The Airline Pilots Forum and Resource (2024)

FAQs

What is the average salary of a pilot in the US? ›

In terms of the average salary of pilots in USA is $134,630 per year and INR 1,11,82,637 per year. Years of Experience – The years of experience play an important role, especially in terms of pay scale(kind of the same as any other profession).

The 19th Air Force's goal is to add 1,500 pilots in 2024, according to an Air Force spokesperson. AETC Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn recently noted added that the current shortage lies at around 2,000 pilots, a number that has remained steadfast over the past several years.

Both Republic Airways and SkyWest Airlines, two of the largest U.S. regional airlines have anticipated the shortage and cut their schedules as a result. A major question in the aviation industry when the pandemic hit was when will the demand for pilots return? It looks like that time is already here.

Pilots receive free space-available flights for themselves and family members. Non-revenue flying is based on list priority, which is determined differently at every airline. Jumpseats on the flight deck and in the cabin are available to pilots and flight attendants.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are among the commercial airlines that offer the highest pilot salaries.

In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

The estimated total pay range for a Pilot at Delta Air Lines is $131K–$240K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Pilot base salary at Delta Air Lines is $157K per year. The average additional pay is $17K per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

According to their numbers, the demand for pilots will greatly outstrip supply over the next decade. According to their 2022 estimates, the US market will likely have a shortage of nearly 30,000 pilots by 2030. Regional airlines are likely to be the hardest hit.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots to take their last flight by their 65th birthday, and they cannot fly again after that no matter their health or ability. Most pilots are retiring because of age: At least 5,773 retire each year because they hit the mandatory retirement age of 65.

What is the turnover rate for pilots? ›

The case study of a Part 135 cargo operator showed that the turnover rate for pilots was 46%, compared to the average across all jobs and all industries of 15%. Pilot turnover costs for the carrier were shown to be $17,405, compared to the average across all jobs and all industries of $13,996.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Pilot? It costs $108,995 to become a pilot when starting with no previous experience or $86,995 when starting with a private pilot certificate. Both prices include the flight training and certification necessary to become a commercial pilot with flight instructor certificates.

Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.

The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute. Generally, if pilots need to travel and stay away from home when they are not on a trip, they are responsible for their own accommodations.

Airline pilots typically get standby travel benefits, not exactly "free flights." They (and sometimes family) fly for free if empty seats exist on flights (often standby priority based on seniority). So, complimentary flights aren't guaranteed, but travel perks are a major benefit for pilots.

Established airline pilots are paid very well, with the annual earnings of senior captains around $400,000. The most experienced pilots and best paid pilots are earning to over $700,000 per year in the U.S.

How much does a Southwest Pilot make? As of Aug 2, 2024, the average annual pay for a Southwest Pilot in the United States is $130,916 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $62.94 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,517/week or $10,909/month.