As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Airline Captain in the United States is $135,158 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, an Airline Captain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Airline 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Airline 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineer ... Level Airline Captain | $90,210 |
| Engineer ... Level Airline Captain | $108,437 |
| Airline C... Level Airline Captain | $137,237 |
| Engineer ... Level Airline Captain | $158,466 |
| Engineer ... Level Airline Captain | $183,155 |
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 Airline Captains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.9% |
| AWS | 1.93% |
| Programming | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Oracle
|
$150,025 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$145,971 |
8%
|
|
Docker
|
$144,619 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$144,619 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$141,916 |
5%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$140,564 |
4%
|
For Airline Captain roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Airline Captain positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Airline Captain as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $162,190 | $78.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Airline Captains enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Airline Captain with a Bachelor's Degree is between $130,386 and $136,531).
Airline Captain Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 40.9% |
| Doctorate | 13.9% |
Understanding how an Airline 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Airline Captain can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $133,756 in 2023 to around $131,013 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Airline Captain salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $133,756 |
| 2024 | $132,222 |
| 2025 | $131,013 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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