How Much Do US Airline Pilots Really Earn in 2025?

Have you ever wondered what your colleagues are really earning? Thanks to an ongoing pilot shortage that's flipped the bargaining table, US airline pilots have locked in some seriously impressive contracts in recent years. The bottom line? It's never been more lucrative to pursue those captain's wings.

But which airline should you choose? Let's break down the numbers.

Pilot salaries vary wildly depending on where you are in your career and who you're flying for. First-year pilots at regional airlines typically begin at around $50,000 per year whereas veteran widebody captains at major US carriers can pull in upwards of $400,000 annually. There are certain factors that influence this difference including your seniority level, what aircraft you're flying, and how many hours you log each year.

Pilots aren't paid by a normal monthly wage or yearly salary. They're paid by the hour or "block time."

Block time starts the moment the plane pushes back from the gate and doesn't stop until the aircraft rolls up to the gate at its destination. This hourly rate makes up the lion's share of a pilot's annual income. However just like flight attendants at most airlines, pilots don't get paid for all those pre-flight checks, crew briefings, or boarding procedures.

Airlines guarantee pilots a minimum number of paid hours each month—usually around 75 hours—regardless of how much they’re in the air so even with delays and cancellations, they can rest assured they’ll get their base rate.

If pilots fly more than their minimum they get paid for every additional hour. Most pilots average around 80 flight hours per month, which we'll use as our baseline for salary calculations.

Regional Airlines

• First-year captains: $140-150/hour

• Senior captains: Max out around $200/hour

• Annual take-home: Junior captains start at roughly $130,000—a significant jump from the $50,000-$60,000 first officers earn at the same carriers

Major Airlines

• First-year captains: $220-230/hour (or more)

• Senior captains (Year 12+): Over $350/hour, especially on larger aircraft

• Annual earnings: First-year captains start around $200,000, while senior captains can exceed $400,000

The gap between regional and major carriers is staggering. By year's end, major airline captains typically earn more than double what their regional counterparts make.

US FlightCo compiled data on the five largest US carriers, these represent Year 12+ captains flying specific aircraft, based on 80 monthly hours, and they're the highest salaries in aviation history, thanks to recent contract wins:

Delta Air Lines (Airbus A350: $361/hour | Annual: $325,000 – $400,000+

United Airlines (Boeing 787): $338/hour | Annual: $300,000 – $380,000

American Airlines (Boeing 777): $330/hour | Annual: $290,000 – $375,000

Southwest Airlines (Boeing 737): $284/hour | Annual: $250,000 – $325,000

Alaska Airlines (Boeing 737): $269/hour | Annual: $230,000 – $300,000

Pilots can also pocket additional cash through several channels:

·      Per Diem Allowances which includes meal and travel money. Pilots get roughly $3/hour on domestic flights and up to $5/hour internationally. The best part? It's tax-free. By month's end, this adds up to serious money.

·      Pilots can also earn 1.5 to 3 times their base hourly rate for overtime flights.

Several factors determine exactly how much ends up in the paycheck:

The Airline Matters

Each carrier sets its own pay scale, but the pattern is clear: major carriers like Delta, United, and American consistently pay the highest.

Years of Service

Every year at the airline means a bump in pay. First officers see dramatic increases—Year 12 FOs often earn double what Year 1 FOs make. Captains start higher, so their raises are less steep but still substantial.

Captain vs. First Officer

Captains earn anywhere from 50% to 200% more than first officers, depending on aircraft and seniority.

Bigger Planes, Bigger Paychecks

Size matters. At Delta, a first-year A350 captain earns over $300/hour, while a first-year 737 captain gets around $240/hour, a $60/hour difference.

The traditional pathway from first officer to captain at a regional carrier used to take two to five years. Now many airlines are promoting pilots in just six to 12 months.

Some regional carriers even offer Direct-Entry Captain (DEC) programs for experienced pilots from other airlines or military backgrounds.

You'll need to meet rigorous requirements including:

• Minimum flight hours;

• Necessary licenses;

• Medical clearance;

• Background checks.

Most aspiring pilots fund their own training, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, some scholarship programs exist, and certain airlines—like British Airways' Speedbird Pilot Academy—cover the full cost for selected candidates, a consideration if you’re a pilot paying back loans or parents.”

According to ATP Flight School pilot salaries are going up.

• Average commercial pilot salary (2024): Over $122,000 (up $10,000 from 2023)

• Median airline pilot salary (2024): Over $226,000 (a 12% yearly increase)

• Compare that to 2016, when the median was just $130,000

Commercial air travel is expected to double by the 2040s, Boeing projects the industry will need up to 660,000 new pilots over the next 20 years to keep pace with growth and retirements.

Becoming an airline captain in 2025 offers one of the most rewarding career paths in aviation, both financially and professionally. Yes, it requires significant investment, dedication, and time. But with starting salaries around $200,000 at major carriers and potential earnings exceeding $400,000 for senior captains, the payoff can be substantial.