Experienced pilots, particularly captains at major airlines, can earn salaries exceeding $200,000 annually. These top earnings are typically achieved after several years of service and accumulating significant flight hours with reputable carriers.
Major airline captains are among the highest-paid pilots in the industry, reflecting their extensive training, experience, and responsibility for operating large commercial aircraft. Their compensation packages often include not just base salary but also various benefits and bonuses.
Major Airline Captain Salaries Exceeding $200,000 (Year 5)
Based on typical salary structures for experienced captains, several major airlines offer compensation well over the $200,000 mark by the fifth year of service.
| Airline | Plane | Year 5 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | $200,700 | |
| Hawaiian Airlines | A321 | $234,900 |
| JetBlue Airways | A320 | $233,100 |
| Southwest Airlines | 737 | $227,700 |
These figures highlight that pilots who advance to captain positions at established airlines can achieve substantial incomes. The specific amount can vary based on the airline, aircraft type flown, years of experience, and the number of hours flown annually.
