Major Airline Pilot Salary
Fast-Track Your Future: Unmatched Earning Potential
Your Earning Potential as a Professional Pilot
At American Flyers, we completely understand the hesitation when looking at the price tag of flight training. A $100,000 investment is significant, and it’s smart to look at the numbers closely before committing.
The most important factor to consider is the Return on Investment (ROI) and the speed of your earning potential. When you look at the financial reality of where a professional pilot stands just a few years into their career, the numbers speak ffor themselves.
Professional Flight Training
- Total Time: ~2 years (Training) before hitting the airlines.
- Investment: ~$100,000
- Year 1 at an Airline (First Officer): Regional airlines now start First Officers between $90,000 and $100,000+ annually.
- Year 2-3 Salary (Captain Upgrade or Major Airline):
- Regional Captain: $140,000 – $150,000+
- Major Airline First Officer (Delta, United, etc.): $110,000 – $160,000+ (plus 15-16% direct 401k contribution).
Regional Airline Pilot Salaries
First Officer and Captain Pay 2026
Regional Airline
First Officer
(Year 1)
Captain
(Year 6)
Captain
(Year 12)
~$90,720
~$162,500
~$189,000
~$93,000
~$163,230
~$187,090
~$96,000
~$172,500
~$195,000
~$104,270
~$258,910
~$302,060
~$99,000
~$177,660
~$200,340
~$103,000
~$172,000
~$194,000
Major Airline Pilot Salaries
First Officer and Captain Pay 2026
Major Airline
First Officer
(Year 1)
Captain
(Year 6)
Captain
(Year 12)
~$117,735
~$334,178
~$349,540
~$130,478
~$328,241
~$343,541
~$119,968
~$340,756
~$356,443
~$117,735
~$335,680
~$351,339
~$110,221
~$313,467
~$338,500
~$101,088
~$307,044
~$323,460
~$119,245
~$323,143
~$338,212
~$97,000
~$345,247
~$362,212
~$101,500
~$230,200
~$259,000
~$117,900
~$240,300
~$268,200
~$105,919
~$230,200
~$230,200
~$82,690
~$287,566
~$300,859
~$65,275
~$370,216
~$387,454
Note: These numbers are estimates and are not promises of future earnings. Sources: ACN The Grid and Airline Pilot Central. Additional averages of per diem added due to stipends.
Airlines are hiring more now than they ever have in the history of aviation.
Don’t miss out of an amazing opportunity to launch your career at the peak of a hiring with six-figure starting salaries.
For more information on enrollment, or financing your flight training,
contact one of our National Support Team members to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation.