As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pilot I in the United States is $116,405 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Pilot I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Pilot I'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 I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot I | 2-4 years | $116,405 |
| Pilot II | 4-7 years | $142,307 |
| Pilot III | 7+ years | $164,581 |
| Pilot IV | 7-10 years | $196,595 |
| Chief Pilot I | 10+ years | $170,822 |
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 Pilot Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15% |
| Aviation | 5% |
| Counterintelligence | 5% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Security Clearance
|
$157,147 |
35%
|
|
Leadership
|
$155,983 |
34%
|
|
Planning
|
$143,178 |
23%
|
|
Counterintelligence
|
$135,030 |
16%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$133,866 |
15%
|
|
Commitment
|
$130,374 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pilot Is 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 I with a No Diploma is between $111,595 and $121,843).
Pilot I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 14.0% |
| High School | 14.0% |
| Associates | 16.3% |
| Bachelors | 65.1% |
| Masters | 4.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Pilot I'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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Pilot I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Helicopter Pilot | $165,785 | 42% |
| Pilot II | $142,307 | 22% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Pilot I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Pilot I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Pilot I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Pilot I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Pilot I is $146,822.
The highest pay for Pilot I is $140,194.
The lowest pay for Pilot I is $84,000.
Pilots or co-pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
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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