Airline Pilot Pay Rates

[@markcrowell2727]

Glad I found your channel through Kevin/Rudy! This was very informative; looking forward to more content, Peter!

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks for watching Mark!

[@neko-chan6145]

Thank you for being so open about how the pay works. For someone beginning their career, It helps with determining the amount of money and time to put in getting the license and flight time, and the cost to move airlines. Suggestion for a video: I would like to know why you like cargo over passenger flying.

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks! And yes, one coming out soon!

[@mbekka1]

Cargos don’t talk and no drama 😂😂😂,, and it’s competitive and always busy

[@earnedwings5206]

This was legit! Thank you for your honesty and for sharing. Congratulations on the Legacy move, I know you will be upgraded to Captain very soon.

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks so much!!

[@JonnyJets]

Much respect for being so transparent! Best of luck to you at your 1st-choice airline, man!

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks!!

[@noviye6]

i was thinking that the whole time like this dude cant be that old.

[@livingyourbestlife711]

LOL, In 1991-1994, I flew a 1981 Baron 55 for a Real Estate Co., mostly in the Southwest US for $5.00/hr for the 1st 3 months, then bumped to $55K in my last year there. PHX/DVT to LAS (McCarran) to SAN and back to PHX/DVT. I was basically an "air taxi" for the 12 employees of that company...picked 2 up here, dropped off 2, and then picked up 3 there, etc. What fun, but also kinda demeaning to be at the company's "beck and call" all the time in a Barron 55. It had older style Nav systems at that time. The employees thought I was their flight attendant. It's not a bad gig, but I prefer what I'm doing now. Thanks for sharing Pete!

[@pilotpetefly]

Different times that’s for for TX!

[@alwyjahdhamy8094]

Thank you sir for the info. My son studies pilot and he wanted his job in US. I will recommend him to watch this video. He needs to have patience for good money.

[@pilotpetefly]

Hope it helps!

[@_D3adB0y_]

That's interesting how your ranking is stripped away as soon as you change companies. In my line of work you typically keep your title and pay will be comparable / higher than the last company.

[@pilotpetefly]

Yeah it’s not ideal, but that’s how it works in the airline industry. Seniority is everything

[@alexsze5455]

Good thing about Covid...regional pay went up to at least $90/hr as of 2022!!

[@pilotpetefly]

Regional pay has certainly went up a lot!

[@TB-um1xz]

Crazy my second year pay was $199 an hour. Just to show that bigger is better.

[@kevintran562653]

This man doesn’t look like he hasn’t aged after all of these jobs. Well done

[@pilotpetefly]

Haha appreciate it. Must be the good lighting tho 😂

[@mbekka1]

It’s called diet and exercise and first class medical 😂😂😂,,

[@ljthirtyfiver]

From Allegiant to Delta to fedex (I’m guessing) ….nice ! The pay is insane

[@kevinhwang9829]

Thanks so much for invaluable information

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks for watching Kevin!

[@bstang93]

I'm a student pilot at Liberty University. I'm looking forward to have a profession job flying someday. Thank you for this video!

[@pilotpetefly]

Awesome! Good luck in training!

[@TrueBandzMovement]

I'll be starting at Liberty University in the Spring. I live in the Richmond, Va area I'm really excited for my new journey. Also best of luck to you also!!

[@bstang93]

@@TrueBandzMovement Thanks man!

[@TrueBandzMovement]

How everything going with the program so far?

[@bstang93]

@@TrueBandzMovement It's really good and really professional, but you have to memorize the checklists in order to stay ahead of the aircraft.

[@KC-pq2dr]

Going from Capt pay at Allegiant and giving up your seniority to FO pay at another carrier must have been a big pill to swallow. But it’s paying dividends now. If I had a career in aviation, I am pretty sure cargo would be my choice.

[@jaelnunez1493]

Awesome video man. Can’t wait to see you one day with a big KZbin following. Transition 👌🏻

[@pilotpetefly]

Wow, really appreciate that! Thanks!

[@kevinonthank]

I am looking into becoming a FA and also get my private pilots license . Hoping to become a pilot someday for a legacy carrier.

[@pilotpetefly]

If you want it, it’s yours to get!

[@evanmcbride9918]

Aviation is kinda different when that Av Bug hit u its different all u wanna do is fly i cant imagine someone flying and not loving it but i guess it exist im getting my instrument rating and i still get giddy as heck to get up in the air so when that Aviation Bug bites it just hits different its addictive thanks Pete big fan

[@pilotpetefly]

Heck yeah Evan! Best of luck on your IR, see you in the skies in no time!

[@Blurted]

Can u make a video on how you got started into aviation & where to even start

[@pilotpetefly]

Yep! My last video post has “where to start” section. It’s about getting your PPL (private pilots license) which is the first step. But will have a video of my career path and pros and cons coming out

[@gobysky]

Unless you breeze through the military, getting there is becoming very expensive in general aviation. Most people won’t be able to afford it. I’m a retired airline pilot and I was hired in 1978. It was tough back then. I feel sorry for folks who desire to become airline pilots now.

[@pilotpetefly]

Yeah it’s definitely not cheap that’s for sure

[@maxladue993]

Considering first year regional pilots make 90 to 100k a year and major airline first officer makes 100 to 150k and a captain making up to 700k i say its not bad

[@pilotpetefly]

@@maxladue993 it’s an investment in you and your future, that’s for sure

[@chrislee2119]

As much as everything in the airline industry fluctuates, do you ever expect a pilot's salary to decrease rather than an increase at any point moving forward?

[@mbekka1]

So u have to take a pay cut to go to a major airline and start over again why don’t you just stay regional and make more and grow with them ? I don’t get it ,, unless you wanna go to a cargo that’s different. Still gotta take a big pay cut though but I noticed only the first year lol.

[@pilotpetefly]

Normally regional airline pay tops out at a certain dollar amount that year 2 or 3 at a legacy will match. So yes, you take a pay cut, but usually within 1-3 years you’re making more at a mainline carrier. Plus, a lot more for the amount of years you have left to fly.

[@census3370]

I work at fdx weekends hope to transfer and fly for them someday. They reimburse a big chunk of my tuition and support you with other educational needs mostly financially. They even have a program after you finish for their feeder network. Great company to work for. Just been slow lately.

[@pilotpetefly]

Awesome! Would be awesome to see you fly there one dayn

[@porgo61]

These days a regional guy can fork about 12k a month FO and 20k a captain. Can't wait to see the legacy guys get new contracts since delta set the standard

[@pilotpetefly]

great time to be an airline pilot that is for sure!

[@porgo61]

@@pilotpetefly Truly. Hope cargo is treating you just as well.

[@kelvinbatista671]

Thank you for this video. Very informative. I am an student pilot ❤

[@pilotpetefly]

Thank you!

[@Bren39]

For anything thinking of becoming an airline pilot because of the pay rates - you WILL fail. You need passion for flying first - because you will have to pay the dues.

[@pilotpetefly]

Yep, agreed 1000%

[@biggentallen]

Wrong. Simply wrong. We're all working for money. Not all of us like our jobs. We can fly for the money and still be wildly successful and wildly competent. Should we go clean toilets for the money? Money makes the world go around

[@kevinonthank]

A friend of mine is a captain for AA and she said the same thing too.

[@19hundoc47]

Times have changed a bit. You do need to love flying to become a pilot but you won’t have to struggle for long making next to nothing since the regional airlines have increased their pay significantly. Signing bonuses and pay scales you can easily make over 100k your first year as an FO. When I started I made 16k a year as an FO and didn’t make over 100k for YEARS. The industry has changed for the better but it’s still a lot of work.

[@PylotGuy]

@@19hundoc47 Damn 16k manes me cry bro …. You had lives in your hand for Pennies :,( I’m glad this career has changed in pay…. Best of luck to you

[@CallsignPuddlez]

Love the outfit changes dude!! Lol

[@Brandon_Cain]

I’m still trying to figure out if it’s FedEx or Ups (probably FedEx) but either way I didn’t know they pay that well 😅

[@cmjaa777]

FedEx uniform

[@pilotpetefly]

Definitely grateful for the opportunity

[@kevindigo22]

Thanks Pete, very informative. I didn't realize when you are a captain at one airline, and you want to move to another airline, you had to go back down to FO to start. Is this because the flying hours qualifications to be captain are different at different carriers, or is it just a matter of seniority? Also, you got a huge pay bump from first year to second year FO at the legacy freight carrier...is this normal? It is interesting how pilot pay has changed over the last 5 years. Pre-Covid, you couldn't really make a living wage working as a FO for an RJ carrier, but even those rates have gone up dramatically due to the pilot shortage. Now as the mainline airlines have staffed back up after Covid, they must be robbing the RJ's of all their pilots. Makes sense to take advantage of the situation and boost your career and earnings.

[@pilotpetefly]

Yep, back down to FO purely bc of seniority, nothing else plays a part when upgrading to CA. Very normal, first year pay at most airlines is little because you’re on “probation”, and 2nd year you get a big pay jump. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but it’s how it’s usually always been.

[@squilliumfancyson2926]

I can’t imagine why anyone would willingly spend nearly 100k to learn to fly and meet the FAA requirements only to make $25k a year. No wonder there’s a pilot shortage. Don’t give me this don’t do it for the money BS.

[@lukestokes1867]

Question, How did you take a 100k pay cut multiple times in terms of having to pay your bills? If you have rent or a mortgage and car bills based on making 100k more, how do you just switch for a year without not being able to pay your bills?

[@pilotpetefly]

I didn’t live like I was making that much money. So the pay cuts weren’t hard for me financially. Granted I was relatively young, wasn’t married, no kids, and no mortgage so made it easier for me. I know it can certainly be a challenge for some people. But they budget, get support from their spouse, and/or dip into savings.

[@danomack]

You answered your own question. Don’t have a mortgage or car bill based on making 100k

[@Micg51]

Always budget your life on reserve first year pay. It’s that simple.

[@cruz.rylan04]

Will airline pay eventually go back down years later after the shortage?

[@omarijoseph3189]

what product do you use on your hair??

[@pilotpetefly]

MVRK by Mitchell!

[@chad8380]

Really useful info! About how many flight hours/years did it take to transition from a full time fight instructor to private pilot?

[@pilotpetefly]

I was a full time CFI at about 400 hours, and I got hired flying my first private jet with around 700-750 hours. Took me just over a year to accumulate those 300+ hours as a CFI to get my first jet job

[@ahmedaboelmagd7672]

Hello, I'm an Egyptian and I'm planning to got to an aviation school in the US. My question is if i completed the program and completed the required 1500 hrs, will i be able to work as a pilot in an American airline as a non American citizen?

[@pilotpetefly]

Hey! You don’t need to be a US citizen, but you need the right to work in the U.S. So I assume the means a visa. I don’t really know more info than that. Sorry

[@rtgsamples]

Got a Thumbs up just being from Jersey lol

[@pilotpetefly]

Lessgooo!! 🙌🏻

[@malps420]

For someone who wants to partake a career in the industry, are programs like ATP Flight School and United Aviate worth checking out instead of going to a 4 year university?

[@pilotpetefly]

Definitely! Airlines do not care where you get your certificates and ratings from. So whichever school or training program works best for you is the way to go!

[@lloya0187]

Wonderful information. Very insightful. Hope you have a fantastic career. Just starting my pilots training so all the information helps.

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks! Best of luck in training!

[@lloya0187]

Appreciate it! Thanks 🙏

[@gingerathome976]

Thank you. Helpful.

[@mynameismario6637]

As a high school senior that wants to become an airline pilot,do you recommend that I go straight to flight school or I attend a university with a aviation program?

[@pilotpetefly]

That’s really a personal decision. Airlines do not care how or where you get your hours from. So if you have other passions, like business or anything else, I’d recommend getting your degree in something other than aviation and fly on the side. But if all you want to do is fly, aviation college may be right for gig

[@wjkkwjkf2980]

Did you do a degree (bachelors/masters) and would you recommend it to land at a legacy airline?

[@pilotpetefly]

I did yes, bachelors. It’s no longer required by most US legacy airlines. But I personally would recommend it. 1. Makes you more competitive, 2. Having advanced education is never a bad thing!

[@defaultgamer34857]

@J H That's my plan. 18 years old and my commercial checkride is tomorrow. debt free so far.

[@KPDXPat]

Can I ask how many years this took from first job after CFI? i.e from private jet job after CFI to where you are now? Thanks great video.

[@pilotpetefly]

1 year as CFI. 3 years as Private. 5 years at major airline. 1 year at legacy airline. Currently at legacy cargo airline. Hope that answers it

[@GregJ.Johnson]

I would hate to go from $180/hr to $80/hr especially if you can only work part hours. (80hr months)

[@awesomeneiss]

"dO nOt FlY foR tHe MoNeY" "dO NoT bE a DoCtOr foR tHe MoNeY" "do NoT bE a PaInTeR foR tHe mOneY" bad advice we gotta eat.

[@pris_pris]

You are soooo good looking and your videos are interesting and you have a good sense of humor. Lol ❤

[@ivaylokudinov]

Super cool!

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks!

[@AdventuraHighway31]

Air France pilots 300k/y 👀

[@peterwakeman9930]

The cost on your lifestyle?

[@pilotpetefly]

Not sure what exactly that means, but the cost on my lifestyle has been great. My lifestyle has increased a lot being able to travel around the world for free!

[@nathanielgirma8265]

Yo you legend, this was a great video. Instant sub bro :)

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@josephkristwell]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! There's no way I'd be flying without the passion. I personally know what it means to fly with the passion over 💲💲💲. In fact (as silly as it may sound yet to be frank), I considered detailing aircrafts and could even do it for free given my sense of flair (for aircraft). Just emphasizing but true! I believe passion for what you do is enough to demonstrate flair and natural talent which are very vital in not just flying but maneuvering an aircraft. So, I subscribed! Nice to have you around with more interesting videos for us. #avgeek P.S. For now, do you mind talking about safety before, when and after flying an aircraft? including the preflight checklist! All in your upcoming videos, please? And, as an adroit pilot, what are your take on plane crash history? Thanks Cap! 🙌♥️💯 P.P.S. I said "for now" because I had other things in mind which I might like you talking about later which I necessarily didn't want to mention yet. Frankly, there's so much to gain from you (given the abundance of knowledge & experience you have. This means more exciting videos from you to shake a stick at!). Can't wait then.

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks Joseph, appreciate the kind words! Yes, I always tell people, never fly for the money. That goes with most any job, but especially with a flying career. They’ll be a lot of lonely and not so fun days when chasing your dreams and goals as a pilot working your way up. So if you’re not truly passionate about flying, it usually wont end up working out. Yes, I’m currently working on some videos right now. But I’ll make sure to incorporate some of our checklists when i can. Aviation history is one of my favorites. I took an entire course on aviation history and safety in college, and Air Disasters is the show i watch the most!

[@redaaic1087]

People drive for Amazon and make more than first officer , not worth being far from home

[@1twinturbocorvette]

Congratulations on the dream job!! I hope to be right behind you in a year. Bump you up a slot in seniority!! 😂

[@pilotpetefly]

See you onboard soon!

[@alecpanayotov]

How come you went from a major airline at 200k a year to the legacy carrier at 85k a year? Also, at the major airline you said you went from 88k as a first officer to 180k as a captain. Is it typical to become captain within 3 years?

[@pilotpetefly]

Quality of life reasons. Depends, nowadays, yes, CA can happen really quick. It can take years tho. All depends on timing

[@mrwilson4909]

does flight hours have any effect on your annual pay increase?

[@daveriley6310]

Hours flown don't affect the hourly pay *rate* but do affect the final pay *amount* . In addition to hours actually flown, there are also hours credited due to daily minimum pay, number of hours on duty per day and number of total hours away on a multi-day trip.

[@pilotpetefly]

They don’t affect pay rate, but airline pilots are hourly employees. So we only get paid when we fly/credit hours

[@ferditayfur9096]

Brother why jumped in so many places it literally kept for 5 years as FO. Why shouldn’t keep with major as captain senior you could’ve make arms 354/hr

[@pilotpetefly]

Haha not exactly. But for multiple reasons, quality of life being the main one

[@smokypipe3547]

airline pilots central will give you all the pay scales if your really interested. Example Fedex heavy left seat 15 year + $335 hour . Measly mechanic that is responsible for the air worthiness of the aircraft approx $70 hour. go figure...

[@legoman6124]

Yeah but at least the mechanic isn’t limited to only working 75-100 hours a month so he’ll end up making a decent amount too.

[@smokypipe3547]

@@legoman6124 Well partly true, we are mandated to take off 4 days a month lol. Anyway 100 hours at 335 an hour is approx 400k a year. Look we make pretty good money here at fedex for sure and the flight crews deserve all they can bargin for. Their job is pretty much living out of a suitcase and they do have a mandatory retirement age as well... soo all things considered they both have their pros and cons. cheers

[@pilotpetefly]

Thanks for all you do!

[@rutgervitez4438]

How old are? How many years on average would you say it takes to make 200k a year as a pilot?

[@pilotpetefly]

Depends on the company you’re at to make $200k. A Capatin at a major airline will make that pretty easily. FOs at legacy carriers, flying wide body aircraft, can make that as well. So the amount of time it takes depends on how long it takes to get to hired at those airlines

[@rutgervitez4438]

@@pilotpetefly thanks

[@FrapachinoPlz]

Do some vlogs please

[@pilotpetefly]

Coming soon!

[@alek2140]

Awesome!!

[@BRC332]

I’d fly a crj for minimum wage. Seriously.

[@kaffir76]

I love you!! ❤❤

[@pilotpetefly]

❤️

[@jacklets3851]

I’m just curious, if I were to get enough flight hours, would it be possible to get hired at a legacy airline as my first jet job? I only ask because I know there is a pilot shortage. How many years total did it take you to to get to your first legacy job?

[@pilotpetefly]

It’s possible, but unlikely. Legacy airlines still have a large pool or candidates to choose from. So likely you’ll have to have build more experience elsewhere

[@pilotpetefly]

Took me 6 years of flying professionally before my first legacy job

[@Micg51]

Legacy? Extremely unlikely. ULCC? Possibly.

[@danomack]

Now do Canada lol

[@pilotpetefly]

Haha I have Canadian citizenship, but no idea their pay rates. But I’ve heard they’re not great unfortunately

[@boeingfan2479]

Was your corporate gig 91 or 135?

[@pilotpetefly]

Mostly 91. But we did fly part 135 as well

[@littlejoey468]

rips to canadian pilots :P

[@adon5202]

ᴘʀᴏᴍᴏsᴍ

[@mbekka1]

You gotta sacrifice a lot to switch careers especially at an older age ,, I regretted why I didn’t do it when I was in 20s or 30s,, chose to be a science teacher instead then a household mover ,, now at 39 I wanna go to flight school and it’s never too late ,, good bless USA 🇺🇸 where dreams can be achieved at any age ,, I mean not 65 but u know what I mean 😂😂😂😂

[@pilotpetefly]

Definitely never too late!

[@bigdaddy3662]

32% of his income is spent on hair gel.

[@pilotpetefly]

😂 I’d say it’s higher, closed to 40%

[@WilliamPotts3]

It’s a New Jersey thing. You wouldn’t understand.