How Much Do Airline Pilots Make?

Everyone wants a career where they have comfort and financial security. The job of the pilot is among it. So, if you want to become an airline pilot, you must be wondering how much do airline pilots make. Right? Well, you can stop searching about it as we provide you with the answers to all your questions. The guide below is filled with essential details that will be useful for you. 

It is a very high-paying job with ample opportunities. So, if you are looking to make a career in it, stay tuned.

Get to know How Pilots Get Paid

You must know that pilots are not paid monthly or yearly. Instead, they are paid hourly. Yes, you read that right. This also means that a pilot is paid only while their airplane is running. 

For example, if their hourly rate is $80 and they fly for 80 hours that month, they will be getting $6400. Plus, they’ll also get a per diem, which is basically the payment that they receive when they are away from their base. It covers their meals and other expenses. 

What is the average salary of an Airline Pilot?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for an airline pilot, co-pilot, or flight engineer is $202,180. An average commercial pilot makes $99,640 per year. To lessen pilot tiredness, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes the maximum flight durations. Read the details below for more info. 

• Pilots who have flown for more than eight hours in a 24-hour period are required to take at least eighteen hours off.

• No pilot may fly for more than thirty-two hours in a row for seven consecutive days. 

• In a given calendar month, no pilot is permitted to fly more than 100 hours as a crew member.

What is the starting salary of a Pilot in the US?

You may be curious about your prospective starting pilot income as you embark on this thrilling new path to becoming a pilot. Working as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is the initial step for many recently certified cadets toward a career as a pilot. 

In the United States, the starting pay for a regional airline pilot is usually between $20 and $50 per hour or around $20,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on the airline, kind of aircraft, and the pilot’s experience level.

Salary as per the Aircraft

Pilot pay varies depending on the kind of aircraft they fly and the length of service they provide with an airline. The median yearly pay for a small jet pilot is $104,219, and that of a large jet pilot is a staggering $121,408.

Pilots of non-jet aircraft earn notably less. The median yearly wage for a large non-jet aircraft pilot is a mere $79,106. The median yearly pay for a small non-jet worker is $85,418. Before you start your study, it’s important to keep in mind that pilots must complete distinct training for each type of aircraft for which they are certified.

How much does the First Officer Pilot get paid?

A first officer in aviation, also known as a co-pilot, works along with the Captain in the cockpit to assist them during the flight. The salary of a first officer differs from airline to airline, but you can expect to make $35,000- $50,000 in the initial year of your service. After six years in the position, the typical income for a first officer pilot is between $50,000 and $65,000; however, at certain airlines, after twelve years of devoted service, the average salary ranges from $55,000 to $70,000.

Salary of an Airline Captain 

Being a captain requires you to have a great deal of commitment and responsibility, as well as perform numerous tasks. However, the higher average income reflects this amount of responsibility.

You should anticipate making between $70,000 and $90,000 during the start of one’s career. Your compensation as a Captain will have climbed to an average of $80,000 to $100,000 after six years. After putting in a full year of labor and taking on responsibilities as a Captain, you may make between $95,000 and $115,000.

What are the Benefits or Perks of Being a Pilot? 

In addition to pay, airline pilots receive several other benefits. Some of them are listed below.

• Healthcare and Insurance
• Free Travel
• Retirement Plan
• Bonuses
• Paid Vacation

As the number of passengers flying increases year after year, ample opportunities are being created in this field. So, if you want to become a pilot for your dream of flying or due to financial security, go for it. You will surely have a wonderful experience. 

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