Pilots serve a responsible role globally, connecting every corner of the world effortlessly. As per recent news, there is a trend occurring in the airline and commercial aviation sectors. In the US, over the next ten years, employment opportunities in the airline industry will increase by 7000. This will result in a surge in the salary of pilots in the US. This blog will give a detailed overview of pilots’ salaries in the US. Before that, let us understand pilot employment.
Categories of Occupation for Pilots
Pilots are segmented as per their occupation and certification. Therefore, some operate regionally and globally, and some do not. To understand their occupation and salary structure, check now how they are segmented. The two categories and the salary are as follows –
- Commercial Pilot:
Pilots who navigate a fixed wing airship require a commercial pilot certificate to drive. They are operated on non-scheduled air carrier trails. This also includes charter pilots, air ambulance and air tour pilots who should have the same certification. However, this excludes regional and international aircrews.
Remuneration of Commercial Pilots in the US
Reports deliver that commercial pilots earn double the average annual salary of the rest of the professions. Their wages can surge up to $105,870. This depends mostly upon geographical locations and some states where they are paid more. The table below represents the highest paying states in the US for commercial pilots.
| State | Average Salary in US Dollars |
| Connecticut | $150,100 |
| Georgia | $148,500 |
| New York | $148,980 |
| Alaska | $125,080 |
| Florida | $120,740 |
| Maryland | $120,040 |
| Massachusetts | $117,950 |
| Minnesota | $115,900 |
| California | $110,580 |
| New Mexico | $110,080 |
The average annual wage of aircrews in Massachusetts and Alaska noticed a marked increase. From an average annual salary of $72,050, it surged to $117,950 in Massachusetts. However, Alaska had an increase in salary from $78,080 to $125,080 in a span of 5 years.
- Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers:
Pilots of scheduled air carrier routes who navigate a fixed wing airship require a certificate of Federal Air Transport. They work mainly for carrying passengers and cargo. Apart from this certificate, they require a rating for the exact airship used. Moreover, this section includes pilots from regional and global airline industries.
Depending on their type of occupation and certification, airline and commercial pilots receive salaries. They also fluctuate as per states, roles and years of experience. First, let us see how much an airline pilot’s salary is.
Salary of Airline Pilots in the US
According to reports, airline pilots earn more than triple the average annual remuneration of all professions. Their average annual salary can surge up to $175,870. Below is a table displaying some of the highest paying states for this aircrew.
| State | Average Salary |
| Michigan | $240,270 |
| Nevada | $238,750 |
| Washington | $236,060 |
| Florida | $230,930 |
| Oregon | $215,100 |
| California | $210,070 |
| Illinois | $195,810 |
| Colorado | $185,620 |
| Texas | $185,000 |
| Alaska | $175,030 |
The average annual wage of aircrews in the state of Michigan and Washington has a marked hike. While Michigan noticed a surge of $114,650 to $240,270, Washington rose from $98,290 to $236,060 in a span of 5 years.
How Can A Pilot in the US Maximise Their Pay?
A pilot’s average wage differs due to specific reasons. However, it is wise to seek opportunities here and set up a pilot’s career. There is a possibility that one can seek a high salary here due to the variety of roles they offer. However, here is a process to maximise paychecks in the aircraft industry:
- Role in Tourism/Seasonal Trade
Some geographical locations are accessible only via planes. This results in a need for a professional pilot. Tourism sectors and seasonal trades are great scopes to increase annual average paychecks. Apart from this, these roles can offer high pay, and pilots can choose them alongside a full-time job.
- Seek Opportunities in the High Paying States
States that operate major aircraft and heavy air traffic allow more significant roles and better wages. Locations such as Illinois, Texas, Chicago, San Francisco, California, etc., have heavy air traffic. The airline industry, therefore, recruits professional and experienced pilots here. As a result, they tend to pay higher to these aircrews.
- Higher Pay-Outs As Per Seniority
One can become a first officer who fulfils the minimum requirement of flying 1500 hours. This means they have accomplished the initial training period. Additionally, as pilots gain experience and knowledge of regional and international airlines, they are selected for higher roles. This automatically graduates them to garner more salary as per job role.
Major airlines are significant players in the airline industry. If one wants a better salary for a pilot in the US, one can apply to these airlines that offer a good package. However, to apply to these companies, one requires significant experience. A pilot’s job is quite challenging and requires ample time and effort to develop certain skills. So, start applying for companies in the US one desires to work with and raise the prospect of grabbing a higher pay scale.
