How much does a First Officer (Aircraft) make in the United States?
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The average First Officer (Aircraft) salary in the United States is $89,097 as of May 01, 2026. The range for our most popular First Officer (Aircraft) positions (listed below) typically falls between $76,537 and $101,656. 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.
First Officer (Aircraft)'s Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| First Officer | $170,600 | $82.02 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Aircraft First Officer | $184,261 | $88.59 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| First Officer Pilot | $162,779 | $78.26 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| airline pilot first officer | $168,794 | $81.15 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Petty Officer First Class | $94,497 | $45.43 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| First Responder | $82,576 | $39.70 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| First Mate | $111,010 | $53.37 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| First Aider | $52,412 | $25.20 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| First Sergeant | $68,362 | $32.87 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| First Caregiver | $38,719 | $18.62 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
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The First Officer follows required procedures to perform pre-flight checks and inspections. Pilots or co-pilots aircraft following standard operating procedures to ensure that flights operate according to all regulations, safety, and company policies. Being an First Officer completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. Determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. In addition, First Officer may require a bachelor's degree. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License with necessary ratings. Typically reports to chief pilot. Being an First Officer work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Working as an First Officer typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. View First Officer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Pilot II, Airline Co-PilotCategory : Aviation and Airlines
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In commercial aviation, the first officer (FO) is the second pilot (also referred to as the co-pilot) of an aircraft. The first officer is second-in-command of the aircraft to the captain, who is the legal commander. In the event of incapacitation of the captain, the first officer will assume command of the aircraft. Control of the aircraft is normally shared equally between the first officer and the captain, with one pilot normally designated the "pilot flying" (PF) and the other the "pilot not flying" (PNF), or "pilot monitoring" (PM), for each flight. Even when the first officer is the flying pilot, however, the captain remains ultimately responsible for the aircraft, its passengers, and the crew. In typical day-to-day operations, the essential job tasks remain fairly equal. Many airlines promote by seniority only within their own company. As a consequence, an airline first officer may be older and/or have more flight experience than a captain, by virtue of having experience from other airlines or the military. Traditionally, the first officer sits on the right-hand side of a fixed-wing aircraft ("right seat") and the left-hand side of a helicopter (the reason for this difference is related to the fact that in many cases the pilot flying is unable to release the right hand from the cyclic control to operate the instruments, thus he or she sits on the right side and does that with the left hand). Other airlines may designate the more senior of two first officers operating a long-haul sector together with a captain in an enlarged crew as the senior first officer. The senior first officer will then sit in the left seat when the captain takes a rest. View Aircraft First Officer Salary
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The salary of an airline pilot first officer varies based on factors such as experience, airline, and geographic location. Typically, first officers earn a base salary that can range from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. Additional compensation may include flight hours, bonuses, and benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. As first officers gain experience and flight hours, they may see significant salary increases, especially when transitioning to captain positions. The role requires strong communication skills, teamwork, and adherence to safety regulations, making it a critical position within the aviation industry. Overall, the compensation reflects the responsibilities and skills required for safe and efficient flight operations. View airline pilot first officer Salary