Low-Cost Carrier Pilot Salaries in the US for 2025 Revealed

The landscape for commercial airline pilots in the United States is evolving, particularly within the low-cost carrier sector. As of 2025, pilots at major low-cost airlines such as Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines can anticipate varying salaries influenced by factors like experience and aircraft type. This analysis draws on recent data from Thrust, shedding light on the earning potential for pilots flying approximately 70 hours monthly.

Pathway to Becoming a Pilot

Becoming a commercial airline pilot in the US demands rigorous training and commitment. The journey typically begins with obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL), which allows individuals to fly small aircraft. Candidates must be at least 17 years old, possess a valid medical certificate, and complete around 40 hours of flight training from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved school. Ground school courses covering aviation theory, meteorology, and flight planning are often part of the training.

After accumulating flight experience, aspiring pilots pursue an Instrument Rating (IR) to enhance their skills for flying in diverse weather conditions. The next step is obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which requires a minimum of 250 flight hours and a second-class medical certificate. To fly for commercial airlines, pilots must also secure an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, necessitating 1,500 flight hours. Many pilots opt to gain additional experience by becoming flight instructors.

Salary Insights for Low-Cost Carriers

The financial rewards for experienced pilots can be significant. For those at low-cost carriers, the salaries can vary widely:

Spirit Airlines, established in 1980, is recognized for its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model. As of 2025, pilot salaries at Spirit, depending on rank and seniority, are as follows:

– **First Officer**:
– Year 1: $80,600
– Year 3: $132,300
– Year 8: $153,400
– Year 12: $167,300

– **Captain**:
– Year 1: $217,300
– Year 3: $222,800
– Year 8: $237,700
– Year 12: $259,000

Spirit operates a fleet of 102 aircraft, including A320s and A321s, with capacities ranging from 176 to 229 passengers.

At Allegiant Air, founded in 1997, pilot salaries are generally lower in comparison. Their salary structure is as follows:

– **First Officer**:
– Year 1: $51,300
– Year 5: $109,800
– Year 12: $138,600

– **Captain**:
– Year 1: $146,700
– Year 5: $171,900
– Year 12: $207,000

Allegiant’s fleet consists of 131 aircraft, including Airbus A319s and A320s, and is known for serving over 125 destinations primarily from secondary airports.

Frontier Airlines, known for its no-frills approach, offers pilot salaries that are relatively competitive:

– **First Officer**:
– Year 1: $67,500
– Year 5: $125,100
– Year 12: $156,500

– **Captain**:
– Year 1: $177,300
– Year 5: $200,700
– Year 12: $235,800

The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet of 166 aircraft, featuring a unique animal image on each tail.

Lastly, Southwest Airlines, a pioneer in the low-cost carrier model, provides some of the highest salaries among budget airlines:

– **First Officer**:
– Year 1: $75,600
– Year 5: $147,600
– Year 12: $171,900

– **Captain**:
– Year 1: $216,900
– Year 5: $227,700
– Year 12: $246,600

Southwest, which operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 737s, has maintained a reputation for profitability and customer satisfaction.

As a point of comparison, pilots at legacy airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines typically earn higher salaries. For instance, a first officer at American Airlines can expect to make around $109,000 in their first year, rising to $311,000 for captains with significant experience.

This discrepancy in earnings highlights the allure of traditional airlines for many aspiring pilots, who often aim to transition to these legacy carriers after gaining experience at low-cost airlines.

In conclusion, while low-cost carriers provide accessible entry points into the aviation industry, the salary structures reveal a clear distinction from legacy airlines, influencing the career trajectories of many pilots in the United States.