How much can a Boeing 777 pilot earn annually?

Captains flying large aircraft like the Boeing 777 can earn up to $450 per hour, potentially leading to high annual salaries.

What are the requirements to become an American Airlines pilot?

Becoming a commercial airline pilot requires 1,500 flight hours and significant investment in training, often up to $120,000.

Why are North American airlines short of pilots?

Airlines are short of pilots due to the resource-intensive career path, mandatory retirement ages, and the high barrier to entry.

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Pilot's $450K Year: Shocking Salary Revealed

24 Dec, 2025

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Summary

One pilot's annual earnings exceeded $450,000.
High pilot salaries reflect rare skills and extensive training.
Airlines face a shortage of at least 12,000 pilots.

Pilot's $450K Year: Shocking Salary Revealed

A pilot's pay stub shared online showed annual earnings exceeding $450,000, sparking widespread surprise. The pilot, flying a Boeing 737 for American Airlines, earned over $360 per hour, accumulating nearly half a million dollars year-to-date.

While this figure represents the upper echelon of pilot compensation, it highlights the demanding career path. Becoming a commercial airline pilot requires 1,500 flight hours and up to $120,000 in training costs.

This challenging entry and the high value of experienced pilots contribute to a significant shortage. North American airlines are currently short at least 12,000 pilots, with the U.S. Air Force also facing a deficit.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.