Pilot’s Salary: How To Become A Millionaire (2024)

Due to the constant high demand for pilots and their rising salaries, the aviation industry is a great option for your future career. Unlike most other professions, pilots get paid per hour instead of the regular flat annual salary.

How Much Do Pilots Make A Year?

Being a pilot is rewarding both in terms of experience and also when it comes to the payment. According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average of a pilot’s salary in May 2019 was $86,080.

In addition to the salary, pilots get multiple bonuses such as health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans. Sometimes those plans can even exceed the regular pay of other employees! Pilots tend to raise their salaries the more they gain experience.

Top Countries with The Highest Pilot Salaries In The World

Since the pilot’s salary is calculated by the hour, long flights tend to be a lot more rewarding than short ones. This is why a lot of pilots choose to go for international flights rather than regional ones. Here, we have compiled a list of countries where pilots get paid the highest.

1- Qatar

Being one of the best paying Middle Eastern countries for pilots. Qatar Airways is the biggest airline there and a captain’s base salary is QAR50,000 ($13,732) while a more experienced captain earns around QAR69,000 (around $19,000) a month. The average annual salary for a Qatar Airway pilot is $220,000.

2- The Netherlands

With an average salary of $245,000, KLM is the largest Dutch airline with a civil pilot’s salary starting €50,000 for an officer and €256,700 for a captain.

3- France

Air France is the national airline in France. Experienced pilots working for this airline earn about €208,000 ($235,000) after a couple of hours of flying.

4- Ireland

Ryanair is the biggest airline in Ireland and the average for a civil pilot’s salary there varies between €15,000 – €200,000 every year (around $225,000).

5- Canada

Having Air Canada as the biggest airline, the starting pay for pilots there goes from CAD50,000 and up to CAD62,000 ($225,000).

6- UAE

With Emirates as the biggest airline in the UAE, captains can earn a tax-free salary of $16,270 (AED59,770) each month. Where $11,633 (AED42,690) is the average monthly pay and the remaining $4,400 is the monthly house allowance. This adds up to $220,000 annually.

Airline Pilots Can Earn $7 Million Over Their Career

New data reveals that a young man in his 20’s can earn up to $7 million working as a pilot by the time he’s 65 years old. By extension, this means that by the time you’re in your 30’s, you’ll have already made about $3-$4 million.

There’s no doubt that the average pilot can earn a very comfortable living travelling the world and flying aircrafts.

Here, we explain exactly how pilots get paid.

Firstly, learning about pilots’ salaries can be confusing. This is because the ending salary is so much higher than the starting one. For example, the ending pay for a captain in a major airline could get up to several hundred thousand per year, not to mention that pilots get paid by the hour so your salary highly depends on your own efforts to earn.

Working as a flight instructor will allow your annual salary to reach $50,000 in the first two years while becoming a captain a few years later can make you earn up to $7 million!

What Steps Can A Pilot Take To Earn At The Top?

Pilots’ salaries can reach millions! But how can you make sure you’re on the right path for this salary?

Be a Good Pilot

It goes without saying that the better you are at doing your job, the higher your salary will get. In order to be a good pilot, you need to take your currency requirements seriously and make safety your top priority. You also need to take care of your health and have a balanced diet.

Be a Good Employee

Which means you need to be on time. And you also need to secure a friendly work environments between your colleagues.

Do Your Research

Find out what airlines are paying a pilot with your expertise and experience. We should also keep in mind the bonuses that pilots get in each airline.

Be Prepared

Whether you’re going on your first interview or your fifth, make sure you know a lot about the airline you’re applying to work in.

It’s become clear that becoming a pilot in this day and age is one of the best opportunities that allow you to have a six-figure salary by the time you’re 30 years old.

If you’re 18 years old and dream of becoming a pilot, don’t hesitate to join our aviation school and take a step closer to your dream job!

Pilot’s Salary: How To Become A Millionaire (2024)

FAQs

Can you become a millionaire by being a pilot? ›

Pilots have high salaries that can reach up to $7 million. Find out how! Due to the constant high demand for pilots and their rising salaries, the aviation industry is a great option for your future career.

Can you make $500,000 as a pilot? ›

The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000. American Airlines pilots earn an average salary of $118,000, with some pilots earning in excess of $700,000.

Can pilots make 300k a year? ›

Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.

What is the highest pilot income? ›

High Paying Pilot Jobs
  • Helicopter Pilot. Salary range: $52,000-$115,000 per year. ...
  • Private Pilot. Salary range: $52,000-$100,000 per year. ...
  • Corporate Pilot. Salary range: $55,000-$100,000 per year. ...
  • Chief Pilot. Salary range: $64,000-$100,000 per year. ...
  • Assistant Chief Pilot. ...
  • Air Charter Pilot. ...
  • Airline Pilot. ...
  • Commercial Pilot.

How much do 747 pilots make a year? ›

As of Apr 25, 2023, the average annual pay for the Boeing 747 Pilot jobs category in Staten Island is $70,981 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $34.13 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,365/week or $5,915/month.

What jobs pay $1 million a year? ›

The jobs of millionaires
  • Investment banker.
  • Certified public accountant.
  • Entrepreneur.
  • Day trader.
  • Real estate agent.
  • Engineer.
  • Lawyer.
  • Actuary.
Apr 14, 2023

What job do most billionaires have? ›

In broader terms, the finance and investment profession has the most millionaires. It also has the most billionaires, with 371.

How much do 777 pilots get paid? ›

As a general rule, the larger the aircraft, the higher the hourly rate. In 2022, an American Airlines 737 first officer with 3 years of experience will be paid $161 per hour while a 777 first officer with 3 years of experience will be paid $198 per hour.

Do pilots make more than doctors? ›

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots is around $202,180. Medical doctors came in with a salary of $208,000, lawyers $127,990 and engineers with a median annual wage of $79,840.

How much do Delta captain pilots make? ›

The estimated total pay for a Captain at Delta Air Lines is $246,638 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $146,250 per year.

Do Delta pilots get paid well? ›

Delta pilots are paid based on seniority with Delta and experience as an airline pilot. Pay also varies according to the types of routes flown, domestic or international, and the airframe. Pilot pay at Delta Air Lines ranges from $64,000 per year for a new first officer up to $257,000 per year for a senior captain.

What is the highest paid job in airport? ›

10 high-paying aviation jobs
  • Flight instructor.
  • Terminal manager.
  • Aerospace technician.
  • Aircraft mechanic.
  • Pilot.
  • Test engineer.
  • Airport executive.
  • Aeronautical engineer.
Apr 13, 2023

How much do 747 captains make? ›

The estimated total pay for a B747 Captain is $135,044 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $93,371 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Who pays pilots the best? ›

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are commercial airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries.

Where do pilots get paid the most? ›

Aviation the Highest Paying Job in the World
  • 1- Qatar – Average monthly salary of $18,333.
  • 2- UAE – Monthly average salary of $16,666.
  • 3- Netherlands – Average monthly salary $20416.
  • 4- France – Average monthly salary of $19583.
  • 5- Ireland – Average monthly salary $18750.
  • 6- Canada – Average monthly salary $18750.

Is pilot a good career for money? ›

Pilots Earn a Good Salary

According to Indeed.com, pilots earn, on average, around $85,000 per year. However, this amount can vary depending on the nature of your role. If you intend to fly big jets, you'll start your career as a first officer (also called a copilot).

Are pilots rich in USA? ›

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline captains, first-officers, second-officers, and flight engineers in the United States is $203,010 as of 2021. However, those working for major airlines as airline transport pilots can earn a much higher airline pilot salary than this.

How rich to own a plane? ›

It all starts with purchasing an airplane, which, depending on its size and configuration, may cost anywhere from $3 million to upwards of $90 million. Our estimates find that annual operating costs—including repairs, gasoline, and pilot salaries—could reach $1 million.

How much does Million Air pay pilots? ›

The average salary for a Pilot is $78,094 per year in Houston, TX, which is 56% lower than the average Million Air salary of $179,680 per year for this job.

How much do FedEx 747 pilots make? ›

Average FedEx Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $208,058, which is 223% above the national average.

How much does an F 16 pilot get paid? ›

The average salary for a F-16 Fighter Pilot is $71,031 per year in United States, which is 37% lower than the average US Air Force salary of $113,242 per year for this job. What is the salary trajectory of a F-16 Fighter Pilot? The salary trajectory of a F-16 Fighter Pilot ranges between locations and employers.

How much do F 22 pilots make a year? ›

The estimated total pay for a Air Force Pilot at US Air Force is $101,666 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $101,666 per year.

Is 8 million dollars rich? ›

You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth. That's how financial advisors typically view wealth.

How to become a millionaire in 5 years? ›

  1. 10 Steps to Become a Millionaire in 5 Years (or Less) ...
  2. Create a wealth vision. ...
  3. Develop a 90-day system for measuring progress/future pacing. ...
  4. Develop a daily routine to live in a flow/peak state. ...
  5. Design your environment for clarity, recovery, and creativity. ...
  6. Focus on results, not habits or processes.

Who earns a million dollars a day? ›

Bella Thorne becomes first to earn $1 million in a day on OnlyFans | CNN.

What creates the most millionaires? ›

The financial service industry has created the most millionaires in modern times. The financial system manages the money of people worldwide. Behind the most successful ventures in the world are people developing and growing money.

How do most millionaires get rich? ›

No matter how much their annual salary may be, most millionaires put their money where it will grow, usually in stocks, bonds, and other types of stable investments. Millionaires put their money into places where it will grow such as mutual funds, stocks and retirement accounts.

What is the richest job in America? ›

Highest-Paying Occupations
OCCUPATION2021 MEDIAN PAY
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers$202,180 per year
AnesthesiologistsEqual to or greater than $208,000 per year
CardiologistsEqual to or greater than $208,000 per year
DermatologistsEqual to or greater than $208,000 per year
17 more rows
Apr 4, 2023

How much do F 35 pilots make? ›

The average salary for a Fighter Pilot is $85,427 per year in United States, which is 9% lower than the average US Air Force salary of $94,501 per year for this job.

Can helicopter pilots make 6 figures? ›

On average, helicopter pilots make anywhere from $80,148 to $121,547 a year. This lower number is found in beginning helicopter pilot jobs, and as you work your way up from there, your salary will grow until you're making over $120,000 a year.

Who is higher than a pilot? ›

Captain or pilot-in-command is the highest rank a pilot can earn. A captain has over 3,000 flight hours and is responsible for the entire aircraft and all occupants aboard. What is the difference between a pilot and a captain?

Is a pilot a respected career? ›

Yes, being a pilot is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for airline and commercial pilots over the next ten years. This is faster than the average growth for all occupations.

What is the hardest thing to become a pilot? ›

But beyond landings, there's a lot of other things you should be ready for...
  • 7) Getting Into "School Mode" ...
  • 6) "Radio Talk" ...
  • 5) Decoding Textual Weather. ...
  • 4) Aerodynamics. ...
  • 3) Learning Regulations. ...
  • 2) The National Airspace System. ...
  • 1) Aircraft Systems.

How much do FedEx pilots make starting out? ›

FedEx First Officer Pay:

Year 1: $75,000. Year 5: $165,000. Year 15: $203,000.

How much do UPS pilots make? ›

How much does a Pilot make at UPS in the United States? Average UPS Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $232,090, which is 260% above the national average.

How much does a 5 year Delta pilot make? ›

Nearly 200 million passengers fly to over 300 destinations in 50 countries. Currently, Delta has over 13,000 pilots. Read on to learn how much you could earn on a Delta Air Lines pilot salary.
...
Delta Air Lines Captain Pay.
Year 1$251,000
Year 5$260,000
Year 12$274,000
Feb 20, 2023

How much does a retired Delta pilot make? ›

Delta Air Lines Salary FAQs

The average salary for a Retired is $104,995 per year in United States, which is 52% lower than the average Delta Air Lines salary of $220,298 per year for this job.

What is the highest paid Delta pilot? ›

The top pay for a Delta Airlines Captain is approximately $205,000, but those flying a Boeing 777 can potentially earn $298,500 per year plus bonuses, or as much as $350,000 in one year.

What is the highest paying job in Delta? ›

What is the highest-paid job at Delta Air Lines? The highest-paid job at Delta Air Lines is a senior software engineer. These professionals earn an average salary of $120,468, which works out to about $ 57.92 per hour.

Which airline hires the most? ›

Usage notes:
RankAirlineCountry
1American AirlinesUnited States
2Delta Air LinesUnited States
3United AirlinesUnited States
4Southwest AirlinesUnited States
11 more rows

Does aviation have a future? ›

Future Outlook For The Aviation Industry

According to the most current projections, over the next 10 years, demand will rise an average of 4.3% every year. According to the aforementioned projections and the latest news, the aviation industry will have a promising future and will increase over the following years.

How many hours can a pilot legally fly? ›

§ 91.1059 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: One or two pilot crews. (1) 500 hours in any calendar quarter; (2) 800 hours in any two consecutive calendar quarters; (3) 1,400 hours in any calendar year.

Can pilots fly after 65? ›

In the U.S., the maximum retirement age for pilots is currently 65, mirroring the international mandatory retirement age set by the International Civil Aviation Authority.

How much do Amazon Prime pilots make? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $143,500 and as low as $17,000, the majority of Prime Air Pilot salaries currently range between $38,000 (25th percentile) to $76,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $110,000 annually across the United States.

How many hours do captains fly a year? ›

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) limit pilots to 36 flight hours in a week, 100 hours in 672 hours (28 days), and 1,000 hours in a 365-day calendar period.

Can a pilot make 500k? ›

However, some Southwest pilots earn as much as $549,000. Similarly, United Airlines pilots earn an average of $205,000. The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000. American Airlines pilots earn an average salary of $118,000, with some pilots earning in excess of $700,000.

Can pilots become millionaires? ›

Pilots have high salaries that can reach up to $7 million. Find out how! Due to the constant high demand for pilots and their rising salaries, the aviation industry is a great option for your future career.

Do airline pilots make 300k? ›

Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.

How many hours do pilots work? ›

Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include some days of work followed by some days off.

Do pilots get paid more with a degree? ›

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Airline Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is $175,065 - $185,720.
...
Salaries for Airline Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree.
Degree Level% of user with this level of education
No Diploma1%
High School15%
Associates11%
Bachelors53%
2 more rows

Is pilot a very stressful job? ›

Is Being a Pilot Stressful? Now to answer the most important question of this article: “is it stressful to have an avaiation job?” The simple answer is no, the flying profession offers many benefits that other professions would not get you. This eliminates plenty of stressful events from happening in your life.

How often are pilots home? ›

The amount of time spent away from home depends on a crew member's seniority, preferences, and aircraft. The most labor-intensive schedule might place a pilot out of base for 12-15 nights in a month. An entire month's schedule for a "line holder" commonly includes four 4-day trips.

Is being a pilot the most attractive job? ›

The app recently revealed that men who listed their career as “pilot” got the most amount of right swipes — an indication of romantic interest — on the dating app, beating out entrepreneur, firefighter, and even model.

Are there any billionaire pilots? ›

Jared Isaacman (born February 11, 1983) is an American entrepreneur, pilot, philanthropist, and commercial astronaut. He is the founder, CEO of Draken International, a private air force provider and Shift4 Payments, a payment processor. As of February 2023, his estimated net worth is US$2 billion.

How to Become a Millionaire buy an airline? ›

Richard Branson Quotes

If you want to be a Millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline.

Why do rich people buy private jets? ›

Perception of safety. Managing risk is a common skill for the wealthy and often a high-end traveller will consider private travel to be safer than a commercial offering. The report claimed that the two dominant factors are the age of the plane and the visual condition of both its exterior and cabin.

What is full rich on airplane? ›

The term "full rich" in this particular application describes a mixture as rich as possible without a substantial loss of power. Such a mixture does result in the loss of some power; however, the loss is slight and the added fuel flow greatly aids internal engine cooling at a time when the engine needs it most.

Where is the highest salary for pilot? ›

Highest salary that a Pilot can earn is ₹71.0 Lakhs per year (₹5.9L per month). How does Pilot Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level Pilot with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹18.8 Lakhs per year.

Do pilots really make a lot of money? ›

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline captains, first-officers, second-officers, and flight engineers in the United States is $203,010 as of 2021. However, those working for major airlines as airline transport pilots can earn a much higher airline pilot salary than this.

Is it financially worth it to become a pilot? ›

The wages are high.

If you're looking for a high-paying job, becoming an airline pilot career is a great option. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pilots earn between $80,000 and $100,000 per year.

How much does a top gun pilot make? ›

How much do Top Gun Flight Academy employees earn on average in the United States? Top Gun Flight Academy pays an average salary of $4,222,140 and salaries range from a low of $3,719,081 to a high of $4,793,522.

Do pilots make more than lawyers? ›

Commercial pilot pay is on par with doctors, lawyers, engineers, according to a Southern California flight school. When it comes to career earnings, airline pilots can bring in a salary comparable to a doctor, lawyer, or engineer.

Why are pilots highly paid? ›

These are very highly skilled and trained individuals that not only paid a lot of money to do the job they love but also acquired a lot of knowledge during the process. And these are the reasons why airlines pay pilots so much.

Do pilots work 40 hours a week? ›

Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off.

What is the divorce rate for pilots? ›

Pilots have a divorce rate of 30.5%, according to a study conducted on various professions. This statistic is a telling indication of the unique challenges that pilots face in their marriages.

Do pilots have a good future? ›

If you are prepared to spend the time and money required on the many hours of flight training, becoming a pilot can be a positive investment in your future. Understanding the benefits of becoming a pilot can help you feel prepared and make an informed decision about whether it may be the right career move for you.

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