The life of a pilot is exciting, challenging, and—depending on your path—potentially very lucrative. But exactly how much do pilots make in the United States?
The answer depends on the type of flying you do, your experience, your employer, and even the part of the country you’re based in.
From flight instructors building hours to major airline captains pulling in half a million dollars a year, here’s the 2025 salary breakdown for pilots across different aviation jobs—plus insider details you won’t find in a brochure.
1. Flight Instructor
Most professional pilots start here. As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), you’ll teach new students while building the flight hours needed for airline or corporate jobs. Pay can vary wildly.
Starting Pay: Around $35,000/year for new CFIs at small schools
Average Pay: Around $94,620/year (ZipRecruiter)
Top Earners: $200k+ for turbine-rated instructors or those at busy, high-demand schools
Hourly: Around $28.55/hour (Indeed)
💡 Insider note: One experienced CFI on Reddit reported making over $200k in a year teaching in turbine aircraft—but cautioned that as a new CFI, $35k is more realistic.
2. Banner Tow Pilot
A seasonal and niche gig where you tow advertising banners over beaches, sports events, and city skylines. It’s fun, builds hours, and tests your stick-and-rudder skills.
Season Pay: $15,000–$25,000 per summer season
Hourly: $20–$30/hour
Reality Check: Jobs are weather-dependent, and hours vary—don’t expect full-time year-round income.
3. Crop Duster / Agricultural Pilot
Also called aerial applicators, these pilots spray pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers over farmland. It’s precision, low-level flying—and it can be very profitable.
Typical Range: $40,000–$100,000/year
Top Earners: $150,000+ in high-demand regions with long growing seasons
Factors: Aircraft type, crop type, and location all play huge roles
4. Pipeline & Powerline Patrol Pilot
These pilots fly low along pipelines and powerlines to inspect for damage. The work requires precision and consistency.
Typical Pay: $40,000–$70,000/year
Hourly: $20–$40/hour
Perks: Often steady year-round work compared to other low-level flying jobs
5. Corporate / Business Jet Pilot
Corporate pilots fly private jets for businesses, high-net-worth individuals, or charter companies. The schedules can be unpredictable, but the pay can be outstanding.
Typical Range: $70,000–$150,000/year
Top Earners: Up to $360,300/year—Starbucks recently posted a corporate captain role at this salary
Contract Rates: $250–$1,500/day for type-rated contract pilots (e.g., Gulfstream G550, Global Express)
6. Cargo Pilot
Flying boxes instead of passengers, cargo pilots work for companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Many flights happen at night, but the pay rivals major passenger airlines.
Entry-Level Pay: $70,000–$120,000/year
Median Pay: $226,600/year (BLS 2024 data for airline/commercial pilots)
Top Earners: $239,200+; senior widebody captains can approach $300k/year
7. Regional Airline Pilot
Regional airlines operate shorter routes for major carriers. Most pilots start here before moving up to the majors.
First Officer: $55,000–$100,000/year depending on airline and seniority
Captain: $70,000–$120,000/year
Career Note: Many regionals now offer signing bonuses and improved pay to attract pilots
8. Major Airline Pilot (First Officer & Captain)
The goal for many: flying for a major airline like Delta, United, or American. This is where the big money is.
First Officer: $48,500–$174,000/year (base pay, depending on carrier)
Captain: $137,000–$270,000/year base pay
Top Earnings: $500k+ for senior captains with overtime and international widebody flying
Example: A New York-based FO reported earning $213.97/hour ($17,109/month for 80 hours). As a captain, the same pilot could hit $350/hour ($27,199/month).
Other Factors That Influence Pilot Salaries
Location: Pilots in high-cost, high-demand regions often earn more (but also spend more).
Union Representation: Airline pilots with strong unions often see higher pay and better benefits.
Seniority: Across the industry, seniority = higher pay and better schedules.
Certifications: Additional ratings (ATP, multi-engine, type ratings) open doors to higher-paying jobs.
Seasonality: Some roles (banner towing, crop dusting) are seasonal, while airline and corporate jobs provide steady income year-round.
Final Approach
In 2025, pilot salaries in the U.S. range from modest starting pay for entry-level roles to half a million dollars or more for senior airline captains.
The journey takes time, training, and thousands of flight hours—but the financial and lifestyle rewards can be substantial.
Whether you’re aiming for the airlines, a corporate flight department, or a niche flying job, understanding the earning potential can help you chart your course.
✈ Ready to find a flight school and start your journey?
Search the FlightSchoolList.com directory to discover programs near you.
