Aircraft Captain Salaries in the United States
How Much Does an Aircraft Captain Make?
Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Aircraft Captain in the United States is $161,243.
While Salary.com is seeing that Aircraft Captain salary in the US can go up to $205,802
or down to $118,038, but most earn between $138,628 and $184,567.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors,
including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Aircraft Captain
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Similar Job Salaries to Aircraft Captain by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
honeywell
Aircraft Captain
|
$105,261/yr
|
RANGE: $89,682 - $120,840
|
|
Guardian Flight
Aircraft Captain
|
$169,489/yr
|
RANGE: $142,859 - $196,119
|
|
Wayne-Sanderson Farms
Captain of Commercial Aircraft
|
$162,847/yr
|
RANGE: $135,581 - $190,113
|
|
Sacramento County, CA
Fire Captain, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
|
$83,990/yr
|
RANGE: $74,948 - $93,031
|
|
County of Sacramento California
Fire Captain, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
|
$214,404/yr
|
RANGE: $186,581 - $242,228
|
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Vertex Aerospace, LLC
CBA AIRCRAFT SERVICER (PLANE CAPTAIN) - T-45 PROGRAM - NAS MERIDIAN, MS
|
$131,578/yr
|
RANGE: $110,960 - $152,195
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Allen Marine Tours
Captain
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$173,873/yr
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RANGE: $152,060 - $195,686
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Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
Captain
|
$96,523/yr
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RANGE: $84,113 - $108,933
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Dave & Buster's, Inc.
Captain
|
$80,786/yr
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RANGE: $68,199 - $93,373
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What Does an Aircraft Captain Do?
The clue is in the title “co-pilot” — the “co” means “joint” or “together.” The co-pilot is as proficient in flying the aircraft and equally trained as the captain.
Updated December 10, 2021
Even when the first officer is the flying pilot, however, the captain remains ultimately responsible for the aircraft, its passengers, and the crew.
Updated December 09, 2021
To Captain a commercial aircraft, you must have logged at least 1,500 flight hours and hold a full Air Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL).
Updated December 03, 2021
The captain sits in the left hand seat and has the overall responsibility of the aircraft and its occupants.
Updated November 28, 2021
The first officer assists the captain in preflight duties by reviewing paperwork and performing aircraft preflight checks.
Updated November 26, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About an Aircraft Captain Salaries
What is the average of an Aircraft Captain in the United States?
The Aircraft Captain salary range is from $138,628 to $184,567, and the average Aircraft Captain salary is $161,243/year in the United States.
The Aircraft Captain's salary will change in different locations.
Which location pays the highest Aircraft Captain salary in the United States?
The Aircraft Captain salary in San Jose, CA is $203,376
which is the highest in the US.
What kinds of reasons will influence the Aircraft Captain's salary?
Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary.
Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Aircraft Captain.
What is the growth rate of the Aircraft Captain's salary?
If you are thinking of becoming an Aircraft Captain or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of an Aircraft Captain.
Recent Salary Report
Below are the most recent Aircraft Captain salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.
$12,416
Monthly
An Aircraft Captain in Eau Claire, WI reported making $12,416 per month
Eau Claire, WI
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$158,102
Yearly
An Aircraft Captain in Glendale, AZ reported making $158,102 per year
Glendale, AZ
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$86
Hourly
An Aircraft Captain in Fishers, IN reported making $86 per hour
Fishers, IN
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$210,820
Yearly
An Aircraft Captain in Benton Harbor, MI reported making $210,820 per year
Benton Harbor, MI
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$95
Hourly
An Aircraft Captain in Bloomfield, NJ reported making $95 per hour
Bloomfield, NJ
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$192,818
Yearly
An Aircraft Captain in Fairfield, CT reported making $192,818 per year
Fairfield, CT
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
