What is a typical salary for military pilots?
The question is commonly asked when people are considering becoming a pilot in the military.
There are numerous careers in the military, and becoming a pilot is considered one of the most prestigious.
Military pilots not only get to fly the most advanced aircraft in the world, but earn a good salary doing so.
As a result, learn more about a military pilots salary, including additional forms of compensation you may not be aware exists:
Table of Contents
Military Pilots Salary
It’s important to understand how a military salary works because it’s not the same in the civilian world.
Personal salaries are generally kept private in the civilian world whereas in the military, everything is transparent and begins with rank.
For this reason, military pilots are not paid according to job title or responsibilities but, rather, determined by a basic pay scale model.
However, your military rank is not the only factor which determines a pilot’s salary.
The longer you serve, the more you earn as a military pilot.
Furthermore, the higher the rank the better pay which often motivates military personnel to seek promotions.
Then, there are also special bonuses and military benefits to factor into the yearly salary.
All in all, it’s not uncommon for a military pilot salary to range from $80,000 – $85,000 per year.
Military Pilots Salary for 2023
What is the average salary for a military pilot in 2023?
As previously mentioned, the pay is highly contingent on several factors.
Time in service, your rank, and bonuses can all factor into the ultimate take home pay for your average military pilot.
Notwithstanding, the average base salary for a military pilot is $89,700 per year.
Of course, the base salary increases when you factor in other benefits.
As a result, a pilot’s salary can also be determined by education, certifications, experience, and other factors.
Accordingly, it’s not uncommon to earn 6 figures as a military pilot, especially after gaining some flight experience.
Nonetheless, to find out precisely what you’ll make, it’s important to know about the various types of pay that factor into a salary.
Types of Military Pilot Salary
The salary for military pilots is not straightforward.
The precise amount you’ll earn is dependent on numerous factors, including the types of pay you receive:
- Base Pay
- Flight Pay (ACIP)
- Basic Allowance for Sustenance (BAS)
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
- Retention / Special Bonuses
- Retirement (TSP)
The base pay is determined by military rank as well as number of years in service.
It’s universal across all service branches and thus not intended to place the value on one military profession over another.
Meanwhile, military pilots also earn flight pay, or Aviation Career Incentive Pay (ACIP).
At first, flight pay is not much yet can increase to over $1k a month by the time you leave service.
Moreover, serving the military provides other incentives such as money for food, housing, and other expenses.
These allowances are tax exempt and usually calculated by location, pay grade, and other factors.
For example, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is determined by zip code, military rank, and number of dependents (if applicable).
Benefits of Joining the Military
Additionally, there are numerous benefits to joining the military.
For starters, military service includes health care coverage along with a retirement plan.
Moreover, service members may continue their education or take advantage of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill after leaving the military.
What’s fantastic about the G.I. Bill is you don’t have to attend college to use it.
For example, you may redirect the funds toward costs for flight training, vocational training, or other flight programs.
Furthermore, you may also elect to transfer remaining funds from the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to a military spouse or dependent.
The military benefits you can expect to receive as a pilot, include:
- Social Security
- Retirement / 401(k)
- Healthcare
- Pension
- Disability
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Finally, serving in the military entitled you to hundreds of discounts at retailers, restaurants, and for travel expenses.
Military Pilot Requirements
Did you know that pilots are required to be officers in the military?
It allows you to earn a higher military salary, but also means more requirements and responsibilities to become a pilot.
Accordingly, you can discover what it takes to become a pilot in the Air Force or U.S. Navy by reviewing eligibility requirements.
Meanwhile, pilots in the Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard have slightly different requirements.
There are also pilots in the Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve.
In general, military pilots must meet certain age, height, and weight restrictions.
Furthermore, vision requirements are mandatory, and include testing peripheral vision, depth perception, and color blindness.
The other requirements vary depending on military branch.
Regardless, expect to have to complete several physical and psychological evaluations, along with an officer training program and flight school.
Military Pilots Salary (By Service Branch)
In general, pilot salaries are pretty close across all branches of the military.
Pilots in the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps are commissioned officers that earn the same pay depending on military rank and years of service.
With that said, military pilots salary also becomes variable depending on special pay, allowances, and bonuses.
Learn more about military pilots salary based on service branch:
U.S. Air Force
Air Force pilots earn their compensation based on a pay scale.
Entry level officers (O-1) are referred to as a Second Lieutenant, like in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
Commissioned officers receive pay based on rank and time in service.
They’re also eligible for special pay, including allowances and retention bonuses.
Moreover, Air Force pilots also earn additional income from hazardous duty pay.
While poor performance may prevent officers from getting promoted, in general, moving up rank is more than plausible.
As such, it’s possible to continue and earn a higher salary as you make a career out of the military.
Meanwhile, the Air Force Reserve also trains pilots and it’s anticipated that Space Force will have its own division soon.
U.S. Navy
Naval officers also receive pay each month based on military rank and experience.
Officers in the U.S. Navy are divided based on the following ranks:
- Junior Officers (O-1 through O-4)
- Senior Officers (O-5 and O-6)
- Flag Officers (O-7 through O-10)
Not surprising, pay improves as Navy officers progress from Junior Officers to Flag Officers.
Additionally, Ensigns (or the entry-level rank of a Navy officer) may qualify for other allowances and special pay.
Are you conflicted between joining the U.S. Navy or Air Force as a pilot?
Compare the similarities and differences between a Navy and Air Force pilot.
Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard has some really qualified and talented pilots in its own right.
These pilots must navigate difficult conditions, including the ability to fly in all types of weather.
And, like the other military branches, the salary is first determined by rank and military service.
The 17-week Coast Guard Office Candidate School (OCS) is notoriously demanding along with flight school in Pensacola, Florida.
Nonetheless, the Coast Guard also invests heavily in its pilots and does everything possible to retain them after their initial 11 year commitment.
For this reason, you may qualify for a significant retention bonus when it comes time to reenlist.
USCG pilots (who start out as Ensigns) earn 2 monthly amounts which is related to their aviator status.
Accordingly, the Aviator Careers Incentive Pay (ACIP) is significant once you gain some flight experience.
Marine Corps
Pilots in the Marine Corps (USMC) begin with the rank of Second Lieutenant, like USAF pilots.
These officers earn pay which is predetermined by the USMC pay scale.
Service members in the Marine Corps generally have a window in which they must get promoted to the next rank, or leave service.
It’s because the Marine Corps, like other service branches, is required to only have a certain number of service members at each rank.
Accordingly, it presents the opportunity to progress up the ranks and earn a higher salary, as a result.
Military pilots in the USMC have a few different pathways they can consider to becoming an officer:
- Platoon Leaders Class (PLC)
- Officer Candidate Course (OCC)
- U.S. Naval Academy Graduate
- Naval Reserve Officer Trainer Corps (NROTC)
Furthermore, Marines have the ability to receive higher pay through bonuses and allowances.
U.S. Army
The Army has pilots as well yet these individuals are classified as Warrant Officers, which is technically under the rank of a commissioned officer.
The reason for this is Army helicopter pilots are designated as officers by warrant (or, in other words, having a specialty) compared to earning the position by commission.
For this reason, Army pilots earn a lower salary compared to pilots in the other military branches.
It’s also possible to join the Air National Guard as a pilot
Meanwhile, it’s also possible to join the Air National Guard as a pilot.
Jobs for Military Pilots (Post-Service)
Your career as a pilot does not have to end with military service.
In fact, most military pilots eventually leave the military and find a rewarding career in the civilian world.
The good news is that former military pilots can find a wealth of available jobs.
It’s true that private companies like to hire military pilots thanks to their unrivaled experience and training.
Moreover, former military pilots are usually seasoned and cool under pressure thanks to their time in service.
For this reason, military pilots should consider the following careers:
- Commercial Airline Pilot
- Helicopter Pilot / Drone Pilot
- Private / Charter Airline Pilot
- Program Manager in Aviation / Aerospace
- Aircraft Mechanic / Operations
- Aviation Meteorologist
- Transportation Security Officer
- Aircraft Attendant
- Aviation Consultant
Former military pilots have the option of working for the U.S. government or a state/local jurisdiction.
Additionally, corporations and other entities offer the best opportunities for high compensation.
Military Pilots Salary FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the salary for military pilots:
What is military pilots salary for 2023?
The average salary ranges from $75,000 to $130,000+ for a military pilot.
There are several factors which determines precisely how much you’ll earn in the military.
On average, the salary for military pilots in 2023 is nearly $90,000 per year.
Thus, a typical entry-level O-1 Ensign / Second Lieutenant can anticipate earning between $3,470 and $4,375 per month.
Of course, monthly pay increases when you factor in flight pay, hazardous pay, and other bonuses.
These salaries also cover the earnings for drone pilots, which is currently in high demand.
What are the highest paying cities / states for military pilots?
There are some places that pay better than others for pilots.
As previously mentioned, your base salary is determined by military rank and years of service.
However, your location may also factor into earnings, especially in terms of BAH and for civilian employment.
In general, California pays military pilots the best salary followed by Alaska, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
How do you calculate a military pilots salary?
First, the pilots salary is determined by military rank and years of service.
Secondly, pilots also earn flight pay and other types of special pay / bonuses
Meanwhile, allowances are tax exempt and also contribute to the salary of a military pilot.
Lastly, there are also military benefits and hazardous pay that are factored into the salary.
Conclusion
How much do fighter pilots make?
The amount you earn as a pilot in the military depends on several factors.
First, basic military pay is universal across all service branches and is calculated based on rank and years of service.
Then, other types of special pay and bonuses contribute to the high earnings of a military pilot.
As such, it’s not uncommon for military pilots to earn 6 figures after developing some experience and moving up the ranks.
Despite the risks and dangers, it’s well worth considering a career in the military as a pilot because of the higher than average earnings.
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Rob V.
Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics.
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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Fighter Pilot Salary
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FAQs
How much do Air Force fighter pilots get paid? ›
Average U.S. Air Force Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $92,184, which is 39% above the national average.
How much do you get paid to be a military pilot? ›The base salary for Pilot in companies like U.S. Military range from $104,774 to $133,519 with the average base salary of $118,037. The total cash compensation, which includes bonus, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $111,580 to $155,718 with the average total cash compensation of $130,083.
Which military pilots make the most money? ›If you're looking to make it as a military pilot (and get that attractive average military pilot salary of between $80,000 and $85,000 per year), your best bet would probably be to join the U.S. Air Force. The longer you serve as a military pilot, the more money you'll make.
How much does an F 16 fighter pilot get paid? ›$129,420. How accurate does $129,420 look to you?
How much does a Navy SEAL make? ›Salary Ranges for Navy Seals
The salaries of Navy Seals in the US range from $15,929 to $424,998 , with a median salary of $76,394 . The middle 57% of Navy Seals makes between $76,394 and $192,310, with the top 86% making $424,998.
$73,709. The estimated total pay for a F/A-18 Pilot at US Navy is $73,709 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $73,709 per year.
How much do retired military pilots make? ›Under this system, your monthly retirement check is 2.5% of your monthly base pay multiplied by the number of years you served before retiring. If you serve a full 20 years on active duty you receive 50% of your base pay, every month, for the rest of your life.
How much does a military pilot make an hour? ›As of Feb 17, 2023, the average annual pay for a Military Pilot in the United States is $69,326 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $33.33 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,333/week or $5,777/month.
What is the age limit for fighter pilot? ›What are the general qualifications to fly, including height? Becoming an Air Force Pilot requires you to meet strict physical, medical, vision and academic requirements. Applicants must achieve qualifying scores on the AFOQT exam, meet all requirements and pass a selection board prior to age 33.
How much does an F 35 pilot make a year? ›$90,178. The estimated total pay for a Air Force Fighter Pilot at US Air Force is $90,178 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $90,178 per year.
How much does a B 52 pilot make? ›
$110,640. How accurate does $110,640 look to you?
How much does a Navy Fighter Pilot? ›How much does a Pilot make at US Navy in the United States? Average US Navy Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $98,280, which is 52% above the national average.
How much does a fighter jet pilot make a month? ›As of Feb 28, 2023, the average monthly pay for a Fighter Pilot in the United States is $7,461 a month.
How many hours a month do military pilots fly? ›Average Pilot Training Hours Per Month By Aircraft Type. Active duty fixed-wing hours averaged 6.1 hours per pilot per month, down steeply from 8.7 hours the previous year. Guard fixed-wing pilots also saw a drop from 10.8 to 7.9, but Reserve pilots saw a huge jump, from 4.8 hours in fiscal 2020 to 10.9 in 2021.
How long is a military pilot contract? ›Pilots have a 10-year, active-duty service commitment, and both Combat System Officers and Air Battle Managers have a six-year service commitment upon completion of their respective training.
How much does a Navy SEAL 6 make? ›| Rank | <2 | 6 |
|---|---|---|
| E-8 | ||
| E-7 | 2339.10 | 2881.50 |
| E-6 | 2023.20 | 2519.40 |
| E-5 | 1854.00 | 2323.80 |
Including the most common pay allowances, the average total compensation for a Master Chief Petty Officer may range from $27,143.55 to $135,010.35 per year as of 2023.
How much do Delta Force soldiers make? ›$66,018. The estimated total pay for a Space Shuttle Door Gunner Delta Force at US Army is $66,018 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $50,632 per year.
How much does a top gun pilot get paid? ›Avg. Base Salary (USD)
Top Gun Flight Academy pays an average salary of $4,222,140 and salaries range from a low of $3,719,081 to a high of $4,793,522.
Average Delta Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $159,404, which is 140% above the national average.
How much do marine pilots get paid? ›
Average U.S. Marine Corps Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $91,608, which is 38% above the national average.
Do pilots fly for free after retirement? ›How long do you have to work for an airline to get free flights for life? Retirees who pass the "65-point plan" (a minimum of 10 years of active service, and the retiree's age plus years of service must equal or exceed 65) also qualify for "non-revenue" travel.
How much does a retired captain in the Air Force make? ›$92,303. The estimated total pay for a Retired at US Air Force is $92,303 per year.
Are pilots forced to retire at 65? ›Reflecting trends in improved health and longevity, the mandatory retirement age for pilots was last raised from 60 to 65 in 2007.
How long is military pilot school? ›Typical timeline to begin training is 6-12 months and OTS, IFS, and SUPT will take approximately 18 months. After completion of SUPT, new pilots will attend Land and Water Survival at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. These two courses take approximately three weeks to complete.
What is the highest paying job? ›- Median annual salary: $208,000.
- Industry: Health care.
- Education needed: Doctorate degree.
The estimated total pay for a Air Force RPA Pilot at US Air Force is $9,559 per month. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $8,948 per month.
Can you become a fighter pilot without a degree? ›A four-year college degree is usually required to become a military pilot. Courses in engineering, meteorology, computer science, aviation law, business management, and military science are especially helpful.
Is 50 old to be a pilot? ›The answer is no. While some airlines have an age requirement before you can fly a commercial flight, there's no age limit in wanting to become a pilot. Many think that at age 40, they have missed their opportunity to become a pilot.
Do fighter pilots age slower? ›Chou did the math, and it turns out that frequent fliers actually age the tiniest bit more quickly than those of us with both feet on the ground. Planes travel at high enough altitudes that the weak gravitational field speeds up the tick rate of a clock on board more than the high speeds slow it down.
Do airline pilots make 6 figures? ›
In the May 2021 report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the range of salaries for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers from less than $100,110 a year, to the highest 10 percent earning more than $208,000.
How much does a 2nd Lieutenant Air Force Pilot get paid? ›The average Air Force 2nd Lieutenant- Air salary in the United States is $63,757 as of February 27, 2023. The range for our most popular Air Force 2nd Lieutenant- Air positions (listed below) typically falls between $56,556 and $70,958.
How much do fighter jet pilots make an hour? ›How much does a Fighter Pilot make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage for a Fighter Pilot in the United States is $47 as of January 26, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $42 and $53.
How much does a UPS 747 Pilot make? ›...
So, exactly how much can I earn as a UPS pilot?
| First Officer | Captain |
|---|---|
| Starting: $50/hr | Starting: $50/hr |
| Average: $208/hr | Average: $315/hr |
| Top: $239/hr | Top: $338/hr |
Aircraft Type
As a general rule, the larger the aircraft, the higher the hourly rate. In 2022, an American Airlines 737 first officer with 3 years of experience will be paid $161 per hour while a 777 first officer with 3 years of experience will be paid $198 per hour.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $401,000 and as low as $21,500, the majority of Helicopter Pilot salaries currently range between $52,000 (25th percentile) to $115,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $178,500 annually across the United States.
Do you need a degree to be a Navy fighter pilot? ›Qualifications & Requirements
A four-year degree is required to work as a Fighter Pilot. Candidates seeking an Officer position in this community must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably in a technical field.
Aviators who complete jet training are obligated for 8 years. Pilots who complete training on any other type of aircraft are obligated for 7 years; for naval flight officers (NFOs), the service obligation is 6 years.
How long do fighter pilots serve in the Navy? ›Then you will commit to 10(ish) years of full-time military service before knowing what airplane you will fly. (You commit to 10 years after completing pilot training in the Air Force, only 8 years in the Navy and Marine Corps.)
How much do F 22 pilots make? ›The estimated total pay for a Air Force Pilot at US Air Force is $101,702 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $101,702 per year.
How much do Air Force fighter pilots make an hour? ›
The average hourly rate for Pilot in companies like U.S. Military range from $50 to $64 with the average hourly pay of $57. The total hourly cash compensation, which includes base and short-term incentives, can vary anywhere from $54 to $75 with the average total hourly cash compensation of $63.
Do Air Force pilots get extra pay? ›How much is the Air Force pilot bonus? The bonus amount can vary from $105,000 to $420,000 depending on your airframe and the length of the contract you sign. Usually you are eligible for $35,000 per year.
Do Air Force pilots make extra money? ›Do Air Force pilots get paid more? Yes, Aviation Incentive Pay rates for the USAF vary from an extra $150 to $1,000 per month. What is the salary of an Air Force pilot? Starting out, the average Air Force pilot can expect to make around $56,000 per year (gross).
How much does a B 52 bomber Pilot earn? ›$110,597. How accurate does $110,597 look to you?
How much does a 777 Pilot make a year? ›| Type | Pay (yearly) |
|---|---|
| Airbus 319 | $121,000 |
| Boeing 777 | $160,000 |
| Embraer 190 | $82,000 |
A regional airline pilots in the U.S. typically starts out making an hourly rate of $20 – $50 per hour, or about $20,000-$40,000 per year, depending on the airline, type of aircraft, and the pilot's experience level.
How many hours a week does an Air Force pilot work? ›According to figures provided to Air Force Magazine, pilot flying hours across all types of aircraft in the Active-duty force averaged 10.1 hours per month in fiscal 2021, down from 10.9 hours in 2020. Flying hours had averaged just 6.8 per month in 2019, down sharply from 10.7 in 2018.
What is the age limit for Fighter Pilot? ›What are the general qualifications to fly, including height? Becoming an Air Force Pilot requires you to meet strict physical, medical, vision and academic requirements. Applicants must achieve qualifying scores on the AFOQT exam, meet all requirements and pass a selection board prior to age 33.
Do Air Force pilots get free housing? ›All officers in the U.S. military are entitled to live on the base where they are stationed. However, if they choose to live off base, they are entitled to a monthly supplement known as the Basic Allowance for Housing.
How much does a Top Gun instructor make? ›Avg. Base Salary (USD)
Top Gun Flight Academy pays an average salary of $4,222,140 and salaries range from a low of $3,719,081 to a high of $4,793,522.
How much does a Marine jet pilot get paid? ›
How much does a Pilot make at U.S. Marine Corps in the United States? Average U.S. Marine Corps Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $91,608, which is 38% above the national average.
What is the highest paying flying job? ›- Thermodynamics Engineer. Salary range: $117,000-$225,500 per year. ...
- Aeronautical Engineer. Salary range: $83,000-$187,000 per year. ...
- Aerospace Stress Engineer. Salary range: $83,000-$149,000 per year. ...
- Avionics Engineer. ...
- Test Pilot. ...
- Flight Test Engineer. ...
- Pilot. ...
- Aerodynamics Engineer.
The average salary for Pilot at Delta in the United States is $159,404 per year, which is 140% above the national average.
What benefits do military pilots get? ›These include 30 days of paid vacation, food and housing allowances, tuition assistance, low-cost insurance and a generous retirement package. Air Force pilots may also be paid retention bonuses to encourage them to extend their length of service.