Pilots - what are they earning
Pilots are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone onboard an aircraft. Consequently, they must possess extensive knowledge, experience, and competence in flying. In return for the critical services that pilots provide, airlines pay them a substantial salary. But just how much do pilots earn?
Pilot salaries differ significantly depending on several factors, including the type of aircraft they fly, the airline they work for, their experience, and their qualifications. Some pilots earn an annual salary of a few thousand dollars, while others make hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The median annual wage for airline and commercial pilots was $121,430 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Airline and commercial pilots typically work full time and have irregular schedules. They often work long hours and may need to be away from home for extended periods. Because of the irregular schedule, pilots are usually paid according to the number of hours they fly. On average, airline and commercial pilots work between 75 and 80 hours each month and earn $1,010 per hour, according to PayScale.
Experience plays a significant role in determining how much a pilot gets paid. The more experience a pilot has, the more likely they are to earn higher salaries. Entry-level pilots typically earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, while pilots with ten or more years of experience can earn upwards of $200,000 annually.
However, salary figures for pilots can vary significantly based on the airline they work for. Large airlines such as Delta, American, and United typically pay their pilots more than smaller airlines. Additionally, larger airlines usually offer better benefits packages, including health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and free or discounted travel.
The type of aircraft a pilot flies is another significant factor that determines how much they earn. Pilots who fly large commercial planes like Boeing 747s typically earn higher salaries than pilots who fly smaller regional jets. This is because larger planes require more extensive training and experience, and the pilots who operate them usually have more significant responsibilities.
Pilots with well-regarded qualifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is required for most pilots to fly for airlines, can earn even higher salaries. ATP certification requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, a rigorous exam, and an age of at least 23 years.
Helicopter pilots also have different earning potentials depending on their training and experience. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a helicopter pilot is around $89,000 per year. However, this average masks a significant range in earning potential. Entry-level pilots can earn as little as $40,000 per year, while pilots with advanced certifications and years of experience can earn more than $200,000 annually.
One other factor that affects a pilot's salary is their specialization. Some pilots, for example, specialize in aerial photography or firefighting. These pilots typically earn different salaries than commercial or airline pilots and may have different certifications and training requirements.
Overall, pilots play a critical role in the aviation industry and are compensated generously for their contribution. Although becoming a pilot requires significant investment and years of training and experience, the earning potential for pilots is high.
In conclusion, pilots in the aviation industry have a varying salary depending on several factors, including experience, qualifications, the type of aircraft they fly, and the airline they work for. However, the average annual salary for airline and commercial pilots is around $121,430. As a result of the tremendous responsibilities that come with being a pilot, and the significant amount of training and experience required, pilots typically earn a high salary, which is commensurate with their work.