As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Line Pilot AEL in the United States is $94,801 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Line Pilot AEL's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Line Pilot AEL'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 Line Pilot AEL'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 Line Pilot AEL | $92,292 |
| Intermediate Level Line Pilot AEL | $92,473 |
| Senior Level Line Pilot AEL | $92,726 |
| Specialist Level Line Pilot AEL | $93,773 |
| Expert Level Line Pilot AEL | $100,627 |
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 Line Pilot AELs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communicates Effectively | 30.59% |
| Aviation | 4.71% |
| Safety Inspections | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$102,385 |
8%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$102,385 |
8%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$99,541 |
5%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$99,541 |
5%
|
|
Flight Operations
|
$99,541 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$98,593 |
4%
|
For Line Pilot AEL roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Line Pilot AEL positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Line Pilot AEL as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $123,241 | $59.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $113,761 | $55.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $109,021 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $109,021 | $52.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $104,281 | $50.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Line Pilot AELs 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 Line Pilot AEL with a No Diploma is between $96,101 and $105,581).
Line Pilot AEL Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 26.7% |
| Associates | 11.4% |
| Bachelors | 48.9% |
| Masters | 10.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Line Pilot AEL'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 a Line Pilot AEL can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,769 in 2023 to around $66,004 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Line Pilot AEL salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $75,769 |
| 2024 | $69,266 |
| 2025 | $66,004 |
| 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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