Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Make?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn a median annual salary of $226,600 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $98,560 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $140,640. The highest-paying state is Georgia at $239,200.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,560 |
| 25th percentile | $154,360 |
| Median (50th) | $226,600 |
| 75th percentile | $239,200 |
| 90th percentile | $239,200 |
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| 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 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$98,560 – $154,360 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$226,600 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$239,200 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $239,200+ |
How to Earn More as an Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $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. Reaching the 75th percentile ($239,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineerthis career | $226,600 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,830 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technician | $79,830 |
| Avionics Technician | $81,390 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician | $78,680 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineer requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 53-2011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.