How to Become an Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer in 2026
Median salary: $226,600 · +3.9% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does an Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer do?
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $226,600. The bottom 10% earn around $98,560 while the top 10% earn over $239,200.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $98,560 |
| Early career (P25) | $154,360 |
| Median | $226,600 |
| Experienced (P75) | $239,200 |
| Top earners (P90) | $239,200 |
Highest-paying metros
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Georgiatop | $239,200 |
| Illinois | $239,200 |
| Kentucky | $239,200 |
| Michigan | $239,200 |
| New York | $239,200 |
| Ohio | $239,200 |
| Virginia | $239,200 |
| Washington | $239,200 |
| California | $239,200 |
| Alaska | $226,490 |
| Florida | $220,350 |
| Texas | $214,670 |
| Oregon | $214,520 |
| Colorado | $211,860 |
| Arizona | $198,800 |
| Connecticut | $189,630 |
| Minnesota | $184,560 |
| Nevada | $180,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $172,710 |
| Indiana | $171,050 |
| Arkansas | $165,980 |
| South Carolina | $158,290 |
| Maine | $158,190 |
| North Carolina | $154,360 |
| Kansas | $136,510 |
| Alabama | $134,430 |
| New Mexico | $134,110 |
| Utah | $133,230 |
| Iowa | $130,980 |
| Oklahoma | $130,620 |
| Tennessee | $129,620 |
| Missouri | $122,530 |
| Nebraska | $114,480 |
| Wisconsin | $103,400 |
| New Hampshire | $96,970 |
| Louisiana | $94,720 |
| Montana | $49,800 |
| Wyoming | $46,070 |
How to earn more as an Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer
The salary range for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers spans $140,640 — from $98,560 at entry level to $239,200 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA at $239,200 — $12,600 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
Work experience: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete a bachelor's degree program (4 years)
- Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
- Less than 5 years
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements
Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.
In-state public universities offer the best value. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce costs by 40–60%.
With a related degree
- Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
- Earn professional certifications (CDL, HAZMAT endorsement, forklift certification (OSHA))
- Less than 5 years
- Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience
Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.
Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.
Career change from another field
- Complete a second bachelor's or accelerated degree program
- Earn required professional certifications
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile
Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.
Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.
Already working in another career?
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The Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer.
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SOC: 53-2011.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034