As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Helicopter Pilot in the United States is $165,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a Head Helicopter Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Head Helicopter 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 a Head Helicopter 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Head Helicopter Pilot | $159,621 |
| Intermediate Level Head Helicopter Pilot | $160,651 |
| Senior Level Head Helicopter Pilot | $162,710 |
| Specialist Level Head Helicopter Pilot | $171,352 |
| Expert Level Head Helicopter Pilot | $176,349 |
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 Head Helicopter Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Head Helicopter Pilots enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Head Helicopter Pilot with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $165,052 and $178,369).
Head Helicopter Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.4% |
| High School | 20.7% |
| Associates | 6.9% |
| Bachelors | 62.1% |
| Masters | 6.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Head Helicopter 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 January 01, 2026For a Head Helicopter Pilot, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chief Pilot Air Fleet Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $227,300 - a projected growth of 37% over your current level.
Salaries for a Head Helicopter Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $118,447 in 2023 to around $112,151 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head Helicopter Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $118,447 |
| 2024 | $114,810 |
| 2025 | $112,151 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Head Helicopter Pilot typically earns the highest salary among pilots. The minimum salary for this position is $156,500, with a mid-range salary of $177,100, and a maximum salary reaching $221,400. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with leading helicopter operations.
Yes, it is possible to earn over $200k as a helicopter pilot, particularly in specialized roles. The salary data indicates that the minimum salary is $156,500, the mid-range is $177,100, and the maximum can reach $221,400. Positions in offshore operations, corporate roles, or government contracts often offer salaries that exceed $200k.
The cost of obtaining a private pilot's license at a flight school typically ranges from $24,000 to $30,000 for 40-50 flight hours, at $600 per hour. This includes ground school and flight time with an instructor. Keep in mind that additional training may increase costs. As a Head Helicopter Pilot, salaries range from $156,500 to $221,400, reflecting the investment in training.
The annual salary for a Head Helicopter Pilot ranges from a minimum of $156,500 to a maximum of $221,400, with a mid-range salary of approximately $177,100. This reflects the competitive compensation for experienced pilots in this specialized field.
While some pilots, particularly those in specialized roles or with extensive experience, can earn high salaries, the typical salary range for a Head Helicopter Pilot is between $156,500 and $221,400. Therefore, making $500,000 as a pilot is uncommon and generally not achievable within standard salary ranges for this position.
Helicopter pilots in the US can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $156,500 to $221,400, with a median salary of approximately $177,100. This translates to an hourly wage of about $75 to $106, depending on experience and location. Overall, helicopter pilots are well-compensated for their specialized skills and responsibilities.
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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