SALARY GUIDE

Navigate Your Earnings as a Pilot

From first officer to airline captain, understand the financial trajectory of a flying career.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$70,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$150,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$250,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$300,000+
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$150,000
Canada$130,000
United Kingdom£115,000
AustraliaAU$140,000
Germany€120,000
India₹3,200,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$120k$140k$160k$180k$200kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Commercial Airlines$160,000
Cargo Airlines$150,000
Corporate Aviation$140,000
Charter Services$130,000
Government/Military$120,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Airline Captain
$250,000
Average annual salary
First Officer
$100,000
Average annual salary
Cargo Pilot
$140,000
Average annual salary
Corporate Jet Pilot
$130,000
Average annual salary
Helicopter Pilot
$115,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Total flight hours logged
  • Aircraft type and size (e.g., wide‑body vs regional)
  • Geographic region and cost of living
  • Union contracts and airline seniority rules
  • Additional ratings (type, multi‑engine, instrument)

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
+$20,000
Salary increase potential
Type Rating for Specific Aircraft
+$15,000
Salary increase potential
Multi‑Engine Rating
+$10,000
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
China (Asia‑Pacific)
Most Stable
Canada
Job Market Outlook

Demand for qualified pilots remains strong as airlines expand fleets and retire older crews. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth through 2035, with the fastest hiring in cargo and regional carriers, while emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East offer rapid expansion opportunities.

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