For instance, Southwest Airlines pilots earn an average annual salary of $222,000. However, some Southwest pilots earn as much as $549,000. Similarly, United Airlines pilots earn an average of $205,000. The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000.
According to figures from The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline pilots is $114,200, but starting pay for a regional airline First Officer could be as little as $28,000, while ending pay for a major airline Captain could be several hundred thousand per year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots is around $202,180. Medical doctors came in with a salary of $208,000, lawyers $127,990 and engineers with a median annual wage of $79,840.
Based on 450 annual owner-operated hours and $6.00-per-gallon fuel cost, the BOEING 737-700 has total variable costs of $2,996,910.00, total fixed costs of $357,370.00, and an annual budget of $3,354,280.00. This breaks down to $7,453.96 per hour.
Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.
Average Delta Air Lines Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $180,067, which is 171% above the national average. Salary information comes from 4 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Can pilots make 200k? By flying larger jets, pilots are better compensated and with better work life balance. Pay: The range varies significantly based on seniority and aircraft but can be anywhere from $100-$200k within the first 5 years and can increase to upwards of $350k.
These are very highly skilled and trained individuals that not only paid a lot of money to do the job they love but also acquired a lot of knowledge during the process. And these are the reasons why airlines pay pilots so much.
Commercial Airline Pilot — A Ten Million Dollar CareerEstablished airline pilots are paid very well, with the annual earnings of senior captains around $400,000, some pilots can expect a ten million dollar career in total earnings, illustrated below according to the typical career progression.