Pilot Salary Estimator
Estimate annual pilot pay based on employer type and seniority. The calculator covers seven US career tracks: regional airline, low-cost carrier, legacy major, cargo major (FedEx, UPS), corporate (NetJets, Flexjet), Part 135 charter, and Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI). Ranges reflect 2026 pilot union contract scales (ALPA, APA, IPA, IBT) plus the BLS Occupational Outlook 2024 for non-union segments.
Estimates based on 2026 industry-average pay scales. Real compensation includes per-diem, bonuses, profit sharing, and varies by aircraft type, schedule, base location, and seniority. Major airline captains on widebody equipment can exceed $700k with overtime.
How this calculator works
US airline pilot pay is set by collective bargaining agreements at virtually all Part 121 carriers. Annual W-2 depends on three things: hourly contract rate (a function of seat, equipment, and longevity), hours flown (the contract guarantees 70-80 hours/month; bidding for more pays time-and-a-half), and per-diem (untaxed reimbursement for time away from base, $2-$3/hour, can add $5-$10k/year).
Captain pay at the top is dominated by widebody international flying at the legacy majors (Delta, United, American) and the cargo majors (FedEx, UPS). A senior 777/787 Captain in year 12+ at a major can reach $400-$550k base; with overtime and per-diem $600k+ is achievable. Cargo majors historically pay slightly above passenger majors at the top.
Non-union segments (corporate, Part 135, CFI) are more variable. NetJets and Flexjet have pilot union contracts; one-aircraft Part 91 flight departments do not. CFI pay is typically $30-$60/flight hour; a busy CFI at a Part 141 academy can earn $60-$95k/year, but it's variable hour-by-hour income.
Default assumptions & sources
Every default value the calculator starts with, the realistic range you'd see in the field, and the source we used to set it.
| Input | Default | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer type | Regional airline | 7 categories | ALPA, APA, IPA, IBT contracts + BLS 2024 |
| Years at this employer | 1 | 1-20+ | Longevity step in union contract |
| Seat | First Officer | FO / Captain | Contract pay rates separate seats |
| Aircraft size (mainline) | Narrowbody | Narrow / Wide | Widebody rates ~15-25% higher |
| Hours per month | 75 | 65-95 | FAA 14 CFR 117 limits; contract guarantees |
| Regional FO year 1 | $55-$95k | fixed | SkyWest, Republic, Envoy, PSA 2026 scales |
| Legacy Capt yr 12 narrowbody | $290-$400k | fixed | Delta, United, American 2026 contracts |
| Cargo Capt yr 12 widebody | $380-$550k+ | fixed | FedEx, UPS 2026 contracts |
What's not modeled
The calculator covers the major cost and time line items. These additional factors apply in some cases but aren't included in the estimate:
- 401(k) employer contribution (often 16% of pay at legacies, direct contribution, not match)
- Profit sharing (Delta, United, Southwest can pay 10-20% of W-2 in profitable years)
- Per-diem ($5-$10k annually, untaxed under IRS Rev Proc)
- Health insurance value ($15-$25k annually for family coverage at major airlines)
- Quality-of-life factors (commutable schedule, jumpseat privileges, retirement age 65 vs 67)
- Tax (state income tax varies; Texas, Florida, Washington = no state income tax)
Frequently asked questions
What does a first-year regional First Officer actually earn in 2026?
After the 2022-2023 pilot shortage pay raises, regional FO year 1 typically ranges $55,000-$95,000 in W-2 income depending on carrier. SkyWest, Republic, Envoy, and PSA all increased first-year rates significantly. Many regionals also offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$25,000 tied to flow agreements with their major partner.
#How long until I make $200,000 as an airline pilot?
Typical path: 1-2 years as regional FO ($60-$110k), upgrade to regional Captain at year 2-4 ($130-$180k), then flow or hire to mainline FO at year 4-6 (year 1 mainline FO $100-$140k). Mainline FO year 5 is typically $180-$280k. Reaching $200k consistently takes about 5-7 years from regional FO start date.
#Do cargo pilots really earn more than passenger pilots?
At the top end, yes. FedEx and UPS Captain rates on widebody (777, MD-11, 747) at year 12+ exceed Delta/United/American Captain rates on equivalent equipment by 5-15%, mostly because cargo flies more international and overnight, which contractually pays premium. At the FO level and mid-seniority, passenger and cargo are roughly comparable.
#What does a CFI actually earn?
CFI pay is typically $30-$60 per flight hour (not per work hour). A busy CFI at a Part 141 academy flying 80-100 hours per month grosses $45,000-$75,000 annually. A part-time CFI flying 20-40 hours per month grosses $15,000-$30,000. Most use it as a 12-18 month hour-building bridge to regional airline hiring at 1,250 hours (R-ATP) or 1,500 (ATP).
#Related guides & tools
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual costs, timelines, and salaries vary by region, school, employer, aircraft type, contract version, and individual circumstances. Always verify with official sources: the FAA (faa.gov), the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook (bls.gov/ooh), 14 CFR Part 61 / Part 141 / Part 117 on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ecfr.gov), and the pilot union or employer's current contract.