Pay Boosted By Strong Airline Profits, Union Bargaining And Demand For Pilots Commercial airline pilot salaries hit a milestone in 2025, hitting all-time highs in the U.S. where the median yearly wage for airline pilots increased to roughly $226,600 in 2025. Strong airline profitability, active union bargaining, and a worldwide pilot demand all contributed to wage increases for pilots that affected the financial picture of the industry. The effects of new labor contracts have been particularly noticeable at large U.S. airlines. First officers, who were formerly entry-level airline pilots, now make between $95,000 and $200,000, depending on experience.
