Airline Pilot Salary in the United States
Based on 87K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$214,428
$103.09/hr
Salary Range
$111K – $335K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
87K
workers nationwide
The median Airline Pilot salary in the United States is an impressive $214,428 per year, translating to an hourly rate of $103. This figure falls within a broad salary range, with most pilots earning between $111,059 and $335,372 annually.
Several factors significantly influence an Airline Pilot's compensation. These include experience level, the specific airline they work for, the type of aircraft they fly, and their geographic location. Demand for pilots also plays a crucial role in determining salary.
Salary Distribution — Airline Pilot
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $111,059 |
| 25th percentile | $145,757 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $214,428 |
| 75th percentile | $288,442 |
| 90th percentile | $335,372 |
Airline Pilot Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Airline Pilot
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | $618,090 | +188.3% | 9K |
| 2 | Idaho | $507,640 | +136.7% | 330 |
| 3 | Michigan | $428,570 | +99.9% | — |
| 4 | California | $353,900 | +65.0% | 11K |
| 5 | Kentucky | $350,950 | +63.7% | 6K |
| 6 | Colorado | $307,490 | +43.4% | 6K |
| 7 | Illinois | $293,490 | +36.9% | 6K |
| 8 | New York | $255,240 | +19.0% | 7K |
| 9 | Alaska | $232,140 | +8.3% | 1K |
| 10 | Washington | $229,900 | +7.2% | 3K |
Airline Pilot Salary by Industry
How much Airline Pilots earn across industries nationwide — Transportation and Warehousing pays the most ($290,600 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transportation and Warehousing | $290,600 | +35.5% | 99K |
| 2 | Wholesale Trade | $164,960 | -23.1% | 40 |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $139,590 | -34.9% | 3K |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $130,170 | -39.3% | 600 |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $125,000 | -41.7% | 100 |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $105,470 | -50.8% | 230 |
| 7 | Educational Services | $79,190 | -63.1% | 270 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Airline Pilot
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $150,453 |
| 2023 | $147,322 |
| 2024 | $151,018 |
| 2025 | $214,428 |
| 2026 (projected) | $227,294 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $145,757 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $214,428 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $288,442 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $335,372 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for an Airline Pilot in the US?
- The salary range for Airline Pilots in the United States is quite broad. Most pilots can expect to earn between $111,059 and $335,372 annually. This wide spread reflects various levels of experience and responsibility.
How much do Airline Pilots make on average?
- The median salary for an Airline Pilot in the United States is $214,428 per year. This means that half of all Airline Pilots earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
Which state pays Airline Pilots the most?
- Georgia stands out as the top-paying state for Airline Pilots, with reported salaries reaching as high as $618,090. This exceptional figure likely represents experienced pilots at major carriers within that region.
Is the hourly pay for an Airline Pilot substantial?
- Yes, the hourly pay for Airline Pilots is substantial. With a median annual salary of $214,428, the average hourly rate comes out to $103. This reflects the demanding nature and high skill set required for the profession.