I ask pilots working at airlines in the United States. How much payments? •co pilots •captains?

There are in USA, 3 types of airlines -

The lowest level are the regional/commuter airlines (smaller jet or turboprop airplanes) -

Often these regional airlines operate local traffic of major airlines -

American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express are typical names of these carriers -

You will start as co-pilot ATR 42/72, CRJ or ERJ...

Do not imagine that Delta (major airline) will hire you if you are a Delta Connection pilot -

Typical first year salary is $20,000 to $24,000 gross income -

Such airlines require ATPL, rather than the usual CPL qualification level -

Larger and major airlines hire pilots with experience as pilots with regional/commuters

Typical initial assignment is co-pilot (first officer) A320 or 737 -

First year salary average $30,000 to $36,000 gross -

No difference between passenger and cargo airlines, sometimes cargo airlines pay better -

Then there are "non-scheduled" charter airlines (also passenger or cargo) -

For some reasons, few "future airline pilots" seem to think about these -

Some advantages = no college degree required... get large jet type rating then hired -

Start pay is higher than typical major airlines, and pilots often fly, internationally -

Start pay of a first officer might be $50,000 to $60,000 per year (MD-11 or 747) -

To mention, World Airways or Southern Air Transport are among these -

Many pilots (captains) of bankrupt airlines (Eastern, Pan Am) join these airlines -

As general rule in USA, first officers are paid 60 to 75% of captain's pay - average 67% -

Salaries are function of seniority, then "size" (gross weight) of the airplane they fly -

If an airline goes out of business, you start back as "junior co-pilot" with other airline -

No airlines in USA hire "direct entry" (captains) except non-union non-scheduled charters -

Many pilots prefer to continue career overseas (better pay and benefits) -

So, do not imagine that in USA, pilots are paid higher salaries than in other countries -

Often pay is much lower - despite high cost of living -

Too many unemployed pilots, or pilots who will fly for any pay just to get a job -

Do not forget income tax - many jobs overseas may be tax free -