Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers: Salary, Path, and Outlook for 2025
The median annual salary for aircraft pilots and flight engineers is $210,020, with a mean of $243,730 — about $101 per hour. That places this occupation among the highest-paid in the country, but the range is enormous: from $82,810 at the 10th percentile to $428,570 at the 90th, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experience, aircraft type, and employer all drive those big gaps.
How much Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for aircraft pilots and flight engineers was $210,020 as of May 2024. The mean wage — which pulls up toward the highest earners — was $243,730, and the mean hourly wage came to $101.10. Bottom earners made around $82,810, while the top 10% earned more than $428,570.
Pay varies sharply by role. Captains flying large commercial jets typically earn more than first officers or regional pilots. Flight engineers, a shrinking role on older aircraft, earn less than pilots on average.
- Median: $210,020
- Mean: $243,730
- Typical range (10th-90th percentile): $82,810 – $428,570
Pay by state
The BLS does not currently publish state-level wage data for this occupation. However, states with major airline hubs or cargo operations — California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois — typically employ the most pilots and flight engineers, and wages tend to be highest in states with large international airports or major cargo bases. Lower-paying states are generally those with smaller airports and less demand for pilots, such as parts of the Midwest and Mountain West.
How to become an Aircraft Pilot or Flight Engineer
The path to becoming a professional pilot is structured and requires significant investment. At a minimum, you need a commercial pilot's license (CPL) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which you can earn after logging about 250 flight hours, passing written exams, and completing a checkride. Most airlines require an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which demands 1,500 hours of flight time — though military pilots often get reduced requirements. A college degree in aviation or a related field is common but not always mandatory; about 80% of airline pilots have a bachelor's degree.
- Earn FAA commercial pilot license (CPL) — typically 6-12 months full-time.
- Build flight hours to reach 1,500 for ATP certificate (often as flight instructor or charter pilot).
- Pass FAA medical exam (First Class for airline pilots).
- Get type rating for specific aircraft if hired by an airline.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a projected growth rate for aircraft pilots and flight engineers for the 2024-2034 period. However, industry reports suggest steady demand due to airline retirements and growth in air travel over the long term.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for aircraft pilots and flight engineers?
The median annual salary is $210,020, with a mean of $243,730. The bottom 10% earn about $82,810 and the top 10% earn over $428,570.
How long does it take to become an airline pilot?
Typical path takes 2-5 years. Earn a commercial pilot license in about 6-12 months, then build 1,500 flight hours for an ATP certificate — often as a flight instructor or charter pilot — which can take 1-3 more years.
What are the highest-paying states for pilots?
The BLS does not publish state-level wages for this occupation, but high-demand states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois typically pay well.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers data.