Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Salary in Atlanta, GA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Median annual salary $618,090 +172.8% vs national
Median hourly
10th percentile $204,020
90th percentile $642,610
Employed locally 8,700
National median $226,600

Compare Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Atlanta, GA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
in
Atlanta, GA
vs

    In Atlanta, GA, airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers earn a significantly higher median annual salary of $618,090 compared to both the national median of $226,600 for the same occupation and the local area's median household income of $86,338. This substantial difference highlights the premium placed on these specialized aviation roles within the region. The disparity between the typical earnings in this field and the broader economic landscape reflects the demanding nature and high level of responsibility associated with piloting aircraft, as well as the extensive training and certification requirements that professionals must meet.

    Entry-level airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in Atlanta start at a considerably lower salary than their more experienced counterparts. The 10th percentile salary stands at $204,020, indicating an entry point for newcomers to the industry who are likely still accruing hours and gaining experience necessary for higher-paying positions. In contrast, those at the 90th percentile earn up to $642,610, driven by factors such as accumulated flight time, seniority, leadership roles within airlines, and command of larger or more complex aircraft. This significant pay gap underscores how experience, responsibility, and career progression influence earnings in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $204,020
    25th
    $211,400
    50th (median)
    $618,090
    75th
    $618,090
    90th
    $642,610

    Atlanta economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,338 2023 • Census ACS
    Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary vs area income 716% Median Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary is 616% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers make per hour in Atlanta?

    The median hourly wage for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Atlanta, GA is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is Atlanta above or below average for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salaries?

    The median Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary in Atlanta, GA is 172.8% above the national median of $226,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in Atlanta?

    Entry-level Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $204,020 per year in Atlanta, GA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $211,400.