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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Captain in Colorado is $168,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, an Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Captain Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $179,400 | $14,950 | $3,450 | $86 |
| Average | $168,200 | $14,017 | $3,235 | $81 |
| 25th Percentile | $147,700 | $12,308 | $2,840 | $71 |
The GEO Group - 80010, CO
The GEO Group - Hudson, CO
The GEO Group - Hudson, CO
Eigelberger LLC - Basalt, CO
An Captain'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Captain'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 | $118,908 |
| First Officer | 4-7 years | $145,355 |
| Captain | 7+ years | $168,104 |
| Pilot in Commend | 7-10 years | $200,743 |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $174,492 |
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 Captains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Captain salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $187,971. While startup companies pay approximate $159,004.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $159,004 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $168,163 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $181,510 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $187,971 |
For Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Captain positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $218,660 | $105.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $210,250 | $101.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $201,840 | $97.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $193,430 | $93.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $185,020 | $89.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Captain'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $179,400 | $14,950 | $3,450 | $86 |
| Average | $168,200 | $14,017 | $3,235 | $81 |
| 25th Percentile | $147,700 | $12,308 | $2,840 | $71 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Captain, 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 | $169,400 | 1% |
| Pilot in Commend | $200,800 | 19% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Captain job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Madeline Hotel and Residences
Telluride, CO
Madeline Hotel and Residences | Telluride, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Perched in the heart of Telluride’s Mountain Village, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Collectio... more
4 Days Ago
The Ranch Country Club
Westminster, CO
The Ranch Country Club | Westminster, CO
About the JobSummary:Supervises and coordinates activities of service staff engaged in providing outstanding service to Members & Guests.Essential Duties a... more
5 Days Ago
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
Colorado Springs, CO
Garden of the Gods Resort and Club | Colorado Springs, CO
Position Purpose & SummaryTo direct staff assigned to the Banquet Department. To supervise and coordinate the food and beverage service of banquet function... more
5 Days Ago
Tandem Hospitality Group LLC
Longmont, CO
Tandem Hospitality Group LLC | Longmont, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Banquet Captain - Hotel Longmont. Full Time. Reports to: Director of Food & Beverage. Salary: $18 per hour + 3% tip pool.... more
5 Days Ago
Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC
Denver, CO
Crescent Hotels & Resorts LLC | Denver, CO
Job Description. Job Description. About The Source Hotel. Nestled in Denver’s vibrant RiNo Art District, The Source Hotel is a modern retreat that seamless... more
5 Days Ago
Doubletree by Hilton Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
Doubletree by Hilton Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO
Job Description. Job Description. As a Banquet Captain at DoubleTree by Hilton, you'll lead a dynamic team to deliver memorable experiences that leave a la... more
6 Days Ago
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