how much does a commercial pilot make

How Much Does A Commercial Pilot Make

Commercial pilots are in high demand, and with good reason. They are responsible for flying thousands of passengers safely to their destinations every day. However, with great responsibility comes great pay. So, how much does a commercial pilot make?

Well, the answer to that question is not straightforward. A commercial pilot’s salary depends on various factors, such as their experience, the type of aircraft they fly, and the airline they work for.

Entry-level commercial pilots in the United States can expect to earn an average of $60,000 to $80,000 annually. However, this figure can increase to as much as $200,000 per year for experienced pilots who work for major airlines.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that can affect a commercial pilot’s salary.

Experience

As with any profession, experience plays a significant role in a commercial pilot’s salary. Entry-level pilots can expect to earn less than their more experienced counterparts. However, as they gain more experience in the field, they can expect to earn more.

For instance, a pilot with less than a year of experience can expect to earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, while a pilot with 20 years of experience can earn up to $250,000 per year or more.

Type of Aircraft

The type of aircraft a commercial pilot flies can also affect their salary. Pilots who fly larger aircraft, such as wide-body or jumbo jets, typically earn more than pilots who fly smaller regional aircraft.

This is because flying larger planes requires more experience and certification, which can translate to higher pay. Pilots who fly cargo planes also tend to earn more than those who fly passenger planes.

Airline

Finally, the airline a commercial pilot works for can significantly impact their salary. Major airlines, such as Delta, United, and American Airlines, typically offer their pilots higher pay and better benefits than smaller regional airlines.

Pilots who work for major airlines can expect to earn an average of $120,000 to $200,000 per year, while those who work for regional airlines can expect to earn around $60,000 to $80,000 per year.

Other Factors

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are other variables that can affect a commercial pilot’s salary. For instance, pilots who work for international airlines may earn more than those who work domestically.

Pilots who work in high-cost cities, such as New York or San Francisco, may also earn more than those who work in smaller cities. Additionally, pilots who work overtime or have specific certifications may earn more than their peers.

Conclusion

In summary, a commercial pilot’s salary depends on many factors, such as their experience, the type of aircraft they fly, and the airline they work for. While entry-level pilots can expect to earn an average of $60,000 to $80,000 per year, experienced pilots who work for major airlines can earn as much as $200,000 per year.

Ultimately, being a commercial pilot can be a lucrative career choice, but it requires dedication, discipline, and a lot of hard work. If you have a passion for flying and are willing to put in the effort, you can have a successful career as a commercial pilot.