As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pilot in Command in the United States is $196,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.
However, a Pilot in Command's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Pilot in Command Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $213,500 | $17,792 | $4,106 | $103 |
| Average | $196,900 | $16,408 | $3,787 | $95 |
| 25th Percentile | $170,900 | $14,242 | $3,287 | $82 |
A Pilot in Command'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 Pilot in Command'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 |
|---|---|---|
| First Officer | 4-7 years | $142,516 |
| Captain | 7+ years | $164,819 |
| Pilot in Command | 7-10 years | $196,801 |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $171,087 |
| Chief Pilot Air Fleet Manager | 10+ years | $227,616 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 10.41% |
| Avionics | 1.87% |
| Cost Management | 0.19% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Pilot in Command's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Management Skills | $246,125 | |
| Analysis | $238,249 | |
| Problem Solving | $234,311 |
Pilot in Command salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,754. While startup companies pay approximate $186,121.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $186,121 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $196,782 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $212,191 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $219,754 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pilot in Commands 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 a Pilot in Command with a No Diploma is between $188,631 and $201,728).
| Typical Education for Pilot in Command | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 19.0% |
| High School | 19.0% |
| Associates | 14.3% |
| Bachelors | 52.4% |
| Masters | 14.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Pilot in Command'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 | $213,500 | $17,792 | $4,106 | $103 |
| Average | $196,900 | $16,408 | $3,787 | $95 |
| 25th Percentile | $170,900 | $14,242 | $3,287 | $82 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Pilot in Command, 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 | $166,100 | -16% |
| Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager | $171,100 | -13% |
Salaries for a Pilot in Command can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,984 in 2023 to around $135,774 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Pilot in Command salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $150,984 |
| 2024 | $143,639 |
| 2025 | $135,774 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Pilot in Command roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
The salary data for pilots in command indicates a minimum salary of $187,000, a mid-range salary of $210,600, and a maximum salary of $240,600. While the title of the richest pilot is subjective, Howard Hughes Jr. is often recognized for his wealth and contributions to aviation, though specific current earnings may vary.
The salary data for pilots in command indicates a minimum salary of $187,000, a mid-range salary of $210,600, and a maximum salary of $240,600. While some airlines may offer higher salaries, these figures reflect the competitive compensation for pilots in command across the industry.
With the lifting of COVID-19-related sanctions on air travel, demand rebounded quickly in North America, leading to an acute pilot shortage of about 8,000 pilots, or 11% of the supply. This gap is expected to widen throughout the decade. Pilots in command can expect salaries ranging from $187,000 to $240,600, reflecting the high demand for their expertise.
Boeing 777 pilots earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $187,000, a mid-range salary of $210,600, and a maximum of $240,600 per year. This places them well above the average salaries of other aircraft pilots, which typically range from $60,000 to $80,000, highlighting the lucrative nature of this profession.
The salary data for a Pilot in Command indicates a range from $187,000 to $240,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $210,600. While some airlines like Atlas Air Worldwide and DHL Supply Chain offer higher salaries, the average for a Pilot in Command is significantly lower than those top-paying companies.
F-35 pilots earn an annual salary ranging from $187,000 to $240,600, with a mid-salary of $210,600. This translates to approximately $89.90 to $115.00 per hour, $3,596 to $4,800 weekly, or $15,583 to $20,050 monthly, reflecting the competitive compensation for this critical role in aviation.
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