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Pilot in Command Salary in the United States

How much does a Pilot in Command make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $228,613
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $170,900 to $213,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $147,228

Key Factors That Influence Pilot in Command Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Pilot in Command Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
First Officer4-7 years$142,516
Captain7+ years$164,819
Pilot in Command7-10 years$196,801
Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager10+ years$171,087
Chief Pilot Air Fleet Manager10+ years$227,616

Top Paying Cities for Pilot in Commands

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:

  • San Jose: $248,300
  • San Francisco: $245,600
  • Oakland: $240,400

What Skills Can Increase a Pilot in Command's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 10.41% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Avionics (Mentioned in 1.87% Job Postings): Avionics are the electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to perform individual functions. These can be as simple as a searchlight for a police helicopter or as complicated as the tactical system for an airborne early warning platform. The term avionics is a portmanteau of the words aviation and electronics.
  • Cost Management (Mentioned in 0.19% Job Postings): Planning and controlling the cost or budget of a business to generate savings and maximize long-term profits.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 10.41%
Avionics 1.87%
Cost Management 0.19%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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.

  • Management Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Management Skills $246,125
25%
Analysis $238,249
21%
Problem Solving $234,311
19%

Pilot in Command Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Pilot in Command Salary by Company Size

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

Pilot in Command Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Pilot in Command roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Pilot in Command positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Pilot in Command as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Pilot in Command

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$246,125$118.025%
Biotechnology$236,280$114.020%
Pharmaceuticals$236,280$114.020%
Energy & Utilities$226,435$109.015%
Aerospace & Defense$216,590$104.010%

How Education impacts a Pilot in Command's Salary?

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).

Pilot in Command Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Pilot in Command Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$170,900
Average $196,900/year
$213,500
$14,242
Average $16,408/month
$17,792
$3,287
Average $3,787/week
$4,106
$82
Average $95/hour
$103
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

Pilot in Command Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Pilot in Command Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Head Helicopter Pilot $166,100 -16%
Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager $171,100 -13%

Most common benefits for Pilot in Command

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Pilot in Command

Here are companies hiring for Pilot in Command and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Pilot in Command

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Pilot in Command?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Pilot in Command roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Who is the richest pilot in the world?

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.

3. Which pilot has highest salary in USA?

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.

4. Is there a pilot shortage?

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.

5. How much do Boeing 777 pilots make?

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.

6. What airline pays the most?

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.

7. How much do F 35 pilots make a year?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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