Commercial Pilot Salary 2025: $123,220 Median, Top Earners Over $266K

How much Commercial Pilots earn

The median annual wage for commercial pilots is $123,220. The mean hourly wage lands at about $59, and the mean annual salary across all pilots is $146,080. That average is pulled up by the highest earners.

The typical range stretches from $58,850 at the 10th percentile to $266,620 at the 90th. That bottom tier often represents flight instructors or new regional first officers. The top tier includes senior captains at major airlines and long-haul cargo operators.

Seniority is the single biggest factor. A first-year regional first officer might make $40,000–$60,000. A 20-year captain at a major airline can clear $300,000. The BLS median captures early- to mid-career pay.

Pay by state

Connecticut pays commercial pilots the most: $232,160 average. New Jersey follows at $226,710, New York at $177,430, California at $165,590, and Delaware at $163,600. These states host major airline hubs, corporate flight departments, and high cost-of-living adjustments.

Louisiana averages $95,940, Arkansas $94,410, and South Dakota $83,710. These states have less airline traffic, more regional or agricultural flying, and lower overall pay scales.

How to become a Commercial Pilot

You need a Commercial Pilot Certificate from the FAA. That starts with a Private Pilot Certificate, then instrument and multi-engine ratings. Most pilots also get a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate to build the 1,500 hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

The typical timeline: 2–3 years from zero time to CFI, then 1–2 years instructing to reach 1,500 hours. Some pilots pay for fast-track programs or work for banner towing, skydiving, or cargo feeder operations. An associate's or bachelor's degree is not required but many airlines prefer one. Military service is another path — pilots can convert military flight time to civilian certificates.

• Earn FAA Private Pilot Certificate (minimum 40 flight hours).
• Get Instrument Rating (additional 20–30 hours).
• Pass Commercial Pilot checkride (250 hours total time required).
• Add Multi-Engine Rating (10–15 hours).
• Build flight hours to 1,500 (often through CFI job).
• Obtain Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
• Apply to regional airlines or corporate operators.

Job outlook

BLS projects 5.1% employment growth for commercial pilots from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That equates to about 6,600 openings per year, mostly from need to replace retiring pilots.

Retirements are the big driver. Many legacy airline pilots were hired in the 1980s and 1990s and are now hitting the mandatory 65-year retirement age. That creates a flow of openings from major airlines down to regionals. Demand for cargo and charter pilots is also steady. The 1,500-hour rule acts as a gate — but also keeps supply tight, which supports wages.

Frequently asked questions