How much does it cost to become a pilot?

The total cost of flight training from zero experience to ATP certificate ranges from $80,000 to $150,000+, including a bachelor's degree. Flight training alone (without college) costs $50,000 to $100,000. Many aspiring pilots use student loans, GI Bill benefits, or airline-sponsored training programs.

How much do major airline captains make?

Major airline captains at carriers like Delta, United, American, and Southwest earn $250,000 to $400,000+ per year. Senior wide-body captains with maximum seniority can earn over $400,000. This does not include per diem and other supplemental pay.

How long does it take to become an airline pilot?

From zero flight experience to a major airline, the typical timeline is 8 to 14 years: four years of college, one to two years of flight training, one to three years of building flight hours, and two to five years at a regional airline before upgrading to a major.

What is the pilot shortage?

The global pilot shortage is driven by mandatory retirement at age 65, growing air travel demand, and the lengthy training pipeline. The shortage has led to dramatically increased pilot pay, signing bonuses, and faster career progression from regional to major airlines.

What schedule do airline pilots work?

Airline pilots typically fly 75 to 100 hours per month and are away from home 10 to 15 days per month. Schedules vary based on seniority, with senior pilots having more control over their schedules. Most pilots have 12 to 15 days off per month.

Airline Pilot Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

Service & SpecialtyAbout as fast as average

Airline pilots fly passengers and cargo on scheduled routes for commercial airlines. They perform pre-flight inspections, monitor instruments, communicate with air traffic control, navigate through various weather conditions, and ensure the safety of everyone on board. Airline pilots are among the highest-paid professionals in the country.

Median Salary

$171,210

Salary Range

$86,080 – $290,000

Hourly Equivalent

$82.31/hr

Growth Rate

Airline Pilot Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$123,271

$59.26/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$171,210

$82.31/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$214,013

$102.89/hr

Expert (13+ years)$248,255

$119.35/hr

Airline Pilot Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$208,876	$100.42/hr
#2	New York	$203,740	$97.95/hr
#3	Washington	$198,604	$95.48/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$196,891	$94.66/hr
#5	New Jersey	$193,467	$93.01/hr
#6	Connecticut	$190,043	$91.37/hr
#7	Maryland	$186,619	$89.72/hr
#8	Alaska	$184,907	$88.90/hr
#9	Hawaii	$183,195	$88.07/hr
#10	Oregon	$179,771	$86.43/hr

Airline Pilot Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$236,270	$113.59/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$225,997	$108.65/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$222,573	$107.01/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$214,013	$102.89/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$208,876	$100.42/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$205,452	$98.78/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$202,028	$97.13/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$191,755	$92.19/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$188,331	$90.54/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$184,907	$88.90/hr

How to Become a Airline Pilot

Becoming an airline pilot requires extensive training and certification. Most pilots start by earning a bachelor's degree (in any field) and then pursue flight training through a Part 141 flight school, a Part 61 independent instructor, or a university aviation program. Training covers private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, multi-engine rating, and certified flight instructor certificates.

To fly for a commercial airline, you need an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires 1,500 hours of total flight time (1,000 for military pilots, 1,250 for graduates of approved Part 141 programs). Most pilots build flight hours by working as flight instructors, cargo pilots, banner tow pilots, or regional airline first officers.

After accumulating the required flight time, you can apply to airlines. Regional airlines are typically the entry point, where new first officers earn starting salaries of $50,000 to $80,000+. After gaining experience at a regional airline (usually three to seven years), many pilots upgrade to captain or move to a major airline.

Major airline pilots undergo type rating training specific to their aircraft (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, etc.). Training is provided and paid for by the airline. Pilots must maintain their skills through recurrent training every six to twelve months and pass regular medical examinations.

Job Outlook for Airline Pilots

4% growth — About as fast as average

The pilot job market is exceptionally strong due to a significant pilot shortage driven by mandatory retirements (age 65), growing air travel demand, and the long training pipeline to produce new pilots. Airlines are offering unprecedented compensation packages to attract and retain pilots.

Starting pay at regional airlines has increased dramatically, with first-year first officers now earning $60,000 to $100,000+. Major airline captains earn $200,000 to $350,000+, with senior wide-body captains at top carriers earning over $400,000. Compensation includes base pay, per diem, and various bonuses.

Airlines are also offering signing bonuses of $10,000 to $100,000+, retention bonuses, and accelerated career paths to address the pilot shortage. The path from regional to major airline has shortened significantly, with some pilots making the transition in as few as two to three years.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Bachelor's Degree + FAA Pilot Certificates

Key Certifications

ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) Certificate
First-Class Medical Certificate
Type Rating