Job Salary Hub · 2026
Airline Pilot Salary in the US (2026)
This role involves specialized expertise and contributes significantly to their industry. Professionals typically work in a variety of sectors including private corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
$108,000
Entry Level (P25)
25th percentile
$174,000
Median Salary
50th percentile
$250,000
Senior (P75)
75th percentile
$84
Hourly
$3,346
Weekly
$14,500
Monthly
$174,000
Annual
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Airline Pilot Take-Home Pay by State
$174,000 median salary · single filer · 2026 tax rules
| State | State Tax | Total Tax | Eff. Rate | Take-Home / yr | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TexasNo tax | $0 | $44,318 | 25.47% | $129,682 | $10,807 |
FloridaNo tax | $0 | $44,318 | 25.47% | $129,682 | $10,807 |
WashingtonNo tax | $0 | $44,318 | 25.47% | $129,682 | $10,807 |
Arizona | $4,350 | $48,668 | 27.97% | $125,332 | $10,444 |
Colorado | $7,656 | $51,974 | 29.87% | $122,026 | $10,169 |
North Carolina | $7,830 | $52,148 | 29.97% | $121,852 | $10,154 |
Illinois | $8,613 | $52,931 | 30.42% | $121,069 | $10,089 |
Georgia | $9,553 | $53,871 | 30.96% | $120,129 | $10,011 |
New York | $9,839 | $54,157 | 31.12% | $119,843 | $9,987 |
California | $12,420 | $56,738 | 32.61% | $117,262 | $9,772 |
Airline Pilot Career Profile
Top Industries
- Corporate
- Government
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Technology
Key Skills
Education
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced certifications increase earning potential
Job Outlook
Steady demand with regional variation; remote work expanding the talent pool nationally
Top Employers
Airline Pilot Salary — Top 50 Cities
Click any city for after-tax breakdown, rent affordability, and local comparison
Is This Airline Pilot Salary Good?
Compare each pay level across major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Airline Pilot salary in the US?
The national median Airline Pilot salary is $174,000/year as of 2026. Entry-level positions start around $108,000 (25th percentile), while experienced professionals earn $250,000 or more (75th percentile). At the median, this works out to roughly $84/hour or $14,500/month gross.
How much does a Airline Pilot take home after taxes?
After federal income tax, state tax, and FICA (Social Security + Medicare), a Airline Pilot earning $174,000 in a moderate-tax state like Texas typically takes home around $129,682. In a high-tax state like California, take-home drops to roughly $117,262. Use the calculator above for your exact city and filing status.
Which cities pay Airline Pilots the most?
Airline Pilots typically earn the most in San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Boston — driven by high cost of living and strong industry demand. However, cities like Austin, Denver, and Phoenix offer competitive salaries with significantly lower state taxes, often yielding higher after-tax take-home pay than coastal metros.
Does state income tax significantly affect Airline Pilot pay?
Yes — dramatically. A Airline Pilot earning $174,000 in Texas (no state income tax) takes home approximately $129,682 annually. The same salary in California yields just $117,262 — a gap of over $12,420 per year.
What is the Airline Pilot salary growth outlook?
Steady demand with regional variation; remote work expanding the talent pool nationally
Airline Pilot Salary — All States & Cities
50 states · 300 cities