As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Airline Co-Pilot in the United States is $142,401 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, an Airline Co-Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $116,449 |
| Airline Co-Pilot | 4-7 years | $142,357 |
| Captain | 7+ years | $164,637 |
| Pilot in Commend | 7-10 years | $196,644 |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $170,885 |
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
|
$153,793 |
8%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$153,793 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$146,673 |
3%
|
|
Aviation
|
$145,249 |
2%
|
|
Planning
|
$145,249 |
2%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$143,825 |
1%
|
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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Airline Co-Pilot, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Head Helicopter Pilot | $165,900 | 17% |
| Captain | $164,700 | 16% |
Salaries 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $101,595 |
| 2024 | $96,612 |
| 2025 | $93,568 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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