How much does a Pilot make in the United States?
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The average Pilot salary in the United States is $181,513 as of March 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Pilot positions (listed below) typically falls between $93,991 and $269,036. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Pilot's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Pilot IV | $228,082 | $109.65 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Pilot III | $178,733 | $85.93 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Pilot I | $124,955 | $60.07 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Helicopter Pilot | $110,816 | $53.28 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Test Pilot | $155,127 | $74.58 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Pilot II | $171,089 | $82.25 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Medical Transport Pilot | $115,363 | $55.46 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Chief Helicopter Pilot | $182,219 | $87.61 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Chief Pilot II | $242,380 | $116.53 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Chief Pilot I | $211,588 | $101.73 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
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Pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Pilot IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Pilot in Commend, Pilot IVCategory : Aviation and Airlines
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Pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Pilot III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Captain, Pilot IIICategory : Aviation and Airlines
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Pilots or co-pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Pilot I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Co-Pilot, Pilot ICategory : Aviation and Airlines
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Responsible for operation of helicopter. Ensures flight is conducted in the safest manner possible. Determines flight routes, speed, and take off and landing times to fulfill scheduling requirements. Must stay current with federal and local flight regulations. Requires 1,000 hours of helicopter flying time. May require an associate degree. Requires Commercial Pilot license for helicopters - CPL (H). Typically reports to a supervisor. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. View Helicopter Pilot Salary
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Pilots new or modified aircraft to test functionality and ensure compliance with federal regulations and product specifications. Follows all regulatory policies and procedures when conducting flight operations. Pilots aircraft and performs maneuvers in various conditions to test and validate functionality, capabilities, and safety of features. Collects and documents data utilizing specialized tools and professional observations. Prepares reports that summarize findings and recommendations. May pilot demonstrations for officials or customers to exhibit performance and capabilities. Requires a high school diploma. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Test Pilot SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Engineering Test Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, Test Pilot
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Pilots or co-pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. View Pilot II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Airline Co-Pilot, First Officer, Pilot IICategory : Aviation and Airlines
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Flies medical transport aircraft used to move patients from one location to another for emergency care or treatment. Performs aircraft readiness checks and procedures according to aviation regulations (FAR's)and standard processes. Determines flight routes, takeoff and landing locations and estimated flight times. Communicates with dispatchers, medical teams, and first responders to provide safe and timely transport of patients. Completes and submits the required documentation for each flight. May require an associate degree or equivalent. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License with necessary ratings. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Medical Transport Pilot SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Emergency Medical Services Pilot, Medical Transport Pilot
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Partners with general aviation management to establish and implement operating policies and procedures for helicopter pilots. Ensures flights are operated in compliance with all applicable FAA regulations. Schedules flight personnel, maintenance and maintains flight records. Assumes flight duty. Has all required licenses and meets flying time requirements. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Commercial Pilot license for helicopters - CPL(H). Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs.True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Chief Helicopter Pilot SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Head Helicopter Pilot, Chief Helicopter Pilot
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Provides leadership and management of pilots, schedules, and records to maintain efficient and safe flight operations, comply with all FAA regulations, and deliver operational performance on company goals. Maintains the required FAA records and documentation for certifications, crews, flight times, aircraft, and activity. Keeps informed about current aviation developments and regulations that impact flight operations. Coordinates pilot training and development plans to ensure all are ready for flight duty. Uses the Safety Management System (SMS) to identify, mitigate, and manage risk in operations. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to a director or head of a unit/department. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Chief Pilot II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Chief Pilot Air Fleet Manager, Chief Pilot IICategory : Aviation and Airlines
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Provides leadership and management of pilots, schedules, and records to maintain efficient and safe flight operations, comply with all FAA regulations, and deliver operational performance on company goals. Maintains the required FAA records and documentation for certifications, crews, flight times, aircraft, and activity. Keeps informed about current aviation developments and regulations that impact flight operations. Coordinates pilot training and development plans to ensure all are ready for flight duty. Uses the Safety Management System (SMS) to identify, mitigate, and manage risk in operations. May require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to a director or head of a unit/department. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Chief Pilot I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Airline Pilot, Chief Pilot Assistant Air Fleet Manager, Chief Pilot ICategory : Aviation and Airlines