Commercial Airline Pilot Salary How Much do Airline Pilots Make?Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well. Show
According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year, which was the the median annual wage in May 2021. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180. In addition to annual earnings, pilots take part in company health, life and disability insurance, and retirement plans. In many cases, these plans exceed what employees in other fields receive. Factors Affecting Airline Pilot SalariesAirline pilot salary varies and can range anywhere from $28,000 per year to several hundred thousand per year depending on:
Airlines are Offering Huge Pay Raises to Pilots: To alleviate a spike in demand post-pandemic coupled with a major labor shortage, airlines are now offering dramatic pay increases to pilots in order to retain and attract new talent. Pilot Hiring Outlook » Get Your Free Airline Pilot Career GuideDownload Yours Now — No Obligation
Complete Guide on How to Become a Pilot (PDF)Gain immediate access to your complete guide on how to become a pilot. Learn more about the requirements, pay, seniority, steps, and more. Thanks, {{ctrl.newlead.nameFirst}}!Thank you for your interest in ATP's training programs. One of our admissions advisors will contact you soon to answer your questions and provide you with more information. In the meantime, discover the advantages that set ATP apart. Thank you for your interest in ATP’s Airline Training Programs and our resources to help you learn about this exciting career. Your Next Steps...
Airline Career Pilot Program (PDF) Download your complete guide on how to gain the competitive edge and become an airline pilot through ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program.
Airline Career Pilot Program (PDF) Download your complete guide on how to gain the competitive edge and become an airline pilot through ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program. AirlinePilot.life is an online community, where current airline pilots share their insight on the career and life as a professional pilot. They are here to help answer your questions as you embark on this exciting career! Consider starting the Online Financing Application to find out what funding may be available to you without any obligation. Qualify for a FREE Admissions Flight (valued at $195) when your loan application is approved and you are qualified by an Admissions Representative. As an ATP student, you'll have access to a mobile-optimized web app from which you can view lesson plans, online scheduling, and a comprehensive collection of online modules. Sample this resource by getting started with a free module now. An Admissions Flight with ATP is an excellent opportunity for you to get a first-hand look at training with ATP. The best part is that you can get started with a free online lesson right now. We will reach out to you as soon as possible to grab your address and send you a packet in the mail. Don't want to wait? Give us a call now — 904-595-7950. Envoy Air — The Fastest Path to American Airlines Now Offering $180k in BonusesLearn More »
What Can Airline Pilots Plan to Actually Earn? How Much Airline Pilots Make Per YearAt a Glance Airline Pilot Pay Overview
Airline pilots are hourly employees and are paid by flight hour. Due to the constraints placed on pilots by the FAA, most fly about 85 hours per month. There are more work hours involved, such as preflight planning, but time in the cockpit, and thus the pay, is usually about 85 hours monthly. In addition to flight time, pilots are also paid per diem, which serves to reimburse pilots for the food and beverage expenses that they incur on the road. For this discussion, add in $7,000 per year to every annual salary to reflect per diem. The table below shows which airline pays pilots the most. Download Your FREE Airline Pilot Career Guide » Major Airline Pilots Earn the Highest Salary Regional Airlines versus Major AirlinesIn the May 2020 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the range of salaries for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers from less than $80,920 a year, to the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000. However, these numbers only give us a glimpse of how much a pilot earns and how those earnings change over a career. Start Your Airline Pilot Career Today » Regional AirlinesAirlines are generally divided into two categories: regional airlines and major airlines. While some pilots choose to stay at the regionals, most use them as a stepping stone to the major airlines. Examples of regional airlines are Envoy Air, Mesa Airlines, SkyWest, and Republic.
Learn more about how much airline pilots make starting out » Major AirlinesMajor airlines consist of well-known names, such as American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines®, and the cargo carriers FedEx and UPS. Pilots work many years to get hired by a major airline and rarely leave one to work at another. Pilots at the major airlines enjoy substantial salaries and good benefits. New hire pilots at Delta Air Lines have the potential to earn $100,840 their first year of employment. From there the pay can vary depending upon what aircraft the pilot flies, but most sixth-year first officers at Delta are earning at least $187,540. While a twelfth-year first officer can easily make more than $204,880 a year if they pick up a few extra hours here and there. You Can Become a Pilot » The payoff in aviation comes when one becomes a captain for a major airline.Request More Information » Commercial Airline Pilot — A Nine Million Dollar CareerWith union protections and seniority system, job security and guaranteed earnings, advancement at the established airlines are excellent. Established airline pilots are paid very well, with the annual earnings of senior captains around $400,000, some pilots can expect a nine million dollar career in total earnings, illustrated below according to the typical career progression. *Graph based on SkyWest Airlines and Delta Air Lines pay scales and are for illustration purposes, not promises of future earnings. Start Your Airline Pilot Career Today »
Airline Pilot Annual Salary Calculator Calculate Hourly Rates into Annual PayUsing the formula of 85 hours per month, $7,000 annual per diem, and the hourly pay rates, captains at Envoy Air earn between $84,520 their first year to $86,620 their fourth year. While a senior captain has the potential to earn $97,760 their eighth year to $104,920 in their twelfth year. The hourly pay for airline pilots is based on their seniority with the company and typically 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 with the company. 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. You Can Become a Pilot » Airline Pilot Salary — How much do pilots make a hour, calculate the hourly rate to find out how much pilots make a year. Airline Pilot Annual Salary
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