Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 99,300 airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers, and they earn a median of $226,600/year. The range runs from starting around $99K. Alaska pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers start around $99K. The gap between that and the median ($227K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $226K | 1,620 |
| Florida | $220K | 6,640 |
| Texas | $215K | 10,050 |
| Oregon | $215K | 740 |
| Arizona | $199K | 2,070 |
| Connecticut | $190K | N/A |
| Minnesota | $185K | N/A |
| Nevada | $181K | 1,710 |
| Pennsylvania | $173K | 4,030 |
| Indiana | $171K | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers make?▼
The median airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers salary in the United States is $226,600 per year ($0/hour). Entry-level positions start around $98,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $0.
What education do you need to become a airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.
What are the highest paying states for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?▼
The highest paying states for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are Alaska ($226,490), Florida ($220,350), Texas ($214,670), Oregon ($214,520), Arizona ($198,800). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.