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Airline pilot salaryIt varies widely, especially in the aftermath of the events of 9/11 where many of the legacy carriers filed for bankruptcy (United, Delta, Northwest, US-Airways ...) The cargo carriers were largely unaffected and, for the most part, have surpassed the passenger airlines in pay and benefits. This is particularly true for Fed ex and UPS.

Historically, pay at regional airlines has always been low - and still is. This is because that this has normally been considered the "training ground" for younger, less experienced pilots, before they move up to a major airline where the pay improves dramatically.

But that "dramatic" pay increase is not there anymore and the line between regional carrier and major carrier has been blurred, especially when it comes to pay.

On average, pay at a regional carrier is around $30,000. It is lower for pilots with less seniority and, naturally, higher for pilots who have upgraded to captain and have gained seniority.

The pay at major carriers varies considerably but probably averages around $75,000. Again, captains typically make well over $100,000 and new hires make far less. This is a dramatic reduction from years past (pre-9/11) where the average pay was slightly over $100,000. In "the good ole days", some captains were making nearly $300,000 per year.

Competition from low cost carriers, high fuel prices, and the ability of passengers to shop for the cheapest fare via the internet has put considerable pressure on airlines to cut costs. Unfortunately, the airline employees have paid the heaviest price in shouldering these cutbacks - the pilots, by far, taking the biggest cuts.

It should be noted that pilots typically get paid for each hour they fly (down to the minute) - not a salary. So the "hourly rate", coupled with the number of hours flown, drives their pay.

Pilots are also working much longer hours for less pay as airline managements have demanded increased productivity. Most airlines have either terminated or frozen their pension plans.

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12y ago

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