Airline pilot salaries in 2026 reflect ongoing pilot shortages and post-pandemic recovery, with US pilots averaging $238,000 annually (≈ €220,000 at a 1.08 USD/EUR rate), per BLS projections adjusted 5% for inflation from 2025 data. Europe lags at €80,822 average (€80,822 base, worth ~$87,000), but seniors at Lufthansa exceed €250,000 ($270,000). Pay scales by seniority: first officers (1–3 years) start $90,000–$120,000 (USD) or €49,700–€80,000; captains (10+ years) reach $350,000+ (USD) or €161,600–€342,072. Hourly rates dominate ($50–$350/hour, 80 hours/month), plus per diems ($200–$300/day) and bonuses ($10,000–$50,000). Below, breakdowns by major airlines, focusing on US (USD) and Europe (EUR), for first officers (FO, 1–3 years) and senior captains (15+ years), including total comp (base + bonuses/per diems).
United States: High $ Pay Scales
US pilots benefit from ALPA contracts, with 2026 raises (5–8%) pushing medians to $238,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $226,600 in May 2024. Regionals start $90,000–$120,000; majors $150,000–$500,000+ for seniors. BLS projects ~4–6% employment growth in this sector.
Delta Air Lines
- FO (1–3 years): $120/h, $90,000–$120,000 base + $5,000 bonus = ~$100,000 total (≈ €92,600)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): $352/h (B777 rates), $350,000–$450,000 base + $20,000 per diem + $30,000 bonus = ~$420,000 total (≈ €388,900)
United Airlines
- FO (1–3 years): $91/h on B777, $80,000–$110,000 base + $8,000 bonus = ~$95,000 (≈ €87,960)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): $352/h, $300,000–$400,000 base + $15,000 per diem + $25,000 bonus = ~$370,000 total (≈ €342,600)
American Airlines
- FO (1–3 years): $161/h on 737, $100,000–$130,000 base + $10,000 bonus = ~$115,000 (≈ €106,500)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): $350/h (777), $320,000–$420,000 base + $18,000 per diem + $25,000 bonus = ~$395,000 (≈ €365,700)
Southwest Airlines
- FO (1–3 years): $100,000–$140,000 base + $5,000 bonus = ~$110,000 total (≈ €101,900)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): $200,000–$250,000 base + $15,000 profit share + $10,000 bonus = ~$240,000 total (≈ €222,200)
FedEx (Cargo)
- FO (1–3 years): $84/h, $120,000–$150,000 base + $10,000 bonus = ~$135,000 total (≈ €125,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): $326/h, $250,000–$350,000 base + $20,000 per diem + $15,000 bonus = ~$320,000 total (≈ €296,300)
These wage levels largely agree with BLS sources: “This wage is equal to or greater than $115.00 per hour or $239,200 per year” for airline pilots and flight engineers.
Europe: € Pay with Regional Variations
European pilot salaries are lower overall but vary by airline, country, and aircraft type. The average pilot base in Europe is roughly €80,822 (≈ $87,000), with senior captains at major carriers earning €161,600–€342,072.
Lufthansa Group
- FO (1–3 years): €49,700–€80,000 base + €5,000 bonus = €60,000 total ($65,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): €230,000–€250,000 base + €20,000 per diem + €15,000 bonus = €265,000 total ($288,000)
Lufthansa reportedly pays pilots between €6,350 to €20,100 monthly depending on seniority and aircraft type.
British Airways
- FO (1–3 years): £80,000–£100,000 base (≈ €94,000–€118,000) + £5,000 bonus = ~£90,000 total (~€106,000 / ~$115,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): £180,000 base (≈ €212,000 / $230,000) + £15,000 bonus = ~£195,000 total (≈ €230,000 / $250,000)
Air France-KLM
- FO (1–3 years): €70,000–€90,000 base + €4,000 bonus = €78,000 total ($85,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): €150,000–€200,000 base + €15,000 per diem + €10,000 bonus = €175,000 total ($190,000)
Ryanair (Low-Cost)
- FO (1–3 years): €40,000–€60,000 base + €5,000 bonus = €50,000 total ($54,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): €120,000–€150,000 base + €10,000 bonus = €135,000 total ($147,000)
easyJet
- FO (1–3 years): £50,000–£70,000 base (≈ €59,000–€82,000 / ~$64,000–$89,000) + £3,000 bonus = ~£60,000 total (≈ €71,000 / $77,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): £140,000 base (≈ €165,000 / $179,000) + £10,000 bonus = ~£150,000 total (≈ €177,000 / $192,000)
European pay scales can differ greatly due to taxes (30–40%), collective bargaining, and per diem allowances.
Global Comparisons: Other High-Paying Airlines
Emirates (UAE)
Emirates offers tax-free pay packages, making them especially lucrative for pilots.
- FO (1–3 years): $150,000–$200,000 base + $10,000 housing = ~$165,000 total (≈ €153,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): $300,000–$350,000 base + $20,000 perks = ~$330,000 total (≈ €306,000)
Qantas (Australia)
- FO (1–3 years): AUD 150,000 ($100,000) + AUD 10,000 bonus = AUD 160,000 ($107,000 / €99,000)
- Senior Captain (15+ years): AUD 300,000 ($200,000) + AUD 20,000 bonus = AUD 320,000 ($213,000 / €197,000)
Factors Affecting 2026 Pay
- Seniority: First officers to captains may see 50–100% pay increase (e.g., $100,000 FO → $300,000+ captain)
- Aircraft type: Widebody aircraft assignments can add $50–$100/hour over narrowbody rates
- Hours flown: Pilots usually fly 75–85 hours/month; additional flight pay can add $30,000–$50,000/year
- Bonuses & per diems: $10,000–$50,000 extra depending on routes and airline
- Tax net effect: US pilots may net ~70% of $238,000 (≈ $166,600); European pilots often net 60–70% of their € base
Also notable: pilots at low-cost U.S. carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit can still reach $270,000 in total compensation in 2025 contracts.
Visa Sponsorship for Pilots
For foreign pilots:
- U.S.: H-1B sponsorship covers ~10% of new hires with $100,000+ threshold
- EU: EASA / Blue Card programs allow pilots to work in EU with salary minimums (≈ €50,000+)
- Australia: Subclass 482 or TSS visa allows skilled pilot roles with threshold salaries often met
Licensing equivalency (FAA vs EASA) and language requirements are additional challenges; some airlines require conversion courses.
Tips for Maximizing Pilot Earnings
- Obtain ATP certification (~$5,000 cost) — often yields +20% pay
- Target widebody or international routes (B777, A350) for highest rates
- Negotiate per diem rates (e.g., $200/day) and minimum guarantee hours
- Align with unions (ALPA in U.S, BALPA in UK, ECA in Europe) for favorable contracts
- Use tax treaties to reduce double taxation when flying cross-border
Global Regional Benchmarking
While U.S. and European markets dominate headlines, pilots in Asia and the Middle East command very high packages due to benefits and tax-free status. For instance, first officers at Emirates may start with $150,000, and captains at major ME airlines often exceed $300,000. In contrast, many Asian airlines pay $80,000–$200,000 depending on country and airline prestige.
Demand Projections & Pilot Shortage
The pilot shortage continues. The U.S. expects ~18,500 new airline pilot jobs annually over the next decade. Europe forecasts a shortfall of ~24,000 pilots by 2026 (Oliver Wyman studies). This shortage gives pilots significant negotiating power.
Compensation Beyond Base Pay
In addition to base and hourly rates, pilots may earn:
- Per diem / overnight allowances ($150–$300/day)
- Foreign route premiums
- Seniority bonuses
- Profit sharing / stock options (at some carriers)
These extras can add 8–20% to base earnings.
Risks & Variability
- Downturns in air travel can shrink flying hours, reducing pay
- Health and age limits restrict long-haul captains by ~65 years
- Contract renegotiations and strikes affect pay stability
- Licensing transfers (FAA to EASA etc.) carry retraining costs
Statistics on Airline Pilot Salaries
By Region (2026 Projection)
- U.S.: Median $238,000 (adjusted from BLS $226,600)
- Europe: €80,822 average, senior captains €160,000–€340,000
Seniority Breakdown
- FO (1–3 years): $90,000–$120,000 (≈ €83,000–€111,000)
- Captain (10+ years): $300,000–$500,000+, or €160,000–€340,000+
Growth & Demand
- U.S. pilot employment projected +4–6%
- Airlines like Allegiant and Frontier offer captains up to $270,000 (per recent union contracts)