Commercial Airline Pilot Salary: What You Actually Take Home
National median: $202,180/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $150,540/year take-home — 25.5% effective rate.
Commercial Airline Pilot Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $55,000 | $46,231 | $3,853 | 15.9% |
| 25th Percentile | $130,000 | $99,608 | $8,301 | 23.4% |
| MedianBLS Median | $202,180 | $150,540 | $12,545 | 25.5% |
| 75th Percentile | $309,000 | $220,173 | $18,348 | 28.7% |
| 90th Percentile | $400,000 | $277,185 | $23,099 | 30.7% |
| Senior Level | $380,000 | $264,655 | $22,055 | 30.4% |
Commercial Airline Pilot Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $218,860 | $162,300 | $13,525 | 25.8% |
| Georgia | $218,860 | $150,263 | $12,522 | 31.3% |
| Illinois | $220,882 | $152,694 | $12,725 | 30.9% |
| California | $248,176 | $159,690 | $13,308 | 35.7% |
| Virginia | $224,925 | $153,606 | $12,801 | 31.7% |
About This Career
Commercial airline pilots fly passengers on scheduled routes for major and regional carriers, with Delta, American, and United captains earning over $300,000 annually after reaching senior positions. Entry-level regional airline pay starts around $55,000, requiring 10+ years to reach the major airline salary levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Commercial Airline Pilot salary in the US?+
The national median Commercial Airline Pilot salary is $202,180 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $130,000 and $309,000, while the top 10% earn over $400,000.
How much does a Commercial Airline Pilot take home after taxes?+
A Commercial Airline Pilot earning the median $202,180 takes home approximately $150,540 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Commercial Airline Pilots earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Commercial Airline Pilots are Texas, Georgia, Illinois. Top cities include Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, where salaries can exceed $309,000 for experienced professionals.