As of 2025, salaries for regional airline pilots in the United States have reached record highs. Entry-level first officers now earn between $80,000 and $110,000, while captains’ annual earnings have risen to as much as $230,000.
Becoming a pilot requires years of training, dedication, and a serious financial investment. However, as of 2025, the reward for this demanding effort has increased significantly, particularly at regional airlines. Companies such as Envoy Air, Republic Airways, SkyWest, PSA, and Endeavor Air now offer entry-level captains salaries and signing bonuses ranging from $80,000 to $110,000.
This figure marks more than a twofold increase compared to starting salaries in 2015, which ranged from only $25,000 to $40,000. According to experts, this change signifies not just a pay rise but also a structural transformation in the aviation industry.
Talent Competition Drives Salaries Upward
In recent years, the growing pilot shortage and wave of early retirements have forced regional airlines to raise salaries in order to retain skilled pilots. Once seen as a “stepping stone” to major airlines, these positions now offer a long-term and lucrative career path.
For example, as of 2025, regional captains earn between $140,000 and $230,000 per year. With overtime, daily allowances, and bonuses, that figure can rise to as much as $250,000.
Flexible Pay Structure and Financial Security
Regional pilots’ pay structure is based not on a fixed annual salary but on hourly flight rates. Airlines generally provide a monthly guarantee of 70–75 hours, ensuring a steady income for pilots.
For instance, a captain earning $100 per flight hour with a 75-hour guarantee makes a base monthly income of $7,500. This amount can increase with additional flights and bonuses.
Seniority, Aircraft Type, and Base Location Matter
Pilot earnings depend not only on the pay scale but also on factors such as aircraft type, base location, and seniority. Captains flying larger jets (such as the Embraer 175 or CRJ-900) receive higher hourly pay than those flying smaller aircraft. Additionally, pilots based in cities like New York or Los Angeles benefit from higher per diem rates and accommodation allowances.
Faster Career Progression
Due to the shortage of experienced pilots, many regional airlines now offer promotion to captain within as little as 18 to 24 months. This means that a newly hired pilot can reach a six-figure salary within just a few years.
These rapid promotions have become a key element of both recruitment and retention strategies. By integrating financial incentives with clear career paths, airlines aim to provide young pilots with a stable and promising future.
Industry-Wide Transformation
Rising salaries have also boosted interest in flight schools and training institutions. After a decline in the early 2020s, the number of aspiring pilots has been climbing again by 2025. Training programmes now highlight that graduates can reach six-figure earnings within only a few years.
According to experts, the era of the “low-paid regional pilot” is officially over. With competitive salaries, strong bonuses, and rapid career advancement, regional piloting has become a respected, sustainable, and financially rewarding career. (simpleflying)
Aero Haber X-Twitter you can follow his account. Follow
