Captain Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
Understanding captain salary trends is essential for those pursuing this career or aiming to stay competitive in the industry. As of February 2025, the national average captain salary in the United States is $168,900 per year, with opportunities for growth depending on various factors.
Captain salary can vary significantly based on experience, industry, and location. This salary guide tackles these factors, provides insights into salary trends, and examines the job outlook for the coming years.
An Overview of Captain Salaries
So, how much does a captain make? In the United States, the average captain salary, as of February 2025, is $168,900 per year or $81 per hour. And the typical captain salary ranges from $127,252 to $236,721, with most earnings reported between $147,100 to $204,400.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $127,252 |
| 25% Percentile | $147,100 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $168,900 |
| 75% Percentile | $204,400 |
| 90% Percentile | $236,721 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that captain salaries differ based on the industry.
For instance, captains or pilots in couriers and express delivery services can earn $239,200 or more, while those in support activities for transportation typically make $118,810 per year.
- Couriers and express delivery services: $239,200 or more
- Scheduled air transportation: $231,560
- Nonscheduled air transportation: $133,860
- Federal government, excluding postal service: $123,430
- Support activities for transportation: $118,810
Salaries for commercial pilots in top industries also vary. Those working in professional, scientific, and technical services earn $123,800 per year, while those employed by private technical and trade schools earn $91,370 annually.
- Professional, scientific, and technical services: $123,800
- Support activities for air transportation: $119,080
- Nonscheduled air transportation: $107,780
- Ambulance services: $94,160
- Technical and trade schools; private: $91,370
Captain Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The captain salary can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com report, the average pay rate for this role in the United States is $81 per hour, $3,248 per week, or $14,075 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $81
- Average salary per week: $3,248
- Average salary per month: $14,075
- Average salary per year: $168,900
As mentioned earlier, captain salaries in the United States vary based on location, experience, and education. The following sections will explore these factors in detail.
How Experience Impacts Captain Salaries
Experience significantly impacts the salary of captains in the United States. As shown below, salary differences between experience levels are notable.
Salary.com salary data indicates that an entry-level captain earns approximately $22,732 less than an expert-level captain. A captain with the most experience earns an average of $180,260 per year.
- Entry Level Captain: $157,528
- Intermediate Level Captain: $159,140
- Senior Level Captain: $162,364
- Specialist Level Captain: $167,200
- Expert Level Captain: $180,260
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Captains
Each state or territory also has different average salaries for captains due to the cost of living and demand. Based on the data, the District of Columbia has the highest average annual salary for captains in the United States, at $188,000 per year.
While the state of California secured the second spot with an average yearly salary of $186,300, New Jersey follows closely at $185,200 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $184,000 |
| Alabama | $155,300 |
| Arkansas | $153,900 |
| Arizona | $164,600 |
| California | $186,300 |
| Colorado | $172,300 |
| Connecticut | $181,400 |
| District of Columbia | $188,000 |
| Delaware | $171,500 |
| Florida | $160,500 |
| Georgia | $163,400 |
| Hawaii | $176,500 |
| Iowa | $161,700 |
| Idaho | $157,600 |
| Illinois | $172,800 |
| Indiana | $163,900 |
| Kansas | $160,800 |
| Kentucky | $159,000 |
| Louisiana | $160,700 |
| Massachusetts | $183,800 |
| Maryland | $174,200 |
| Maine | $164,400 |
| Michigan | $166,700 |
| Minnesota | $172,800 |
| Missouri | $161,000 |
| Mississippi | $150,700 |
| Montana | $157,800 |
| North Carolina | $162,200 |
| North Dakota | $167,300 |
| Nebraska | $159,100 |
| New Hampshire | $171,800 |
| New Jersey | $185,200 |
| New Mexico | $155,800 |
| Nevada | $169,600 |
| New York | $180,100 |
| Ohio | $165,200 |
| Oklahoma | $156,300 |
| Oregon | $171,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $168,600 |
| Rhode Island | $176,400 |
| South Carolina | $159,500 |
| South Dakota | $151,900 |
| Tennessee | $156,400 |
| Texas | $165,400 |
| Utah | $160,700 |
| Virginia | $169,500 |
| Vermont | $165,700 |
| Washington | $182,100 |
| Wisconsin | $166,900 |
| West Virginia | $152,100 |
| Wyoming | $162,000 |
Captain Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to Salary.com data, the highest-paying cities for captains in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all located in California.
| Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $212,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $211,200 |
| Oakland, CA | $206,100 |
| New York, NY | $197,300 |
| Queens Village, NY | $196,000 |
| Paramus, NJ | $194,600 |
Explore Captain Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their basic pay, captains often receive benefits and rewards. According to the Salary.com data, the average total compensation of captains is $247,834 per year, which includes benefits like healthcare and time off.
- Social Security: $13,102
- 401K/403B: $7,673
- Disability: $3,654
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension: $9,866
- Time off: $22,486
Captain Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A captain is responsible for safely operating the aircraft while ensuring compliance with regulations, safety standards, and company policies. This includes performing pre-flight checks, route planning, takeoff, landing, and post-flight procedures.
Apart from these responsibilities, other key duties include:
- Operating the aircraft during flights, takeoffs, and landings.
- Monitoring systems like engines and fuel use.
- Handling emergencies such as bad weather or mechanical issues.
- Navigating using instruments and visual cues.
- Ensuring balance and keeping the aircraft within weight limits.
- Checking fuel levels and weather conditions.
- Inspecting the aircraft before and after flights.
- Planning flights and submitting details to air traffic control.
Also, do not confuse an airplane captain with a ship captain or an army captain, as they have different roles.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Captain?
If you're employed and believe you deserve a raise as a captain, here's a guide on when and how to make your request effectively.
- Demonstrate your value: Showcase your experience, flight hours, certifications, and leadership abilities. Highlight your contributions to the airline or company, such as improving safety procedures, mentoring junior pilots, or handling complex flight operations. Extra duties can also strengthen your position in the job market.
- Pick the right timing: Request a salary review when the company is in a strong financial position or after successfully completing a major assignment, such as a demanding long-haul flight. Another good opportunity is during your annual performance review when salary discussions are more common.
- Arrange a formal discussion: Schedule a dedicated meeting with your employer or chief pilot to talk about your compensation. Avoid bringing it up in casual conversations or during busy periods. A structured discussion signals professionalism and ensures your request gets the attention it deserves.
- Support your request with data: Research industry salary benchmarks for captains in your region and compare them with your current pay. For instance, Salary.com reports indicate that as of 2025, the average base salary for a commercial airline captain is $168,900 per year or $81 per hour. Highlight your expertise, specialized skills, and achievements to justify your request for a raise.
Why Does a Captain Make So Much?
A captain earns a high salary due to the extensive training, experience, and responsibility required for this job title. Pilots undergo years of education, flight training, and certifications, including an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, before qualifying as captains.
Also, some captains have in-demand skills that can make them eligible for higher earning potential. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data report, captains with flight planning expertise can earn 8.74% more than those without this skill. Likewise, proficiency in flight management systems can lead to a 7.73% salary increase.
Other high-paying skills include:
- Flight Planning: 8.74%
- Flight Management System: 7.73%
- Emergency Landing: 7.73%
- Flight Instrument Use and Maintenance: 7.73%
- Approach and Landing: 7.73%
- Aircraft Stability and Control: 7.73%
The Future of Captain: Job Outlook and Career Trends
The BLS projects that employment for airline and commercial pilots, including captains, will grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033. Around 18,500 pilot openings are expected each year, mainly due to retirements and career transitions.
The demand for captains will increase as air travel expands, driven by hybrid and remote work arrangements that encourage more “bleisure” travel—combining business and leisure. The rising popularity of private chartered flights will also create opportunities for captains in commercial aviation.
However, factors such as airline fleet expansions, fuel costs, and advancements in automation may influence the long-term demand for captains in the aviation industry.
