In the world of aviation, pilot salaries can vary significantly depending on a wide range of factors—from the type of aircraft flown and the operator (corporate, charter, airline) to geographic location, seniority, and even the type of operation (Part 91 vs. Part 135). If you’re currently a pilot or aspiring to become one, it’s essential to understand how your earnings compare to the industry average. Whether you’re flying a Gulfstream G650, a Citation CJ3, or just getting started in the right seat, knowing where you stand financially can help you make smarter career decisions.

Let’s take a closer look at what pilots are earning in 2025 and how you can use BizJetJobs.com to evaluate and grow your earning potential.

What’s the Average Pilot Salary in 2025?

Pilot salaries are on the rise in 2025, with the ongoing demand for experienced aviators across corporate, charter, and commercial sectors. Based on the most recent data compiled by BizJetJobs.com, here’s how pilot salary trends by aircraft type and crew position:

First Officers

• Light Jets (e.g., Phenom 300, Citation CJ3): Average: $70,000 – $90,000 annually
• Mid-size Jets (e.g., Lear 60, Hawker 900XP): Average: $90,000 – $115,000 annually
• Heavy Jets (e.g., G550, Falcon 7X): Average: $120,000 – $160,000 annually

Captains

• Light Jets: Average: $95,000 – $120,000
• Mid-size Jets: Average: $115,000 – $155,000
• Heavy Jets: Average: $180,000 – $280,000+

Corporate flight departments, in particular, have shown willingness to offer competitive compensation packages, including performance bonuses, per diem, retirement matching, and more flexible schedules to attract and retain talent.

Factors That Affect Pilot Pay

Salary ranges can be wide, even within the same category of aircraft or operator. Here are a few key variables that affect what a pilot earns:

Experience & Seniority

Naturally, time in the cockpit matters. A senior captain with thousands of hours on type will earn substantially more than a recently type-rated FO. Seniority can also impact scheduling priority, days off, and bonus structure.

Aircraft Type

Heavier, long-range jets tend to command higher salaries due to their complexity and the international scope of their operations. Pilots with experience on aircraft like the Global 7500, G650, and Falcon 8X are among the top earners in the corporate sector.

Geographic Location

Pilots based in high-cost areas such as New York, Los Angeles, or international hubs in the Middle East often see higher base salaries or housing stipends. Conversely, pay in rural or regional markets may be lower, even for the same job title.

Employer Type

• Part 91 Operators: Generally offer better quality of life, fixed schedules, and competitive salaries.
• Part 135 Charter Operators: Frequently offer faster upgrade paths, but the schedule can be more demanding. Pay varies more widely.
• Fractional/Commercial Airlines: Structured pay scales with yearly increases, union-negotiated benefits, and bonuses.

How Does Your Salary Compare?

Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or just curious about how your salary stacks up, BizJetJobs.com provides real-time job postings that include compensation details. Unlike many job boards, BizJetJobs is built specifically for pilots and aviation professionals—offering tools to help you compare salaries across aircraft types, locations, and job types.

Features to Help You Benchmark:

• Advanced Job Search Filters: Sort by pay rate, aircraft, region, and employer type to zero in on jobs that match your goals.
• Pilot Salary Survey: Access up-to-date pilot salary reports across the industry to help you negotiate your worth.
• Pilot Profiles & Resume Builder: Create a compelling profile that showcases your experience and lets employers find you.
• Daily Job Alerts: Get notified the moment a high-paying opportunity goes live in your preferred location or aircraft type.

Boosting Your Earnings in 2025 and Beyond

Want to climb the salary ladder in your aviation career? Here are a few smart steps:

• Stay Current on Type Ratings: Staying type current (and adding additional types) makes you more marketable and opens up higher-paying gigs.
• Network Within the Industry: Many of the best jobs are filled via referral. Use BizJetJobs’ Crew Lounge to connect with other pilots, flight departments, and hiring managers.
• Negotiate Smartly: Leverage salary data when discussing offers. Don’t just look at base pay—consider the full compensation package including bonuses, per diem, and benefits.
• Stay Flexible: Being open to contract or short-notice flying can sometimes yield higher hourly rates and unique opportunities.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a freshly minted commercial pilot, knowing where you stand in the current market is crucial. Pilot salaries in 2025 are competitive and rising, but they vary widely depending on several factors. Tools and platforms like BizJetJobs.com give you the data, opportunities, and insights to not only find your next flying job—but to make sure it’s the right one for your career and your wallet.