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Airline Pilot Pay in 2026: Median Salary and Major-Airline Starting Rates

Short answer: Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers earned a median of $232,140 in May 2025 (BLS), with the top 10% above $463,830. First-year first officers at the majors start at $125.52/hr at United (published), with Delta at $118.00/hr and American at $113.00/hr according to AirlinePilotCentral's 2026 tables.

Median airline pilot pay

Per the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the May 2025 median was $232,140. The lowest 10% earned under $106,710 and the highest 10% over $463,830.

BLS May 2025 median pay: airline pilots $232,140, commercial pilots $123,220
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, OEWS May 2025.

Major-airline starting pay

Year-1 major airline FO pay: United $125.52, Delta $118.00, American $113.00 per hour
Sources: United Airlines careers; Air Gazette (AirlinePilotCentral 2026 tables).

United says every new-hire FO starts at $125.52 per flight hour in 2026 (United Airlines careers). Delta ($118.00) and American ($113.00) figures come from AirlinePilotCentral's 2026 pay tables as summarized by Air Gazette (AirlinePilotCentral 2026 tables). Delta's monthly guarantee is listed at 65 hours.

Top of the scale

Per the same 2026 tables, 12-year widebody captain rates are $483.74/hr at United and $465.13/hr at Delta and American (Air Gazette (AirlinePilotCentral 2026 tables)).

FAQ

What is the median airline pilot salary?

$232,140 in May 2025, per BLS (airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers).

What does a first-year United first officer make?

United publishes a 2026 starting rate of $125.52 per flight hour for all new-hire first officers.

Related guides

Data checked Oct 2026. Pay and postings change, so verify with the employer. Estimates are labeled.