paid hourly for flight time, with rates ranging from about $90 to over $400 per hour depending on seniority and airline
- Most pilots fly approximately 70 to 85 hours per month, typically around 75 hours, which translates into their monthly and annual earnings
Salary by Airline Examples
- Delta Air Lines pilots average about $201,000 annually, with top earners making over $500,000
- Southwest Airlines pilots earn around $254,000 on average, with some earning as much as $549,000
- American Airlines pilots average $146,000, with some exceeding $700,000 per year
- International airlines like Qatar Airways pay pilots between $173,000 and $187,000 annually, while China Southern Airlines starts pilots at about $228,000
Summary Table
Pilot Level/Type| Annual Salary Range
---|---
Flight Instructor (Entry)| $35,000 – $60,000
Regional Airline Pilot| $55,000 – $120,000
Major Airline First Officer| $90,000 – $150,000
Major Airline Captain| $215,000 – $450,000+
Cargo Pilot| $80,000 – $200,000+
Top Earners (Major Airlines)| $239,000 – $700,000+
In conclusion, pilot salaries vary significantly but generally offer strong earning potential, especially as pilots gain experience and move to major airlines or long-haul international routes
