Cargo pilots earn competitive salaries comparable to passenger airline pilots despite significant differences in operational structures, according to a comprehensive salary analysis by Jack McGarity, Associate at CohnReznick, one of the 15 largest accounting firms in the United States.

McGarity, writing for Simple Flying on Thursday (March 24), examined verified industry data comparing entry-level salaries, mid-career earnings, senior compensation and long-term earning trajectories across both aviation sectors.

Entry-level first officers at major cargo airlines earn approximately USD 12 lakh to USD 12 lakh 50 thousand in early years, closely matching major passenger airline first officers who start near USD 9 lakh with rapid increases, McGarity reported. These figures align despite both career paths requiring similar licensing, extensive flight training and strict regulatory adherence.

Mid-career earnings show substantial growth through seniority-based pay systems. Major passenger airline first officers earn between USD 15 lakh and USD 22 lakh, while captains typically receive USD 18 lakh to USD 40 lakh depending on aircraft type and service years, according to McGarity's analysis.

McGarity highlighted FedEx Boeing 777 pilot salary data from Airline Pilot Central showing first officer hourly rates starting at USD 84 in year one, reaching USD 237 after 15 years. Captain rates begin at USD 276 hourly, climbing to USD 335 for most experienced pilots.

“Senior-level compensation reaches highest levels at major carriers”, McGarity noted. Top cargo airline captains can earn over USD 45 lakh annually, with first officers reaching USD 28 lakh at upper pay scales. Average earnings for cargo pilots at companies like UPS are reported around USD 31 lakh annually.

CohnReznick associate emphasized these base figures exclude additional compensation including profit sharing, retirement contributions and premium pay for extra flying. “Total compensation can exceed base salary by a meaningful margin, particularly for senior pilots who choose to fly additional hours”, McGarity wrote.

Both sectors use hourly rates tied to flight time rather than fixed annual salaries. Passenger airline pilots often receive substantial non-salary benefits including travel privileges for families, comprehensive health insurance and union-negotiated paid time off.

McGarity, who holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and is a certified private and remote pilot, previously worked for a corporate flight department gaining firsthand business aviation experience.

“Overall, both sectors offer strong compensation packages that extend beyond base pay”, McGarity wrote. “Passenger pilots may have an advantage in travel benefits, while cargo pilots may value schedule consistency and reduced operational complexity”.

Aviation industry currently experiences strong pilot demand driving salaries upward across both sectors. “Pilot shortages, retirements and increased travel demand have all contributed to higher wages and improved contract terms”, McGarity informed.

Source: Simple Flying