As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Airplane Pilot in the United States is $171,163 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, an Airplane Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Airplane Pilot'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 Airplane Pilot'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 |
|---|---|
| Pilot II Level Airplane Pilot | $143,490 |
| Pilot III... Level Airplane Pilot | $165,947 |
| Pilot IV Level Airplane Pilot | $198,179 |
| Airplane ... Level Airplane Pilot | $172,251 |
| Chief Pil... Level Airplane Pilot | $229,178 |
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 Airplane Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 22.91% |
| Avionics | 2.18% |
| Regulatory Compliance | 1.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$184,856 |
8%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$184,856 |
8%
|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$184,856 |
8%
|
|
Program Management
|
$184,856 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$183,144 |
7%
|
|
Credit Card
|
$183,144 |
7%
|
For Airplane Pilot roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Airplane Pilot positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Airplane Pilot as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $239,628 | $115.0 | 40% |
| Insurance | $231,070 | $111.0 | 35% |
| Software & Networking | $222,512 | $107.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $213,954 | $103.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $205,396 | $99.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Airplane Pilots 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 an Airplane Pilot with a No Diploma is between $184,606 and $197,499).
Airplane Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 10.3% |
| Bachelors | 53.8% |
| Masters | 19.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.6% |
Understanding how an Airplane Pilot'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Airplane Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $119,324 in 2023 to around $112,981 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Airplane Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $119,324 |
| 2024 | $115,660 |
| 2025 | $112,981 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Airplane Pilot roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.)
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