How Much Does the Average Airline Pilot Make?
As a career in the aviation industry, becoming an airline pilot is often considered a dream job by many. However, a common question that many people ask is how much an airline pilot can earn. The answer may surprise you, as the salary for airline pilots varies greatly depending on factors such as airline, experience, and route.
The Average Airline Pilot Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for airline pilots in the United States was $134,630 in May 2020. However, this figure does not accurately reflect the average salary of airline pilots. To better understand the average salary of airline pilots, let’s break it down by seniority and experience.
Seniority and Experience**
Airline pilots are paid based on their seniority and experience. Here is a breakdown of the average salary range for airline pilots by experience:
* **First Officers (FO)**: The average salary for a first officer, typically with less than 2,000 hours of flight experience, is around **$65,000** to **$85,000** per year.
* **Captains (CO)**: The average salary for a captain, typically with 2,000-5,000 hours of flight experience, is around **$110,000** to **$150,000** per year.
* **Senior Captains (S-CO)**: The average salary for a senior captain, typically with 5,000-10,000 hours of flight experience, is around **$150,000** to **$200,000** per year.
* **Line Check Airmen (LCA)**: The average salary for a line check airman, typically with 10,000+ hours of flight experience, is around **$200,000** to **$250,000** per year.
Airline Differences**
Another significant factor that affects the average salary of airline pilots is the airline they work for. Here are some examples of average salaries for airline pilots by major airlines:
| Airline | Average First Officer Salary | Average Captain Salary |
| — | — | — |
| Delta Air Lines | **$71,000** | **$147,000** |
| American Airlines | **$63,000** | **$139,000** |
| United Airlines | **$65,000** | **$145,000** |
| Southwest Airlines | **$54,000** | **$124,000** |
Routes and Schedules**
Airline pilots who fly on longer routes or have more desirable schedules tend to earn higher salaries. For example:
* **International Routes**: Pilots who fly international routes, such as transoceanic or intercontinental flights, tend to earn higher salaries due to the longer flight times and greater complexity of these routes.
* **Red-Eye Flights**: Pilots who fly red-eye flights, which are overnight flights, tend to earn higher salaries due to the difficulty of sleeping on long flights and the potential for more frequent departures.
Bonuses and Benefits**
Airline pilots often receive additional bonuses and benefits, which can increase their overall compensation package. These may include:
* **Per Diem**: Pilots who fly for extended periods away from their home base may receive a per diem allowance, which is a daily stipend to cover expenses.
* **Free or Low-Cost Travel**: Pilots may receive free or low-cost travel on the airline they work for, which can be a significant benefit.
* **Pension and Retirement Plans**: Many airlines offer pension and retirement plans to their pilots, which can provide a significant source of income in retirement.
* **Paid Time Off**: Pilots may receive generous paid time off packages, including vacation days, sick leave, and holiday pay.
Conclusion**
The average salary of an airline pilot can range from **$65,000** to **$250,000** per year, depending on seniority, experience, and the airline they work for. Additionally, pilots may receive bonuses and benefits that can increase their overall compensation package. While becoming an airline pilot can be a challenging and demanding career, the potential for high earning potential makes it an attractive option for many.
