How Much Does a Regional Airline Pilot Make?
As a career pilot, flying for a regional airline can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With the demand for air travel on the rise, regional airlines are in high demand, and pilots are needed to operate these smaller aircraft. But how much do regional airline pilots make?
Regional Airline Pilot Salaries
The salary of a regional airline pilot can vary greatly depending on the airline, the pilot’s experience, and the aircraft being flown. Here are some average salary ranges for regional airline pilots:
| Airline | Average Starting Salary | Average Top-of-the-Line Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Connection | $45,000 – $65,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| American Eagle | $40,000 – $60,000 | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| United Express | $35,000 – $55,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| SkyWest Airlines | $30,000 – $50,000 | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Envoy Air | $40,000 – $60,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 |
Benefits and Bonuses
In addition to their base salary, regional airline pilots can also earn benefits and bonuses, which can significantly impact their overall compensation package. These benefits may include:
- Housing stipends: Many regional airlines offer housing stipends to help pilots cover the cost of living in a new city.
- Food and lodging allowances: Some airlines provide meal and accommodation allowances for pilots on the road.
- Over-time pay: Pilots may earn overtime pay for flying additional hours or taking on extra duties.
- Sign-on bonuses: Some airlines offer sign-on bonuses to attract new pilots.
- Retention bonuses: Pilots may receive retention bonuses to stay with the airline for a certain period.
Experience and Pay Scale
As pilots gain experience and move up the ranks, their salaries can increase significantly. Here are some average salary ranges for pilots at different experience levels:
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New Hire | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| First Officer (1-2 years experience) | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Captain (2-5 years experience) | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior Captain (5+ years experience) | $80,000 – $100,000 |
Career Advancement
One of the benefits of flying for a regional airline is the opportunity to advance your career. With experience and additional training, pilots can move up to fly larger aircraft and even transition to major airlines. Here are some potential career advancement paths for regional airline pilots:
- First Officer to Captain: Pilots can move up to become captains of the same aircraft type, earning a significant increase in salary.
- Captain to Senior Captain: Experienced captains can become senior captains, taking on additional responsibilities and earning higher salaries.
- Regional airline to major airline: Pilots with experience and the right training can transition to major airlines, earning significantly higher salaries.
Conclusion
Regional airline pilots play a vital role in the aviation industry, and their salaries can vary greatly depending on the airline, experience, and aircraft being flown. While the starting salary for a regional airline pilot may be lower than that of a major airline pilot, the potential for career advancement and higher earnings can make it a rewarding and lucrative career choice. With the demand for air travel on the rise, regional airline pilots are in high demand, and those considering a career in aviation should seriously consider flying for a regional airline.
