Airline Pilot Salary in the United States
Based on 41K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$151,018
$72.605/hr
▲ 2.5% vs 2023Salary Range
$58K – $167K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
41K
workers nationwide
Airline pilot salary in the United States reflects a well-compensated profession, with a median annual earnings of $151,018. Approximately 40,840 pilots are currently employed across the nation's aviation industry. Salaries in this field range from $57,690 to $166,760 annually, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence airline pilot salary in the United States, including seniority, airline size, and route assignments. Pilots working for major carriers typically earn more than those at regional airlines. Additional considerations include flight hours accumulated, specific aircraft certifications, and whether a pilot holds captain or first officer status. Geographic location and market demand for pilots also play important roles in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,690 |
| 25th percentile | $120,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $151,018 |
| 75th percentile | $226,760 |
| 90th percentile | $166,760 |
Airline Pilot Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Airline Pilot
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $226,490 | +50.0% | 2K |
| 2 | Florida | $220,350 | +45.9% | 7K |
| 3 | Texas | $214,670 | +42.1% | 10K |
| 4 | Oregon | $214,520 | +42.0% | 740 |
| 5 | Colorado | $211,860 | +40.3% | 6K |
| 6 | Arizona | $198,800 | +31.6% | 2K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $189,630 | +25.6% | — |
| 8 | Minnesota | $184,560 | +22.2% | — |
| 9 | Nevada | $180,600 | +19.6% | 2K |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $172,710 | +14.4% | 4K |
Historical Salary Trend — Airline Pilot
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $151,018 |
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for airline pilots in the United States is $73/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $151,018, though actual hourly rates can vary significantly based on experience and location.
What is the salary range for airline pilots in the US?
- Airline pilot salaries in the United States range from $57,690 to $166,760 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, seniority, and employer.
Which city pays airline pilots the most?
- Alaska is the top-paying city for airline pilots in the United States, with an average salary of $226,490 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $151,018.
How many airline pilots are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 40,840 airline pilots currently employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in this profession across the country.