As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Helicopter Pilot in the United States is $93,621 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, a Helicopter Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Helicopter Pilot's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Helicopter Pilot's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Helicopter Pilot | $92,933 |
| Intermediate Level Helicopter Pilot | $93,076 |
| Senior Level Helicopter Pilot | $93,275 |
| Specialist Level Helicopter Pilot | $94,255 |
| Expert Level Helicopter Pilot | $101,218 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Helicopter Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communicates Effectively | 30.59% |
| Aviation | 4.71% |
| Safety Inspections | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Safety Standards
|
$98,302 |
5%
|
|
Flight Operations
|
$98,302 |
5%
|
|
Record Keeping
|
$96,430 |
3%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$95,493 |
2%
|
|
Aviation
|
$94,557 |
1%
|
|
Federal Aviation Administration
|
$94,557 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Helicopter Pilots enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Helicopter Pilot with a No Diploma is between $96,101 and $105,581).
Helicopter Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 26.7% |
| Associates | 11.4% |
| Bachelors | 48.9% |
| Masters | 10.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Helicopter Pilot's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Helicopter Pilot, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Helicopter Pilot | $165,681 | 77% |
| Chief Pilot I | $170,699 | 82% |
Salaries for a Helicopter Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $76,310 in 2023 to around $66,476 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Helicopter Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $76,310 |
| 2024 | $69,761 |
| 2025 | $66,476 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Helicopter Pilot and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Helicopter Pilot's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Helicopter Pilot earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Helicopter Pilot is $118,084.
The highest pay for Helicopter Pilot is $137,741.
The lowest pay for Helicopter Pilot is $88,938.
Responsible for operation of helicopter. Ensures flight is conducted in the safest manner possible. Determines flight routes, speed, and take off and landing times to fulfill scheduling requirements. Must stay current with federal and local flight regulations. Requires 1,000 hours of helicopter flying time. May require an associate degree. Requires Commercial Pilot license for helicopters - CPL (H). Typically reports to a supervisor. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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