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Pilot Salary Tracker | Compare Airline Pilot Salary by Airline
If you are researching pilot salary, it helps to understand that airline pilot pay can vary quite a bit depending on the company, seat position, aircraft, seniority, base location, route structure, and schedule. A first officer at one airline may have a very different compensation path than a captain at another, and even pilots at the same airline can report different pay depending on their circumstances.
This Pilot Salary Tracker is designed to help aspiring and current pilots compare pilot salary information across a variety of operators, including regional airlines, major airlines, cargo carriers, charter operators, and Part 135 companies. The tool provides a simple way to explore reported pay ranges and starting compensation so you can get a clearer picture of what different pilot career paths may look like.
For students considering professional flight training, pilot salary is often one of the biggest questions early in the process. While compensation should never be the only factor when comparing aviation career options, understanding how pilot pay can differ from one operator to another can help you make a more informed decision about your training path and long-term goals.
Use the tracker below to compare pilot salary information by airline and operator type. Search by airline name, filter by category, and review reported first officer and captain pay information in one place.
How to Use This Pilot Salary Tracker
This pilot salary tool is meant to serve as a practical comparison resource for people exploring aviation careers. You can search for a specific airline, compare regional and major airline pay, and review broad salary ranges where exact published pay tables may vary.
Because pilot salary is influenced by more than just an airline name, some entries may show a specific starting pay figure while others show a broader reported compensation range. That is intentional. At some airlines, pilot pay is easier to track through published tables. At others, compensation is better understood as a range based on pilot reports and publicly available references.
Pilot Salary Disclaimer
Pilot salary data can change over time and may vary based on contract updates, seniority, aircraft assignment, base, route structure, and other factors. Some figures on this page reflect specific published pay information, while others reflect broader reported salary ranges that are intended only as general reference points. This tool should not be interpreted as a guarantee of earnings.
What Affects Pilot Salary?
Pilot salary can depend on several factors, including:
- airline or operator
- first officer vs. captain seat
- aircraft type
- seniority
- domicile or base airport
- route structure
- monthly schedule and trip mix
- premium pay opportunities
- per diem and other contract terms
That is why pilot salary can look very different from one job posting, pay table, or pilot report to another. This tracker is intended to give a useful overview, not a guaranteed earnings figure.
Average Pilot Salary vs. Airline-Specific Pilot Salary
Many people search for the average pilot salary, but that number only tells part of the story. In reality, pilot salary is often more useful when viewed by airline, operator type, and seat position. A regional airline first officer, a cargo captain, and a major airline captain may all have very different earnings profiles.
This page is built to help visitors move beyond general averages and explore pilot salary information in a more practical way. By comparing airlines directly, users can better understand how compensation may change throughout a pilot career.
Why Pilot Salary Matters When Choosing a Flight Training Path
For many future pilots, understanding pilot salary is an important part of evaluating the return on investment of flight training. Knowing how pay can progress from entry-level airline flying to more advanced roles can help students better understand the long-term value of training, time building, and career advancement.
FLT Academy created this tool to make pilot salary information easier to browse and compare. It is intended to help prospective students, current students, and aviation enthusiasts better understand the compensation landscape across different sectors of the industry.
Pilot Salary FAQ
How much do airline pilots make?
Airline pilot salary can vary widely based on the airline, seat, aircraft, seniority, and base. Some pilots may earn well into six figures, while more senior captains at larger airlines may earn substantially more.
Do captains make more than first officers?
Yes. In most cases, captains earn more than first officers because they hold the higher seat position and greater operational responsibility.
Is regional airline pilot salary different from major airline pilot salary?
Yes. Regional airline pilot salary is often different from major airline pilot salary, although regional pilot pay has improved significantly in recent years. Major airlines may offer higher long-term earnings potential, especially for senior captains.
Why does pilot salary vary so much?
Pilot salary varies because compensation is influenced by more than just the airline. Aircraft type, seniority, domicile, monthly flying schedule, premium trips, and labor agreements can all affect earnings.
Is this pilot salary tool exact?
This tool is meant to provide helpful comparison information, not a guaranteed earnings figure. Some airlines are represented by published pay figures, while others are shown with broader reported salary ranges.
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