How much does a Pilot First Officer make in the United States?
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The average Pilot First Officer salary in the United States is $174,260 as of August 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Pilot First Officer positions (listed below) typically falls between $147,771 and $200,749. 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 First Officer's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| First Officer Pilot | $162,870 | $78.30 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| airline pilot first officer | $170,167 | $81.81 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| First Officer | $172,000 | $82.69 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Pilot II | $171,954 | $82.67 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Aircraft First Officer | $185,760 | $89.31 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Petty Officer First Class | $94,566 | $45.46 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Medical Transport Pilot | $121,432 | $58.38 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Chief Helicopter Pilot | $184,088 | $88.50 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Chief Pilot I | $215,792 | $103.75 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
| Test Pilot Manager | $237,080 | $113.98 | United States | August 01, 2026 |
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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
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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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Pilot II 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. Being a Pilot II determines flight routes, speed, take-off, and landing times that will fulfill scheduling requirements. Completes required documentation and performs post-flight procedures as required. Additionally, Pilot II may require a bachelor's degree. Requires Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to chief pilot. The Pilot II work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Pilot II typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. View Pilot II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Airline Co-Pilot, First OfficerCategory : 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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Medical Transport Pilot 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. Being a Medical Transport Pilot 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. Additionally, Medical Transport Pilot 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. The Medical Transport Pilot occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Medical Transport Pilot typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Medical Transport Pilot SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Emergency Medical Services Pilot
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Chief Helicopter Pilot 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. Being a Chief Helicopter Pilot schedules flight personnel, maintenance and maintains flight records. Assumes flight duty. Additionally, Chief Helicopter Pilot 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. The Chief Helicopter Pilot 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. To be a Chief Helicopter Pilot 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
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Chief Pilot I 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. Being a Chief Pilot I 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. Additionally, Chief Pilot I 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. The Chief Pilot I 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. To be a Chief Pilot I 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 ManagerCategory : Aviation and Airlines
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Test Pilot Manager oversees and manages pilots who perform test flights to ensure that new or modified aircraft are functional and compliant with federal regulations and safety specifications. Implements standard policies and procedures to guide, train, and educate test pilots and audits processes to ensure compliance. Being a Test Pilot Manager communicates with stakeholders to understand testing needs and designs testing protocols, maneuvers, and scenarios to evaluate designated features effectively. Evaluates findings from test flights and collaborates with engineers to implement design improvements or modifications. Additionally, Test Pilot Manager may coordinate flight demonstrations for officials or customers to exhibit performance and capabilities. Requires a high school diploma. Typically Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to a director. The Test Pilot Manager 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 perso View Test Pilot Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Engineering Test Pilot Manager, Maintenance Test Pilot Manager