How much does an airline pilot make?

Before takeoff, pilots check the plane, fuel, weather, and load, then review the route. In the cockpit they share flying, talk with air traffic control, watch instruments, handle takeoff and landing, and log the flight afterward.

Did you know? In U.S. cockpits, tablets have replaced dozens of pounds of paper charts, though pilots still keep paper backups.

U.S. pilots usually earn a bachelor’s degree, train for FAA certificates, and build flight hours as instructors or military pilots. They need an ATP certificate—usually at 23 with 1,500 hours—to join an airline, often as a first officer.

School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., pay grows with experience and seniority, and each airline negotiates its own pay rules. International flights can bring extra pay, while time away from home earns an allowance; seniority can also affect routes and schedules.