✈️ How much does an airline pilot make?

• Pay: Airline pilots often start as first officers, and their wages rise with experience and seniority. Source
• Per diem: Pilots receive an expense allowance for meals and other costs while away from home. Source
• Extra international-flight pay: Pilots may earn extra pay for international flights. Source

U.S. airline pilots typically earn a bachelor's degree and train with an FAA-certified school or instructor. They earn pilot certificates and ratings, then build experience as a commercial or military pilot. Usually at 23 or older, they meet ATP experience rules and pass its training and tests; the airline then trains them on its aircraft.

1. Study at college, often earning a bachelor’s degree, and choose a flight school or instructor.
2. Train and earn pilot certificates and ratings, progressing through commercial pilot training.
3. Build flight experience as a commercial or military pilot.
4. Meet the flight-time requirements, complete ATP training, and pass the written and practical tests.
5. Join an airline and complete training for the aircraft you will fly.

Qualifications and exams

Standard airplane ATP: age 23, commercial certificate with instrument rating, 1,500 flight hours, and written and practical tests. Multiengine ATP needs CTP; some restricted paths allow age 21.

Before departure, pilots check the weather, route, fuel, and aircraft with the other pilot and prepare a flight plan. In the air, they watch the instruments and weather as they fly; after landing, they record flight details. Long trips can include an overnight stay.

How much does an airline pilot make a year?

Typical pay for U.S. airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $232,140 a year in May 2025, says the BLS. Source

How does experience affect airline pilots’ pay?

Often, yes. Airline pilots usually begin as first officers, and their wages increase as they gain experience and seniority. Source

Do pilots get help with costs when away from home?

Usually, airlines provide hotel stays, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses when pilots are away from home. Source

Can international flights bring extra pay?

They may. Airline pilots can earn extra pay for international flights. Source

What do pilots do besides flying?

They check weather and prepare flight plans, among other tasks. BLS says pilots average 75 hours of flying and another 150 hours on other work each month. Source

Do airline pilots come home every night?

Not always. Airline pilots have changing schedules, and flight assignments can keep them away from home for several nights in a week. Source

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