The Average Income Of A Helicopter Pilot Will Make You Pause

Flying a helicopter and soaring among the skies seems like a dream job for thrill seekers and adventurers, but according to Salary.com, the paycheck that comes with it might surprise you. Becoming a pilot typically involves military or private training and requires extreme focus and precision at all times. While it's not the easiest field to enter, the financial rewards — especially for experienced pilots — and the sense of purpose make it a rewarding career. For many pilots, the career is a good mix of adventure and sense of fulfillment.

From transporting news crews to providing medical evacuations and assistance during wildfires, helicopter pilots perform a wide range of essential services. Depending on their area of specialization, location, and experience, their pay can vary widely, but the national average salary still makes a strong impression. Whether you're just curious or considering a career in the skies, here is what you need to know about the field and its compensation.

A helicopter pilot's compensation is not one-size fits all. First, to get in the field, pilots must complete rigorous coursework and log between 40 and 200 flight hours, depending on the type of license they're pursuing. From there, new pilots can expect to make between $35,000 and $50,000 a year by providing flight instruction and scenic sightseeing tours.

After accumulating more flight hours and with more experience under their belt, helicopter pilots often see a significant increase in their earnings. Mid-level roles — such as offshore oil and gas pilots and emergency medical services pilots — provide higher salaries but come with greater responsibility and complexity compared to entry-level positions. Continuing in the field, pilots often move into leadership or specialized roles and begin to earn well over six figures. These might include positions as chief helicopter pilots or careers in law enforcement or corporate transport. While the average salary for pilots with over 10 years of experience is $165,620, several earn well above that.

When it comes to the aviation industry, helicopter pilots are not the highest paid. According to data from the Acorn Aviation Academy, captains at the major commercial airlines make well over $215,000 a year and first officers earn between $90,000 and $150,000. Meanwhile experienced cargo pilots for companies like FedEx and UPS also earn over $200,000. Additionally, Florida, Texas, and California are some of the top states for pilots to earn a high salary.

Helicopter pilots may not be at the top of the pay scale in the aviation industry, but the profession offers a range of opportunities with very good compensation. What's more there is increased demand for newer helicopter pilots. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade, and industry experts predict more vacancies as experienced pilots hit retirement age.