What Is the Average Salary of a Commercial Pilot?

How Much Does a Commercial Pilot Make in the U.S. on Average?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks pay for two main pilot categories in the U.S.:

• Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers – median annual wage of $219,140 in 2023.
• Commercial pilots (non-airline, such as charter, corporate, cargo, or aerial services) – median annual wage of $103,910 in 2023.

Pay also scales dramatically at the top end. The highest 10% of airline pilots earn more than $350,000 per year, while the top 10% of commercial pilots earn well above $200,000 annually. These figures highlight the earning potential of aviation careers, particularly for those who progress to senior captain roles or specialize in high-demand operations. It’s important to distinguish between the two categories:

• Airline pilots typically fly scheduled passenger routes and are employed by regional or major airlines.
• Commercial pilots may fly charter jets, perform aerial tours, tow banners, conduct cargo operations, or work in other non-scheduled aviation roles.

Both paths can be lucrative, but the airline track usually provides the most predictable progression into six-figure salaries.

What Is the Starting Salary for a New Commercial Pilot?

Most new pilots begin their careers in entry-level roles while building flight hours. Salaries at this stage are more modest but rise quickly with experience.

• Regional airline first officers usually start between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on the airline and current hiring demand. Some carriers now offer sign-on bonuses to attract new pilots, raising first-year pay even higher.
• Flight instructors (CFIs), one of the most common first jobs after training, typically earn $30,000 to $50,000 annually. While not the highest-paying role, it allows pilots to log valuable flight hours toward the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) requirement of 1,500 hours.
• Other entry-level positions, such as charter flying, aerial survey, pipeline patrol, or banner towing, may offer similar pay ranges, often combined with flexible schedules and faster hour-building opportunities.

Although these salaries are lower than what experienced airline captains earn, the progression from instructor to regional airline pilot is designed to be short. With the current pilot shortage, many new pilots are reaching regional captain positions, and significantly higher pay, in just a few years.

How Does Pilot Salary Increase with Experience?

A pilot’s salary grows quickly as they progress from their first jobs into higher-responsibility roles. The typical pathway looks like this:

1. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Many graduates start as instructors, earning $30,000-$50,000 while building hours toward the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) requirement of 1,500 hours.
2. Regional Airline First Officer – The next step is often a regional airline job, with pay in the $50,000 – $80,000 range.
3. Regional Airline Captain – After a few years, pilots can upgrade to captain at a regional carrier, boosting salaries to $80,000-$120,000.
4. Major Airline First Officer – Transitioning to a major airline brings a significant jump, with pay typically between $100,000 and $160,000.
5. Major Airline Captain – At the top of the career ladder, captains at major U.S. airlines often earn $200,000 to $350,000+ annually, depending on aircraft type and seniority.

Salary growth is strongly influenced by seniority systems and union contracts, which reward years of service, bidding priority, and aircraft flown. Larger jets and international routes generally pay more than regional or domestic operations. This progression shows why aviation is considered a fast-rising career: starting salaries may be modest, but pilots can move into six-figure earnings within just a few years of flying professionally.

Do Corporate and Cargo Pilots Earn More Than Airline Pilots?

Not every pilot follows the traditional airline path. Many choose corporate or cargo flying, both of which can be highly competitive in terms of salary.

• Corporate and private jet pilots typically earn between $90,000 and $200,000+ per year, with top pay at larger companies or for high-net-worth clients. Compensation can include perks like flexible schedules and upgraded benefits, but the trade-off is often less predictable hours and more on-call flying.
• Cargo carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Air consistently offer salaries that rival, and sometimes exceed, those of passenger airlines. Senior captains at major cargo airlines often earn $200,000-$250,000+ annually, along with robust retirement plans and union-negotiated contracts.

Beyond the paycheck, lifestyle factors matter:

• Airline pilots often enjoy more structured schedules, union protections, and clearer progression with seniority.
• Corporate pilots may fly luxury aircraft and enjoy variety, but schedules can be unpredictable and tied to client demands.
• Cargo pilots fly lucrative overnight or long-haul routes, which can mean higher pay but also more time away from home.

For many pilots, the decision comes down to balancing earning potential, schedule predictability, and lifestyle preferences.

How Do Pilot Salaries Vary by Country?

Pilots trained under the FAA system in the U.S. often find opportunities to fly abroad, especially as global airlines seek experienced captains. Salaries can vary widely by country, influenced by training standards, cost of living, and demand for pilots.

• Europe (EASA airlines): First officers often earn €40,000-€70,000 (~$45,000-$75,000) annually and captains reach €120,000-€150,000 (~$130,000-$160,000). Higher training costs make the U.S. FAA pathway attractive to international students.
• China (CAAC carriers): Highly competitive expat captain packages can exceed $300,000 with housing allowances and generous leave – typically for very experienced captains.
• India (DGCA airlines): Rapid growth drives demand; captain pay commonly ranges $150,000-$200,000+, with lower starting pay for new first officers.

For aspiring pilots, this variation shows that earning potential is truly global, and U.S.-trained pilots are often highly sought after abroad.

What Other Benefits Do Pilots Receive Beyond Salary?

Pilot compensation isn’t just about the paycheck. Most airline and commercial pilots also receive a package of benefits and perks that add significant value:

• Per diem allowances: Daily meal/expense stipends on trips can add thousands per year.
• Travel benefits: Free or heavily discounted flights for pilots and families.
• Health and retirement plans: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision plus 401(k) or pension contributions.
• Bonuses: Sign-on, retention, and overtime pay are increasingly common.

Beyond pay and benefits, lifestyle factors also matter:

• Lineholder pilots (with enough seniority to hold a regular schedule) typically enjoy more predictable work-life balance.
• Reserve pilots must remain on standby and can be called in with little notice, offering less control over schedules but steady experience building.

Balancing Salary With Lifestyle and Job Stability

While pilot salaries are attractive, many professionals weigh quality of life as heavily as the paycheck:

• Airline pilots benefit from union contracts, clear seniority systems, and structured schedules – high stability, with top salaries reached over time.
• Cargo pilots may earn more than regional passenger pilots, but overnight/long-haul flying can mean more time away from home.
• Corporate pilots enjoy high-end jets and variety, but are often “on call,” creating less predictable schedules.

How Does the Pilot Shortage Affect Salaries?

The global aviation industry faces a significant pilot shortage (e.g., Boeing’s long-range outlook projects hundreds of thousands of new pilots needed worldwide). This demand is pushing salaries higher across the board:

• Regional airlines are raising starting pay and offering sign-on bonuses.
• Major carriers are increasing captain salaries and accelerating upgrades.
• Cargo and corporate operators are competing aggressively with wages and benefits.

For students, this means entering a market where employers are not only hiring but actively competing for qualified graduates.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Major Airline Salary?

For most new pilots, the journey from flight school to a major airline paycheck is measured in years of experience rather than months. A typical timeline:

1. Flight School (0-2 years): Complete PPL, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI.
2. Hour-Building as a CFI (1-3 years): Earn $30,000-$50,000 while accumulating 1,500 hours for ATP.
3. Regional Airline First Officer (2-5 years total): Earn $50,000-$80,000; upgrade to captain at $80,000-$120,000.
4. Major Airline First Officer (5-10 years): Typically $100,000-$160,000 with potential to upgrade to captain.
5. Major Airline Captain (7-15 years): Widebody captains can reach $200,000-$350,000+.

Pilot shortage dynamics are accelerating upgrades, shrinking parts of this timeline compared to past decades.

How Does US Aviation Academy Prepare Students for High-Salary Careers?

At US Aviation Academy (USAA), training isn’t just about learning to fly, it’s about preparing for the career ladder that leads to six-figure pilot salaries.

• All-inclusive training programs: From Private Pilot through CFI, covering every rating needed to begin a professional career.
• CFI pathway to build hours: Earn income while accumulating 1,500 hours required for ATP.
• Airline partnerships: Direct pathways into regional first-officer roles that shorten time to a salaried airline career.

What Should You Do Next If You’re Interested in a Pilot Career?

Aviation offers one of the most rewarding career paths today. With average U.S. pilot salaries exceeding $100,000, opportunities to earn $200,000+ at major airlines or cargo carriers, and perks like travel benefits and retirement plans, the financial potential is clear, especially amid strong hiring demand. At US Aviation Academy, we provide the complete pathway from flight training to airline-ready careers. Apply now to start your professional pilot training and take the first step toward a high-paying, in-demand career in aviation.