The Average Salaries for Commuter Airline Pilots
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, new pilots entering the field of aviation have at least 4,000 hours of flight experience. Many pilots learn how to fly in the military, while the rest attend college and flight schools. In fact, most airlines prefer to hire pilots who have completed at least two years of college. Pilot salaries are higher than average and may include yearly bonuses and profit-sharing.
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National Average Salary
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According to Payscale, the national average income for commuter airline pilots is between $46,000 and $128,000 a year. The amount a pilot makes in this range is dependent upon many external factors, including his experience, the airline he works for, and the state he works in. Bonuses range between $1,000 and $5,000 a year, and profit-sharing can add another $1,000 to nearly $6,000 annually.
Salary by State
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What state a pilot works in has a big impact on his salary. In fact, pilots in Georgia tend to make the highest wages, with reported earnings from $49,000 to $178,000 a year. Commuter pilots in New York can expect to make between $55,000 and $121,000 a year. Pilots in Washington state can make between $75,000 and $137,000 annually, and pilots in Texas can make between $67,000 and $121,000 a year.
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Advancement Opportunities
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Opportunities for airline pilots are confined to other flying positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pilots may advance to flight instructor or may fly private charter planes. Or,with many years of experience and education, pilots may move on to the rank of first officer or captain. Attaining the level of chief pilot or director of navigation comes to those pilots in nonaviation fields.
Job Outlook
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, pilots trying to find employment with major airlines will face stiff competition. Job growth, from the years 2008 to 2018, will be about average in comparison to other occupations. New opportunities will open up for pilots as other pilots retire; but as the economy faces recession, pilots will also face hiring difficulties. Regional airlines will provide the best opportunities.
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References
- Photo Credit airplane#6 image by krynio from Fotolia.com
