Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the United States was $232,140 (— per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $106,710 | — |
| 25th | $182,280 | — |
| Median | $232,140 | — |
| 75th | $384,440 | — |
| 90th | $463,830 | — |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 53-2011
- Total U.S. employment: 103,560
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
Reading the data
Across the United States, 103,560 airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this one of the larger occupations in the national economy.
With approximately 103,560 airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers employed, this is a major occupation in the labor market.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $136,990 | — | -41.0% | 360 |
| Alaska | $232,140 | — | 0.0% | 1,350 |
| Arizona | $227,870 | — | -1.8% | 2,200 |
| Arkansas | $168,970 | — | -27.2% | 250 |
| California | $353,900 | — | +52.5% | 10,670 |
| Colorado | $307,490 | — | +32.5% | 5,830 |
| Connecticut | $199,870 | — | -13.9% | 80 |
| Florida | $225,020 | — | -3.1% | 7,760 |
| Georgia | $618,090 | — | +166.3% | 8,770 |
| Idaho | $507,640 | — | +118.7% | 330 |
| Illinois | $293,490 | — | +26.4% | 6,460 |
| Indiana | $171,260 | — | -26.2% | 0 |
| Iowa | $131,730 | — | -43.3% | 100 |
| Kansas | $143,580 | — | -38.1% | 80 |
| Kentucky | $350,950 | — | +51.2% | 6,260 |
| Louisiana | $120,740 | — | -48.0% | 150 |
| Maine | $147,930 | — | -36.3% | 40 |
| Massachusetts | — | — | — | 2,240 |
| Michigan | $428,570 | — | +84.6% | 0 |
| Minnesota | $211,470 | — | -8.9% | 2,960 |
| Mississippi | $143,580 | — | -38.1% | 360 |
| Missouri | $97,680 | — | -57.9% | 120 |
| Nebraska | $131,650 | — | -43.3% | 60 |
| Nevada | $192,460 | — | -17.1% | 2,160 |
| New Hampshire | $99,280 | — | -57.2% | 50 |
| New Mexico | $136,990 | — | -41.0% | 50 |
| New York | $255,240 | — | +10.0% | 6,900 |
| North Carolina | $151,540 | — | -34.7% | 2,240 |
| Ohio | $204,170 | — | -12.0% | 1,550 |
| Oklahoma | $133,680 | — | -42.4% | 180 |
| Oregon | $173,190 | — | -25.4% | 750 |
| Pennsylvania | $164,990 | — | -28.9% | 2,270 |
| Rhode Island | $164,880 | — | -29.0% | 40 |
| South Carolina | $143,580 | — | -38.1% | 110 |
| Tennessee | $143,580 | — | -38.1% | 110 |
| Texas | $215,150 | — | -7.3% | 10,930 |
| Utah | $174,590 | — | -24.8% | 1,880 |
| Washington | $229,900 | — | -1.0% | 3,450 |
| Wyoming | — | — | — | 80 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
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- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants — $45,930/yr
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers — $39,150/yr
- Human Resources Specialists — $75,940/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?
The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $232,140 (— per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 103,560 airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is —. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.