Airline pilots have a demanding job. With a mix of skill, focus, and experience, these modern-day navigators guide multi-million-dollar machines over thousands of miles while responsible for hundreds of passengers’ safety. That’s a tall order.
And even with all those duties and the skills a pilot needs to get you to your destination safely, their importance can sometimes be overlooked. Think about it: When was the last time you really thought about what a pilot was doing while you were on a flight? Chances are the only time you give it any thought is when you’re waiting for the seatbelt sign to be turned off so you can go to the bathroom.
So, how much do pilots make? With responsibilities like they have, it would seem they earn a significant income. But do they? To find out, we researched the median airline pilot salary and the required training to get there. Here’s what we found.
Airline pilots undergo rigorous training
As you sit in your seat and the engines spool up, there’s that high-pitched whine before the brakes release, and then a roar fills the cabin. The airplane hurdles down the runway, the surroundings becoming a blur before the wheels go up and the climb begins. In that situation, you want a skilled professional at the helm. Today’s pilots are just that.
Candidates have several options for becoming airline pilots. One path involves obtaining a specialized degree from a four-year college, like Purdue University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Oklahoma. While students earn a degree in aerospace engineering or aviation, they can also obtain pilot credentials.
Military service is another route, where pilots fly high-tech machines in demanding conditions. Lastly, attending a flight school is another costly method, at up to $80,000.
No matter the pathway, airline pilots must meet several criteria. One is obtaining an instrument rating, which allows them to fly via instruments alone, no matter the weather. Another is having a multi-engine rating, which certifies them to be pilots-in-command (PIC) of complex aircraft. Additionally, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification requires 1,500 hours of accumulated flight time, denoting a pilot’s competence at the controls.
However, there are exceptions to the 1,500-hour requirement. Those holding a bachelor’s degree in aviation only need 1,000. Earning an associate’s degree in aviation reduces it to 1,250. Military pilots only need 750.
Airline pilots earn an excellent salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median wage for airline pilots was $171,210. It seems fair that those responsible for transporting so many across great distances receive significant compensation. So when you sit down and strap in, you can rest assured you’re in the hands of a well-paid professional.
Airlines pilots undergo lengthy training and must meet exacting requirements before getting behind the controls. That makes sense since they guide advanced machines through varying weather conditions and must always be on their game. Along with those nuanced skills comes a healthy salary, a fair reward for someone with such an important job. For more information on pilot training, you can visit the Federal Aviation Administration website, which has detailed resources on this exciting field.
What about private pilots?
While we’ve been discussing salaries for commercial airline pilots, there’s another group of professional pilots — those who fly private jets for corporations, leasing companies, or in some cases, individuals.
While it is the most costly way to fly and is generally reserved for celebrities and ultra-rich society members, private jet travel has increased in the past few years, leading to more openings for private pilots. These pilots still have to undergo rigorous training (although not as rigorous as the training for commercial airline pilots), and they have the same in-flight responsibilities.
The downside to being a private pilot is that there’s no general, regular schedule. The work is based on the demand for the airplane, which can lead to a wide variation in salaries, which range between $160,000 and $300,000 annually, with an average of around $131,000. And while that’s not as much as a pilot for one of the big airlines, it’s still a pretty good payday. So what are you waiting for? Register for flight school today!
