Airline Pilot Salary vs Cargo Pilot Salary: Which Pays More?

The aviation industry offers rewarding career paths, but one common question among aspiring pilots is: Who earns more—airline pilots or cargo pilots? The answer depends on various factors including experience, employer, aircraft type, and career progression.

Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries

Several elements affect how much a pilot earns:

• Type of Employer: Major international airlines and cargo giants like FedEx or UPS usually pay more than regional or smaller carriers.
• Seniority: Seniority is a major driver of salary in aviation. Pilots receive annual raises based on their years of service, sometimes for up to 10 years depending on union agreements.
• Aircraft Size and Routes: Flying larger, long-haul aircraft often comes with higher compensation due to longer flight hours and increased responsibility.

Airline Pilots

Airline pilots often start their careers flying narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Over time, as they gain seniority, they can upgrade to wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 for long-haul international flights—typically leading to significantly higher pay.

Airline pilots are paid per flight hour and enjoy additional perks, such as:

• Flight benefits for themselves and family
• Access to jumpseat agreements
• Health and retirement plans
• Paid vacation and sick leave

Example Range: Entry-level airline pilots may earn around $50,000–$80,000 per year, while senior captains on international routes can exceed $200,000 annually.

Cargo Pilots

Cargo pilots fly for logistics companies like FedEx, UPS, or DHL, delivering goods across regional and global networks. While they don’t carry passengers, cargo pilots often work similar hours and operate the same types of aircraft as airline pilots.

Interestingly, many cargo pilots can earn more than their airline counterparts. Why?

• Cargo companies avoid the overhead of passenger services (no meals, cabin crew, inflight entertainment)
• Their operations are efficient and high-volume
• Night flights and unconventional schedules may come with premium pay

Additional benefits include:

• Schedule flexibility
• Less interaction with passengers (for those who prefer it)
• Access to top-tier aircraft and international routes

Example Range: A senior cargo pilot can earn $180,000 to $250,000+ annually, depending on the employer and aircraft type.

Which One Pays More?

In general, senior cargo pilots at major logistics firms often earn salaries comparable to or higher than top airline captains. However, pay ranges in both sectors can be generous, and both roles offer solid long-term financial and career growth.

Choosing Your Path

Ultimately, the better option depends on your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and personality. If you value schedule flexibility and prefer flying without passengers, cargo aviation may be ideal. If international travel and passenger service appeal to you, airline piloting may be your calling.