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Airline Pilot salary
Airline pilots fly and navigate airplanes for scheduled passenger and cargo carriers.
Median annual
$175,000
Median hourly
$84
Top 10% earn
$250,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$90,000
Median$175,000
Top 10%$250,000
Airline Pilot salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $117,200 | $56 | -33% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $149,700 | $72 | -14% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $184,600 | $89 | +5% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $219,600 | $106 | +25% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified airline pilots, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Bachelor's degree plus FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
Job outlook
5% growth through 2033 — retirements create openings.
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