A Look At The Salaries Of Regional Pilots In The US In 2025

Becoming a Pilot requires years of rigorous training, dedication, and significant financial and personal investment. From flight school to earning certifications, type ratings, and accumulating flight hours, aspiring pilots dedicate thousands of hours to mastering complex skills and navigating a highly regulated industry. The effort is immense, and the early years can still be challenging financially, as not many pilots immediately earn high salaries; compensation varies widely by airline, aircraft, and seniority.

At the same time, the landscape for regional pilot pay in the United States in 2025 is improving, with many carriers offering entry-level First Officers competitive salaries in the $80,000 to $110,000 range, plus bonuses, per diems, and pathways to captain upgrades. While some pilots may still earn less during their initial years, the industry’s overall compensation has risen significantly in response to various external and internal factors. Understanding these pay structures, including hourly rates, guarantees, and career progression, provides a realistic picture of both the challenges and rewards of a career in regional aviation.

The New Pay Reality: From $40K to $100K+ Starting Salaries

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In 2015, many regional First Officers started their careers earning between $25,000 and $40,000 a year, a figure that often forced pilots to take on second jobs or live with family to make ends meet. Fast-forward to 2025, and those numbers have more than doubled, with first-year pay commonly ranging from $80,000 to $110,000. Airlines such as Envoy Air, Republic Airways, and Skywest now advertise six-figure compensation packages for entry-level First Officers, thanks to raised hourly rates, minimum monthly guarantees, and signing bonuses.

These changes are not just cosmetic; they represent a fundamental restructuring of how regionals attract and retain talent. For years, the majors relied on regional carriers to serve as training grounds for future captains and first officers, often at the expense of fair compensation. But as retirements and demand for pilots surged, regional airlines had no choice but to raise pay scales dramatically. What was once viewed as a short-term stepping stone has become a viable, long-term career path for many aviators.

The ripple effects of these increases are being felt industry-wide. Higher starting pay has drawn more students into flight training programs, helping replenish a pilot pipeline that nearly collapsed during the early 2020s. It’s also put pressure on smaller carriers and charter operators to raise their own pay to remain competitive. In 2025, the regional pay landscape no longer mirrors the low-wage era of the past; it’s a full-fledged arms race for skilled pilots.

Understanding Hourly Pay and Monthly Guarantees

Credit: Envoy Air

Unlike most professions, most pilots are not paid a fixed annual salary. Instead, compensation is calculated based on hourly flight pay, covering the time between an aircraft’s gate departure and arrival. However, regional pilots don’t have to rely solely on variable flying schedules. Most airlines include monthly guarantees, typically between 70 and 75 hours, which ensure that pilots earn a predictable base income even during light flight months or when on reserve.

This system allows flexibility while maintaining financial stability. For example, a first officer earning $100 per flight hour with a 75-hour guarantee will earn a base of $7,500 per month, before overtime or per diem pay. If that pilot flies additional trips or picks up extra hours, their income can climb well beyond the guarantee. Many regionals also offer premium pay for holidays or high-demand routes, further boosting take-home earnings.

While hourly pay provides opportunities for pilots to earn more, it also creates complexity in comparing one airline’s compensation against another’s. A pilot at a lower hourly rate may still earn more overall if their company offers better schedule flexibility or higher guarantees. For readers evaluating regional pay, understanding this system is key; a pilot’s “annual salary” is less about a fixed number and more about the combination of hourly rate, guarantees, and lifestyle trade-offs.

Captain Pay: Command Comes with Compensation

Credit: Envoy Air

The leap from First Officer to Captain marks one of the most significant pay jumps in aviation. In 2025, regional captains are earning between $140,000 and $230,000+ per year, depending on seniority, aircraft type, and airline contract. This is a stark contrast to the sub-$100,000 salaries that were once common for a regional captain less than a decade ago. Airlines like Republic, PSA, and Endeavor have set new benchmarks with top-of-scale hourly rates approaching those seen at smaller major carriers.

Rapid upgrade times are another driver of rising pay. With experienced pilot shortages continuing, many regional airlines are promoting qualified First Officers to Captain in as little as 18 to 24 months. This means new pilots can realistically reach significant six-figure captain salaries within just a few years of joining a regional carrier. These fast-track upgrades also serve as a retention tool; pilots are more likely to stay at an airline where career progression is quick and compensation is rewarding.

For pilots who choose to remain at the regional level rather than move to a major, captain’s pay has become competitive enough to justify the decision. Some senior captains at well-paying regionals can earn as much as $250,000 annually with overtime, per diems, and bonuses factored in. The captain’s chair, once a modest promotion within the regionals, is now a more lucrative and respected position in its own right.

The Role of Bonuses and Tuition Reimbursement

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Pay alone doesn’t tell the full story of regional pilot compensation in 2025. Many airlines now offer sign-on bonuses, retention incentives, and tuition reimbursement programs to attract and keep pilots. Bonuses can range from $15,000 to over $75,000, often paid out in installments tied to service commitments. Some regionals also offer tuition reimbursement to help offset flight training costs, a crucial incentive given the rising price of pilot education.

Airlines affiliated with major carriers use these programs strategically. They not only boost immediate pay but also establish flow-through pathways to the major airline level, guaranteeing a defined career route. This has made regional jobs more appealing to students deciding between airline and corporate aviation, as the promise of eventual major airline placement carries enormous financial and lifestyle value.

Bonuses and flow programs also serve a broader strategic purpose. They help stabilize the workforce by reducing turnover, one of the biggest challenges in recent years. By offering financial incentives and career continuity, airlines ensure that their investment in pilot training and development pays off, both for the carrier and for the pilots building their careers within it.

Factors That Influence Pay Beyond the Contract

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Even with published pay scales, two pilots at the same airline can earn vastly different amounts. Variables such as base location, aircraft assignment, seniority, and schedule bidding all play critical roles in determining real-world earnings. Pilots based in cities like New York or Los Angeles may receive higher per diem rates or housing stipends, while those flying larger regional jets (like the Embraer 175 or Bombardier CRJ-900) often earn higher hourly pay than those operating smaller aircraft.

Another often-overlooked factor is seniority. Pilots bid for schedules, vacation, and equipment based on their position on the seniority list, meaning those with more experience can secure more lucrative flight hours and better trip pairings. The difference between a desirable line and a reserve schedule can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per year. As such, longevity at a carrier can be just as valuable as a pay raise on paper.

Finally, lifestyle choices play into the equation. Some pilots prioritize home basing or fewer overnight trips over maximizing income. Others choose to pick up additional flying or work holiday schedules to increase their earnings. The flexibility built into the pilot pay system means that compensation reflects both professional seniority and personal priorities, giving aviators more control over how they balance income and quality of life.

A New Era for Regional Pilots

Credit: Alaska Airlines

The evolution of regional airline pilot pay in 2025 is a milestone for the aviation industry. For decades, low wages were a defining feature and a deterrent to regional flying. Today, that reputation no longer holds. The combination of competitive hourly rates, bonuses, and rapid career progression has turned regional pilot positions into attractive, sustainable careers with strong financial rewards.

These changes carry long-term implications for the entire airline ecosystem. By raising pay and improving working conditions, regionals have strengthened the pilot pipeline and helped ensure a steady flow of qualified aviators to the major airlines. Flight schools and training institutions are already reporting surges in enrollment as the promise of six-figure paychecks becomes a tangible reality for new pilots.

Ultimately, regional pilots in 2025 are better compensated, more respected, and more in demand than at any other time in modern aviation history. While challenges remain, including managing workforce growth and maintaining profitability, one thing is clear: the era of underpaid regional pilots is over, and a new standard of professional recognition has taken flight.