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A career as a pilot is often associated with a high-paying salary in the long run. However, aspiring pilots often spend months or even years in training before they sit in the cockpit. Do they earn a salary during this time? Pilot trainees do not have a standard salary structure like fully qualified airline captains or even junior first officers. Many start with small stipends or entry-level jobs. Some students pay for their own training before making any money.
While Simple Flying has previously examined pilot salary ranges across Europe and the United States, as well as earnings for regional airline pilots and fighter jet pilots, the financial realities of training remain much less clear. This article examines how much pilot trainees typically earn at different stages of training, the factors that affect salaries, how industry experts and airlines view pilot trainee pay, and whether the financial realities align with the expectations often linked to a career in aviation.
How Much Do Trainee Pilots Actually Make During Training?
Trainee pilots in the United States usually do not earn a traditional salary while learning to fly and often pay for their own training. They start earning money once they begin logging hours as Certified Flight Instructors. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for commercial pilots, which includes those in early-career roles, was $122,670 as of February 2026.
After pilots finish their certification and move on from these initial training roles, they enter the early-career phase. Salaries in the Aerospace and Defense industry can vary widely at this stage. Glassdoor reports that early-career pilots with 0 to 3 years of experience typically earn between $64,000 and $106,000 annually, with a median salary of $82,000.
For pilots just beginning their airline careers, entry-level salaries vary based on whether they start at a regional or major carrier. According to information from ATP Flight School, the largest flight training provider in the United States, updated on January 16, 2026, first-year pilots at regional airlines typically earn around $85,000 per year. In contrast, first-year pilots at major airlines usually start with salaries near $98,680 annually.
These figures reflect base pay only and do not include additional income like per diem, bonuses, or overtime. Since pilot pay is typically calculated by multiplying an hourly rate by hours flown rather than a flat rate, actual earnings can vary significantly depending on flight schedules, routes, and experience. Additionally, pilots generally receive valuable benefits, including health, life, and disability insurance, along with retirement plans that are often better than those available in many other professions.
Factors Influencing Trainee Pilot Earnings
Trainee pilot earnings depend on several fixed and variable factors. Most of these factors relate to the training program or airline, not individual negotiations. The flight school, cadet program, or early airline contracts set the base pay, (if any), and hourly rates.
The main factors that influence earnings are:
- Type of training program. Airline-sponsored cadet programs often cover tuition, offer signing bonuses, provide stipends, and give mentorship to pilots with no experience.
- Flight hours. The number of logged flight hours is crucial. As trainees log more hours, their earning potential significantly increases – especially when moving from instructing to flying commercial routes.
- Rank and seniority. Even in the trainee or First Officer stage, seniority matters. Becoming a Senior First Officer from a First Officer is a big career step and comes with a pay increase.
- Type of airline. Regional airlines usually pay less, while major airlines often offer higher starting salaries and more benefits. For example, as Simple Flying reported previously, a first-year pilot at Delta Air Lines or American Airlines might earn over $100,000 in base pay.
- Type of aircraft. Pilots flying larger, widebody aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 usually earn more than those flying smaller, narrowbody jets.
For example, a trainee who joins an airline-sponsored program like the Delta Propel Program may receive mentorship and a clear path to a major airline. In contrast, someone training independently might first work as a flight instructor to build flying hours at a lower salary. Once they reach a regional airline, a First Officer usually earns less than a pilot hired by a major carrier like Delta or American Airlines. As pilots gain experience and move to larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 777, their hourly pay goes up even more.
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What Industry Experts Say About Trainee Pilot Pay
Industry analysts are increasingly linking trainee pilot earnings to the ongoing global pilot shortage, which is changing the way airlines pay their employees. This year, expert forecasts suggest the industry could face a shortage of around 24,000 pilots by 2026, forcing airlines to invest more in training programs, cadet programs, and early-career compensation to attract new talent.
As a result, the way into the aviation industry is undergoing a transformation. This includes how trainee and early-career pilots receive their pay. In North America, pilot salaries are often determined through union negotiations rather than individual bargaining. Most commercial pilots are members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which negotiates pay, bonuses, and benefits for all pilots. The pilots at each airline determine their contract goals based on the airline’s needs and market conditions. According to the union, these agreements have truly impacted their early careers.
Comparing Trainee Pay To Experienced Airline Pilot Earnings
Trainee and entry-level pilots usually earn much less than experienced airline pilots. According to salary breakdowns published by Acrona Aviation Academy, most new Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) start with salaries between $35,000 and $60,000 per year. This depends on their teaching location and how often they fly. At this stage, pilots focus on building skills, flight hours, and confidence.
When pilots move to regional airlines as First Officers, their salaries increase from around $55,000 to $80,000, depending on the airline and aircraft type.
|
Career Stage |
Role Examples |
Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
|
Trainee / Entry-Level |
Flight instructors (CFI), training roles |
$35,000 – $60,000 |
|
Junior Airline Pilot |
First-year regional first officers |
$55,000 – $80,000 |
|
Commercial Pilot |
Charter, corporate, early professional pilots |
$85,000 – $120,000 |
|
Major Airline First Officer |
Major airline first officers, co-pilots, flight engineers |
$120,000 – $160,000 |
|
Senior Captain |
Widebody captains (major or cargo airline) |
$200,000 – $239,000+ |
Credit: Acrona Aviation Academy
Regional Captains, or those working for charter or corporate operators, can earn between $85,000 and $120,000, according to salary data from Acrona Aviation Academy. At this point, many pilots are leading flights, mentoring junior colleagues, and building their reputation in the industry.
Moving to a major airline brings a significant pay jump. Major Airline First Officers usually earn between $120,000 and $160,000, while senior Captains flying widebody aircraft can make $200,000 to $239,000 or more each year. Bonuses and benefits can further increase their total compensation, according to the report.
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Are There Risks, Hidden Costs, Or Financial Downsides To Trainee Pilot Earnings?
Many people who want to be pilots are attracted to the prospect of earning six figures as a senior airline pilot. However, becoming a pilot is not always as straightforward as those big numbers suggest.
Training for an aviation career involves significant upfront expenses long before you earn your first paycheck. Aviation career platform Airmappr’s information reports that most aspiring pilots spend between $80,000 and $130,000 on flight training to obtain the necessary licenses and qualifications for a professional career.
This figure does not include additional costs like housing, living expenses, medical exams, or extra flight hours that can arise unexpectedly. These extra costs can quickly add thousands of dollars to the total.
Unlike other careers, pilot training is usually not subsidized by the government in most countries. Therefore, students must pay for everything themselves. In the US, typical education savings plans, such as 529 plans, do not cover flight school expenses.
External risks can also affect financial stability. Jobs can disappear with changes in the economy. An airline may cut staff, or the market may decline – either can impact paychecks quickly. If a pilot loses their medical certificate or faces long-term layoffs, earnings can drop significantly, often before they reach higher-paying positions.
The Overall Financial Reality For Trainee Pilots Today
Although becoming a pilot can be exciting and rewarding, it doesn’t guarantee a high salary, as some might believe. Most trainees start with little money and often need to pay for most of their own training expenses. Additionally, neither the government nor educational institutions usually provide funding for civilian pilot training.
Earnings can vary by the airline, aircraft, flight hours, and experience, and initial pay is often low. Furthermore, a pilot’s income can be temporarily affected by factors like airline layoffs, medical issues, or economic downturns.
Despite these challenges, many pilots find the career worthwhile. As they gain experience, they can move up to senior captain roles at major airlines, which can offer improved benefits and pay.
