6/6/2023
They say that being an airline pilot in the United States is one of the most glamorous professions there is. If you ever wondered how much these professionals earn, we'll tell you.
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All about a pilot's salary
There is no doubt that the airline pilot profession is one of the most prestigious, difficult and dangerous there is. To be at the helm of a commercial flight and be responsible for the lives of the passengers on board, you have to have the proper training, skills and experience to fulfill this duty.
Of course, this profession is also one of the best rewarded and not only in the United States, it is so around the world. Of course, not all pilots have the same salary because, as in other careers, there is a salary scale that will depend on factors such as:
- Rank
- Type of airline
- Level of experience
- Class of aircraft in charge
- The country where you are hired
Salary according to aircraft type
In the world of aviation, it is not the same to pilot a jumbo jet, a Boeing 737 or a cargo plane. The pilot's salary will vary according to the aircraft being handled. For example:
- Those who fly aircraft other than jets can earn $79,106 per year.
- Those flying small jets have an average annual salary of $104,219.
- Pilots of large-capacity, long-haul aircraft can have a median income of $212,408.
Importance of flight experience
Airlines have a policy of increasing pilot salaries as pilots gain experience. These flight hours are added according to the schedule and type of aircraft flown.
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As a general rule, this means that those who have been piloting the longest will have the best income. This also implies that rookies are at the opposite extreme, so they have to accumulate experience to reach a high salary.
According to industry specialists and the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the U.S. BLS, the average income of these aviators is usually between $80,920 and $208,000 per year.
How much does an airline pilot make in the United States?
The median salary for an airline pilot in 2021 was about $134,000 per year.
We can agree that being an airline pilot is attractive for many reasons besides the money. It's a risky profession, full of thrills, gives you the chance to see many places, and offers excellent benefits.
Since we can't cover every kind of aircraft pilot out there, we'll concentrate on those who fly commercial aircraft.
To give you an idea, the highest earning airline pilots are in Michigan, where they can earn an average salary of $238,270. The highest paying U.S. airline is SouthWest Airlines, which averages $221,636 per year.
It is clear that for many this profession can be very satisfying if we only look at the salary that a commercial aviator can earn. Along with the additional benefits that come with this profession, starting at an early age is also critical. While the average salary in the U.S. is around $60,000, a pilot can earn 3 to 4 times more.
Starting pay for a pilot in the U.S.
Officers who start working for a regional airline in the US typically earn between $20,000 and $40,000 per year, which equates to $20-$50 per hour.
As mentioned, this will change depending on rank, experience, airline and other factors. Although it may not seem like it, pilots spend more time on the ground than in the air.
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An average airman can clock about 75 hr flying and up to 150 hr a month on the ground. This is because they have to mobilize wherever they are assigned, do different training, plan flights, keep records and do other duties.
Annual salary increase policies in the U.S.
Although each airline has its pay schedule, most offer a standard annual raise. For this reason, a commercial pilot can aspire to a salary in excess of $200,000 per year.
After 5 years, officers can expect the highest pay and these personnel become captains within a few years of service.
Which airlines pay the most?
As an airline pilot in the United States, it makes sense to ask which companies offer you the best salary. Along with the choice of country and state of residence, the airline is an important factor in determining what the base salary will be. When we look at the big picture, the largest companies tend to offer the best conditions.
According to sources, Chinese airlines pay their pilots the best compared to other nations. However, Delta, United Airlines and Southwest rank in the top 5 in this category. When you work for any of these companies, you will have no difficulty generating at least 6 figures a year.
Español: ¿Cuánto gana un piloto de avión en Estados Unidos?