The Journey to Becoming a Commercial Pilot in the United States
In the United States, the path to becoming an airline pilot is notably rigorous due to the 1,500-hour rule required to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). This contrasts with many other countries where the requirements are not as stringent. However, this extensive process results in some of the highest pilot salaries in the world.
Understanding Non-Airline Pilot Jobs
Before joining major airlines, pilots often start with non-airline jobs, which involve roles like flight instruction or corporate flying. The most common entry-level position is as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with typical hourly pay ranging from $20 to $25. Jobs within corporate aviation usually offer higher salaries but require more experience than typical entry-level CPL holders, with starting salaries between $40,000 and $60,000.
An Overview of Part 135 Operations
Part 135 companies provide charter and commuter services for aircraft with fewer than 30 seats, like JSX or Ameriflight. These roles are competitively sought after and often held by pilots nearing their 1,500-hour mark. Salaries typically start around $40,000 and can go up to $70,000, varying greatly by operator and job structure.
Regional Airlines and Their Salaries
Regional airlines, predominantly unionized under Part 121 regulations, offer more uniform pay structures than non-airline jobs. These airlines, such as Endeavor Air and Envoy Air, operate as subsidiaries or partners of larger airlines. Here is a comparison of some hourly rates:
| Airline | Union | Lowest Rate | Highest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Envoy Air | ALPA | $99/hr Year 1 | $225/hr Year 20 |
| Endeavor Air | ALPA | $103.02/hr Year 1 | $222/hr Year 20 |
| CommuteAir | ALPA | $78.39/hr Year 1 | $214/hr Year 20 |
| Horizon Air | ALPA | $92.73/hr Year 1 | $222/hr Year 18 |
Salaries at Low-Cost Carriers
Low-cost carriers such as Frontier and Spirit Airlines offer rates that typically fall between those of regional and legacy carriers. Salary can increase significantly with tenure, with a few providing competitive initial salaries. Here is a salary outline:
| Airline | Union | Lowest Rate | Highest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avelo | N/A | $131/hr Year 1 | $298/hr Year 12 |
| Frontier | ALPA | $100/hr Year 1 | $270/hr Year 12 |
| Sun Country | ALPA | $88.35/hr Year 1 | $293.65 Year 12 |
| Allegiant Air | IBT | $57/hr Year 1 | $230 Year 12 |
The Apex: Legacy Carrier Salaries
Legacy airlines like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines offer some of the highest salaries for pilots, especially after the first year. Unlike budget carriers, pay significantly increases after the first year:
| Airline | Union | Lowest Rate | Highest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | ALPA | $119.92/hr Year 1 | $361.29/hr |
| American Airlines | APA | $118.31/hr Year 1 | $455.96/hr Year 12 |
| Delta Air Lines | ALPA | $118.31/hr Year 1 | $455.96/hr Year 12 |
Pilot Life with ACMI Airlines
ACMI operators like Atlas Air offer comparable salaries to low-cost carriers, yet with diverse flying experiences and unpredictable schedules. These roles can be attractive for pilots seeking variety, though they often involve extensive travel across multiple countries and time zones.
