Career paths

Where the career actually leads

The first couple of years are lean — instructing pays in experience more than dollars. Then seniority at a major carrier bends the curve sharply upward. A senior wide-body captain at Delta or United can clear $400k–$500k a year, and the lifestyle and schedule that come with it are hard to match in any other field.

$35k

Instructing start

$450k

Senior Captain ceiling

8 roles

On the ladder

Sort by

Segment

Showing 8 roles

Major Airline Captain

Airlines

6,000 hrs to qualify

Wide-body senior captains can clear $500k.

Annual pay range

$250k–$450k

Corporate / Fractional

Business aviation

1,500 hrs to qualify

NetJets, Flexjet; predictable schedules, great jets.

Annual pay range

$90k–$250k

Major Airline FO

Airlines

3,000 hrs to qualify

Delta/United/American/Southwest; quality of life jumps.

Annual pay range

$120k–$230k

Regional Captain

Airlines

3,000 hrs to qualify

Upgrade in 1–3 years at many regionals.

Annual pay range

$130k–$180k

Regional Airline FO

Airlines

1,500 hrs to qualify

Signing bonuses now common; the on-ramp to majors.

Annual pay range

$90k–$110k

Part 135 Charter

On-demand

500 hrs to qualify

Cargo or passenger; varied schedules.

Annual pay range

$50k–$95k

Flight Instructor (CFI)

Building hours

250 hrs to qualify

First paid job for most; pay scales with students.

Annual pay range

$35k–$70k

Banner Tow / Skydive

Time building

250 hrs to qualify

Seasonal, fun, low pay — but logbook gold.

Annual pay range

$30k–$55k

Next step

The path that gets you here

From discovery flight to ATP, every certificate laid out in sequence — with realistic timelines, costs, and what to expect at each stage.

See the training path Calculate your costs