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Airline and Commercial Pilot Salary

By Aleksandra Miladinovic on May 21, 2025 4:30 PM

A career in aviation can be both financially and personally rewarding. Commercial and airline pilots often earn salaries well above the national average, with opportunities for advancement, international travel, and job stability. However, the path to becoming a professional pilot involves intensive training, certification, and long-term commitment. For those passionate about aviation, the investment pays off with competitive pay and exceptional career prospects.

What is the Average Salary of a Pilot?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024 data):

Commercial pilots earn an average annual salary of $113,080.
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers earn a median annual wage of $219,140.
The overall average salary for airline and commercial pilots is approximately $171,210.
In high-paying states like Georgia, airline pilots can earn over $194,000 annually.

Pilot salaries are expected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for most occupations. This demand is fueled by an ongoing global pilot shortage, industry growth, and increasing retirements.

Factors That Affect Pilot Salaries

Pilot compensation varies significantly depending on several key factors:

Experience

Pilot salaries typically increase with experience. As pilots log more flight hours, they may advance from first officers to captains, take on leadership roles, or qualify for flying more complex aircraft. Airlines also value experienced pilots during times of industry shortages, often offering retention bonuses or higher salaries.
Accelerated flight training programs , such as Superior Flight School’s, are becoming increasingly popular, allowing new pilots to gain experience faster and enter the workforce earlier.

Type of Pilot Job

The type of pilot job significantly influences earnings. Roles include:

Airline Pilot (major carriers like Delta or United)
Corporate Pilot (flying private business jets)
Cargo Pilot (freight transport for companies like FedEx or UPS)
Charter Pilot (on-demand flights for private clients)
Flight Instructor (training the next generation of pilots)

Airline and corporate pilots typically earn the highest salaries, while instructors and charter pilots may earn less, but gain valuable experience.

Airline (Employer)

Each airline has its own compensation structure. Major airlines generally pay more than regional or charter companies. For example Delta Air Lines ranks among the top-paying U.S. carriers.
Superior Flight School partners with Delta through the Delta Propel Program, offering students a streamlined pathway to a career with the airline, including a Qualified Job Offer (QJO) upon successful completion.

Type of Aircraft

Aircraft size and complexity also affect salaries. Pilots certified to fly large, long-haul aircraft (like Boeing 777s or Airbus A350s) generally earn more than those flying smaller, regional planes. Operating large aircraft requires additional training and carries more responsibility.

Location

Geographic location plays a major role. The United States is one of the highest-paying countries for pilots. Within the U.S., Georgia consistently ranks among the top-paying states, largely due to the presence of Delta’s headquarters and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs. Located in the heart of this thriving aviation region, Superior Flight School offers aspiring top-tier training opportunities and networking opportunities, positioning its pilots for success in a highly competitive job market.

Flight Hours and Schedule

Longer flights and more frequent schedules typically result in higher pay. International pilots often earn more due to extended duty hours and increased complexity in flight operations.

Benefits

In addition to base pay, pilot compensation often includes benefits such as:

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Travel perks (including discounted or free flights)
Paid leave and sick days

These benefits contribute significantly to a pilot’s overall compensation package and vary widely by employer.

Industry Trends

Salaries fluctuate with industry trends. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many pilots experienced furloughs or reduced hours. Conversely, today’s pilot shortage and rebounding air travel have led to record-high signing bonuses and salary offers, especially for experienced pilots and those entering high-demand roles.

How Much Can Airline Pilots Earn?

Here’s a quick breakdown of current salary averages:

Pilot Type	Average Salary
Airline Pilots	$219,140
Commercial Pilots	$113,080
All Airline & Commercial	$171,210
Airline Pilots in Georgia	$194,201

No matter which path aspiring pilots choose, pilot careers often offer at least double the national average salary, along with unparalleled travel opportunities, job security, and benefits.

Pursuing a career as a commercial or airline pilot offers more than just a high salary – it provides long-term career growth, travel opportunities, and job security in a constantly evolving industry. While the path to the flight deck requires dedication and flight training, the return on investment is substantial. With competitive salaries and strong industry demand, becoming a pilot is a smart career choice for those passionate about aviation. For aspiring pilots ready to take off, training at a reputable school like Superior Flight School can be the first step toward a rewarding and high-paying future in aviation. Interested in learning more? Email admin@superiorflight.com for more information!

References

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Airline and commercial pilots. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm