How's the Pilot Salary with Regional Airlines?

Regional airlines say that a relatively low base pay for entry-level pilots can rise quickly because of growth and upward mobility. Pilots ramp up quickly from the average beginning annual salary of $20,000 in the US. Moving from the right seat to the left, from First Officer to Captain, often triggers a 33% increase in pay within a year for most regional airlines. A Pinnacle Airlines captain, for example, with several years of flying can make $80,000 or $90,000 a year.

European regional pilots entry pay is typically higher than in the US. For example, the base salary at Flybe for a Q400 first officer is comparable to $39,000 to $50,000.

Enrollment in aviation academies and university aviation programs has grown by about 25% for the past two years as would-be aviators see the extensive career opportunities in commercial aviation.

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