As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Airline Co-Pilot in the United States is $69, which translates to an annual salary of about $142,501.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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An Airline Co-Pilot's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Airline Co-Pilot's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Pilot | 2-4 years | $116,519 |
| Airline Co-Pilot | 4-7 years | $142,436 |
| Captain | 7+ years | $164,728 |
| Pilot in Commend | 7-10 years | $196,723 |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $170,986 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Airline Co-Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 1.7% |
| Safety Management | 1.14% |
| Counterintelligence | 0.57% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$153,901 |
8%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$153,901 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$146,776 |
3%
|
|
Aviation
|
$145,351 |
2%
|
|
Planning
|
$145,351 |
2%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$143,926 |
1%
|
Airline Co-Pilot salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,522. While startup companies pay approximate $134,952.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $134,952 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $142,727 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $154,046 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $159,522 |
For Airline Co-Pilot roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Airline Co-Pilot positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Airline Co-Pilot as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $168,151 | $81.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $163,876 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $162,451 | $78.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $159,601 | $77.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $156,751 | $75.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Airline Co-Pilots enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Airline Co-Pilot with a No Diploma is between $143,914 and $153,985).
Airline Co-Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 22.5% |
| High School | 22.5% |
| Associates | 10.0% |
| Bachelors | 67.5% |
| Masters | 10.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Airline Co-Pilot's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Airline Co-Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,595 in 2023 to around $93,568 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Airline Co-Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,595 |
| 2024 | $96,612 |
| 2025 | $93,568 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Airline Co-Pilot roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
While the average salary for airline co-pilots ranges from $141,001 to $186,901, some pilots at major airlines can indeed earn over $700,000 annually. The median salary for airline pilots is reported at $219,140, indicating that a significant portion of pilots earn above this figure.
Delta Co-Pilots earn between $141,001 and $186,901 annually, with a mid-salary of $161,901. This range reflects the base salary and potential additional compensation, providing a competitive pay structure for co-pilots at the airline.
American Airlines co-pilots earn between $141,001 and $186,901 annually, with a mid-salary of $161,901. This range reflects the base salary and potential additional compensation, providing a competitive pay structure for co-pilots in the airline industry.
Four Stripes insignia is worn by the captain, who is responsible for the safety and operations of the flight. Airline companies can choose their uniform designs and colors. As a co-pilot, you could earn a salary ranging from $141,001 to $186,901, with a mid-salary of $161,901. The next person wearing those stripes could be you!
Yes, a co-pilot can land a plane. In fact, co-pilots are trained to handle all aspects of flying, including landing. They work closely with the captain and can take control of the aircraft when necessary. The salary for a co-pilot typically ranges from $141,001 to $186,901, with a median salary of around $161,901, reflecting their critical role in aviation safety.
Rank 3: First Officer. First Officers, or co-pilots, wear three stripes and serve as second in command on flights. They assist the Flight Captain in preparing the aircraft, conducting inspections, and monitoring controls during the flight. The salary for a co-pilot ranges from $141,001 to $186,901, with a mid-range salary of $161,901.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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