The career of a pilot is exciting, diverse, and rewarding, but one question that often arises is: How much do pilots actually make? Salaries vary greatly depending on the type of flying job, experience level, location, and employer. From flight instructors and crop dusters to airline captains, let’s explore the earning potential of different types of pilots in the United States.
1. Flight Instructor
Flight instructors are typically the entry-level position for many aspiring pilots. After gaining their initial licenses, pilots often become instructors to build the flight hours needed for advanced certifications and airline jobs. Flight instructors primarily work at flight schools, training new student pilots.
- Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year
- Hourly Rate: $20 – $40 per hour
- Factors Influencing Pay: Location, demand, and the type of aircraft they teach on (complex or multi-engine aircraft may pay higher). Some instructors may work part-time, which can lower annual earnings.
2. Banner Tow Pilot
Banner tow pilots fly small planes, often over beaches, sports events, or busy urban areas, to display advertisements. This job can be a fun way to accumulate flight hours, though it comes with unique challenges like flying low, slow, and handling tricky conditions.
- Average Salary: $15,000 – $25,000 per season
- Hourly Rate: $20 – $30 per hour
- Factors Influencing Pay: Banner tow jobs are usually seasonal and weather-dependent, meaning that earnings may fluctuate based on location and flight opportunities. Pay can vary depending on experience and the type of aircraft flown.
3. Crop Duster / Agricultural Pilot
Crop dusters, or aerial applicators, are agricultural pilots responsible for spraying pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers over large farmlands. This job requires precision and the ability to handle low-altitude flying. Crop dusting can be a seasonal job but is often quite lucrative for experienced pilots.
- Average Salary: $40,000 – $100,000 per year
- Top Earners: Up to $150,000 per year
- Factors Influencing Pay: Experience, type of aircraft, location, and type of crop sprayed. Agricultural pilots in high-demand farming areas with longer seasons may earn more.
4. Pipeline and Powerline Patrol Pilot
Pipeline and powerline patrol pilots fly along energy infrastructure, inspecting and identifying issues. These pilots are often employed by energy companies or contracted firms, and the work requires specialized low-altitude flying.
- Average Salary: $40,000 – $70,000 per year
- Hourly Rate: $20 – $40 per hour
- Factors Influencing Pay: Hours flown, company size, and experience level. This job is usually full-time, though some pilots work seasonally.
5. Corporate / Business Jet Pilot
Corporate pilots fly private jets and business aircraft for corporations, charter services, or high-net-worth individuals. This role often involves irregular hours and long standby times, but the pay is generally good.
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $150,000 per year
- Top Earners: Up to $200,000+ per year
- Factors Influencing Pay: Type of aircraft flown, company size, and seniority. Flying larger jets like Gulfstreams or Global Express typically brings higher pay, and pilots who work for Fortune 500 companies may earn top salaries.
6. Cargo Pilot
Cargo pilots, employed by companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL, are responsible for transporting goods rather than passengers. Cargo pilots often have similar certifications to airline pilots and work in demanding conditions, often flying at night.
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $120,000 per year for entry-level pilots
- Top Earners: Up to $200,000 – $300,000+ per year
- Factors Influencing Pay: Experience, type of aircraft flown, and employer. Senior cargo pilots on large international routes can earn salaries comparable to top airline captains.
7. Regional Airline Pilot
Regional airlines operate shorter routes, often as a feeder for larger airlines. Regional airline pilots typically begin as First Officers and can eventually work up to Captain. While regional airlines tend to pay less than major airlines, many pilots start here to build experience.
- Average Starting Salary (First Officer): $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Average Captain Salary: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Factors Influencing Pay: Aircraft type, seniority, and location. Regional airline pilots often transition to major airlines after building experience.
8. Major Airline Pilot (Captain)
This is the ultimate goal for many pilots: to captain an aircraft for a major airline, such as Delta, United, or American Airlines. Airline captains have significant responsibility, flying hundreds of passengers on domestic and international routes.
- Starting Salary (First Officer): $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Average Captain Salary: $200,000 – $300,000 per year
- Top Earners: Up to $400,000+ per year for senior captains on large international aircraft (like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380)
- Factors Influencing Pay: Type of aircraft, years of service, and airline. Pilots flying larger jets and international routes generally earn the highest salaries, and airline captains are often compensated well for their experience and responsibility.
Additional Factors Affecting Pilot Salaries
Location: Pilots working in high-cost areas or regions with high demand for specific aviation services may earn more. Coastal and metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries, though the cost of living can offset this.
Union Representation: Many airline pilots are part of unions that negotiate salaries, benefits, and working conditions. These unions help ensure competitive pay and job stability for their members.
Seniority: Across all aviation jobs, seniority plays a significant role. Experienced pilots with tenure at a company are often at the top of the pay scale.
Flight Hours and Certifications: More advanced certifications (e.g., ATP – Airline Transport Pilot) and additional endorsements (multi-engine, type ratings) usually lead to higher-paying positions.
Seasonality and Type of Contract: Some flying jobs, like banner towing or crop dusting, are seasonal. Full-time corporate or airline pilots typically earn more consistent annual incomes.
Final Thoughts
Pilots in the United States can expect a wide range of salaries depending on their specific job, level of experience, and the type of aircraft they operate. Entry-level positions like flight instructors and banner tow pilots provide essential experience, while roles like corporate pilots, cargo pilots, and airline captains offer the highest earning potential.
For many pilots, the journey to a high-paying airline or corporate pilot position takes years of hard work, continuous training, and dedication. But for those who reach the top, the rewards—both financial and experiential—can be substantial. Whether you’re just starting or looking to move up the ladder, understanding the various aviation career paths and their earning potential can help you set your goals and navigate your own flight path in the aviation industry.
