Average Airline Pilot Salary: $171,679 (2026)
2026 DataCompare airline pilot salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $142,281 to $241,887.
Highest Paying Cities for Airline Pilots
Average Salary
$171,679
across all locations
Highest Paying
$241,887
San Jose, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Airline Pilots
See which cities pay Airline Pilots the most, from $241,887 down to the #10 spot.
Airline Pilot Salary Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($171,210)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Jose, CA | $241,887 |
| #2 | San Francisco, CA | $237,292 |
| #3 | Seattle, WA | $213,137 |
| #4 | New York, NY | $203,254 |
| #5 | Boston, MA | $196,967 |
| #6 | Washington, DC | $195,256 |
| #7 | San Diego, CA | $193,799 |
| #8 | Los Angeles, CA | $189,773 |
| #9 | Sacramento, CA | $183,092 |
| #10 | Denver, CO | $182,969 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $111,502 | $53.61/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $171,679 | $82.54/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $248,667 | $119.55/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$60,177
+54%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$76,989
+45%
Total Career Growth
+$137,166
+123%
Airline Pilot Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $241,887 | $116.29 | 123 |
| San Francisco, CA | $237,292 | $114.08 | 120 |
| Seattle, WA | $213,137 | $102.47 | 126 |
| New York, NY | $203,254 | $97.72 | 171 |
| Boston, MA | $196,967 | $94.70 | 128 |
| Washington, DC | $195,256 | $93.87 | 153 |
| San Diego, CA | $193,799 | $93.17 | 100 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $189,773 | $91.24 | 154 |
| Sacramento, CA | $183,092 | $88.03 | 87 |
| Denver, CO | $182,969 | $87.97 | 99 |
| Austin, TX | $182,454 | $87.72 | 111 |
| Portland, OR | $177,535 | $85.35 | 100 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $176,823 | $85.01 | 96 |
| Riverside, CA | $176,348 | $84.78 | 99 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $175,858 | $84.55 | 122 |
| Baltimore, MD | $174,308 | $83.80 | 109 |
| Hartford, CT | $173,295 | $83.31 | 85 |
| Chicago, IL | $172,994 | $83.17 | 139 |
| Houston, TX | $172,382 | $82.88 | 106 |
| Miami, FL | $172,264 | $82.82 | 110 |
| Providence, RI | $172,145 | $82.76 | 97 |
| Raleigh, NC | $171,407 | $82.41 | 96 |
| Orlando, FL | $167,401 | $80.48 | 100 |
| Detroit, MI | $167,398 | $80.48 | 96 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $166,219 | $79.91 | 96 |
| Dallas, TX | $166,197 | $79.90 | 105 |
| Atlanta, GA | $166,110 | $79.86 | 121 |
| Nashville, TN | $164,161 | $78.92 | 88 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $163,386 | $78.55 | 107 |
| Charlotte, NC | $163,366 | $78.54 | 103 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $162,523 | $78.14 | 92 |
| Kansas City, MO | $162,501 | $78.13 | 104 |
| Tampa, FL | $162,227 | $77.99 | 113 |
| Columbus, OH | $161,924 | $77.85 | 105 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $160,737 | $77.28 | 102 |
| Cleveland, OH | $159,832 | $76.84 | 103 |
| Richmond, VA | $158,904 | $76.40 | 99 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $158,636 | $76.27 | 85 |
| St. Louis, MO | $157,987 | $75.96 | 94 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $157,796 | $75.86 | 87 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $157,564 | $75.75 | 89 |
| Louisville, KY | $156,294 | $75.14 | 107 |
| New Orleans, LA | $156,251 | $75.12 | 106 |
| San Antonio, TX | $155,677 | $74.84 | 96 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $155,277 | $74.65 | 99 |
| Tucson, AZ | $155,240 | $74.63 | 106 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $148,025 | $71.17 | 99 |
| Birmingham, AL | $147,491 | $70.91 | 87 |
| Memphis, TN | $147,282 | $70.81 | 114 |
| El Paso, TX | $142,281 | $68.40 | 103 |
About Airline Pilot Careers
Airline pilots command commercial aircraft carrying passengers and cargo on scheduled and charter routes, representing the highest-paid transportation occupation in the United States. The median annual wage for airline and commercial pilots is approximately $171,210, with senior captains at major carriers (Delta, United, American) regularly earning $300,000–$400,000+ in total compensation. The profession demands exceptional skill, rigorous ongoing training, and strict regulatory compliance — pilots must pass medical exams every six months and complete simulator recurrency training every year. A pilot shortage driven by mandatory retirement at age 65 and pandemic-era hiring freezes continues to create strong demand and signing bonuses at regional and major carriers.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average airline pilot salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $171,679 per year. Salaries range from $142,281 in El Paso, TX to $241,887 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 5,337 professionals employed as airline pilots across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Airline Pilot Do?
Airline Pilots perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Conduct pre-flight inspections, review weather briefings, and file FAA flight plans
- Operate aircraft systems including autopilot, navigation, communications, and engine management
- Coordinate with air traffic control, dispatch, and cabin crew throughout each flight
- Monitor fuel load, weight and balance calculations, and aircraft performance parameters
- Respond to in-flight emergencies using standard operating procedures and crew resource management
- Complete post-flight documentation and report mechanical discrepancies to maintenance
- Participate in annual proficiency checks, instrument currency training, and emergency procedures simulator sessions
- Mentor first officers and provide leadership in the cockpit as Pilot in Command
Education Requirements
The path to an airline pilot career requires an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which mandates a minimum of 1,500 flight hours (250 hours for military-trained pilots) plus a commercial pilot license, instrument rating, and multi-engine rating. Most aspiring pilots start by earning a private pilot license, then build hours through flight instructor positions (CFI, CFII), banner towing, cargo flying, or charter work. A bachelor's degree is not federally required but is strongly preferred by major carriers — aviation-focused programs at Embry-Riddle, University of North Dakota, or military service academies are common paths. Total training costs at civilian flight schools typically run $80,000–$150,000. Military pilot training is a fully-funded alternative that produces highly competitive airline applicants.
Key Skills for Airline Pilots
Factors That Affect Airline Pilot Salary
Several factors influence how much a airline pilot earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Most civilian pilots begin as flight instructors (CFI/CFII) to build the 1,500 hours required for the ATP certificate, then join regional airlines as first officers flying 50–76 seat regional jets. After 3–7 years and upgrade to regional captain, the typical next step is a major airline first officer position on narrow-body equipment (Boeing 737, Airbus A320). Advancement to major airline captain follows based on seniority, typically taking 5–15 additional years. Senior captains upgrade to long-haul wide-body equipment (Boeing 777/787, Airbus A350). Corporate aviation, cargo carriers (FedEx, UPS), and fractional ownership programs (NetJets, Flexjet) offer alternative paths with different lifestyle tradeoffs. Pilots must retire at 65 per FAA regulations.
Job Outlook
Pilot employment is projected to grow 4% through 2032, but the underlying demand is stronger than that number suggests. The mandatory retirement age of 65, combined with surging post-pandemic air travel, has created a structural pilot shortage at regional carriers. Regional airlines are hiring pilots with as few as 500–750 ATP-restricted hours. Major carriers typically require 3–7 years at regionals before upgrade to wide-body international operations. Military aviation backgrounds, especially from the Navy and Air Force, remain highly valued for their disciplined training and complex aircraft experience.
Work Environment
Airline pilots work irregular schedules with significant time away from home — most junior pilots are on reserve status, on call with minimal notice. Senior pilots bid for preferred schedules based on seniority. Flight duty time is strictly regulated (10–16 hour duty limits depending on operation type) with mandatory rest requirements. Cockpit work is cognitively demanding but largely sedentary; pilots must maintain a high level of alertness during critical phases of flight. The career involves significant time zone disruption and hotel stays. Despite the schedule challenges, pilots consistently rank their career as highly rewarding — the view from the flight deck, the technical mastery required, and the compensation make it one of the most coveted blue-collar-to-executive career paths available.
Career Prospects for Airline Pilots
The job market for airline pilots continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 5,337 airline pilots employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Airline Pilots
Salary for airline pilots varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Jose, CA, offers a median salary of $241,887, while the lowest in our data, El Paso, TX, pays approximately $142,281. This represents a salary difference of $99,606 (70% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ airline pilots often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Airline Pilots
Career advancement for airline pilots typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level airline pilots can expect to progress from starting salaries around $94,584to the median salary of $171,679 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $357,629 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airline Pilot Salaries
The average airline pilot salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $171,679 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $142,281 in El Paso, TX to $241,887 in San Jose, CA.
The average hourly rate for airline pilots is $82.54 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $68.40/hour in lower-paying areas to $116.29/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.
San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for airline pilots, with a median salary of $241,887 per year. This is 41% above the national average of $171,679. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level airline pilots (10th percentile) typically earn around $111,502 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $171,679 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average airline pilot salary of $171,679 is 190% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $248,667 or more annually.
El Paso, TX has the lowest airline pilot salary at $142,281 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $99,606.
There are approximately 5,337 airline pilots employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a specialized job market with opportunities in transportation industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting airline pilot salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $99,606 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Carrier type — major airlines (Delta, United, Southwest) pay 2–4× more than regional carriers, Aircraft type — wide-body international (Boeing 777, 787; Airbus A350) commands the highest pay rates. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost airline pilot salaries include: Advanced instrument and visual flight rules proficiency across multiple aircraft types, Crew resource management (CRM) — communication, situational awareness, and decision-making under pressure, Air traffic control communication and airspace management, Aircraft systems knowledge: hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, avionics, and engines, Meteorology and weather interpretation for route and altitude decision-making. Carrier type — major airlines (Delta, United, Southwest) pay 2–4× more than regional carriers Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($211,367).
Airline Pilot salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $171,679 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Airline Pilot Salary by State
Compare airline pilot salaries across 31 states. Click a state for detailed city-by-city salary data.
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