Airline Pilot Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$158,000
national median salary
$98,000 to $238,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$214,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$164,000
Baltimore, MD
Lowest Paying
$124,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Airline Pilot salary in the United States is $158,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $98,000 at the 25th percentile to $238,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $214,000, while Baltimore offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Airline size, aircraft type rating, and seniority number are the primary pay drivers.
Airline Pilot salary by city
What you should know
Airline size, aircraft type rating, and seniority number are the primary pay drivers. Captains at major carriers earn roughly double what regional first officers make. International long-haul routes and widebody type ratings command the highest premiums.
Regional first officers start at $55,000 to $98,000. Upgrading to captain at a regional brings $100,000 to $140,000. Transitioning to a major airline as a first officer pays $150,000 to $200,000, with captains earning $238,000 to $400,000 at top seniority.
Total compensation includes per diem allowances, profit sharing up to 15 to 20% of base, 401(k) matching, and flight-benefit travel. Major carriers also offer retention bonuses of $50,000 to $100,000.