How Much Do Pilots Make in Arizona? Complete Salary Guide

Aviation offers exciting career paths in Arizona, from airline and commercial pilots to instructors guiding the next generation. With a growing demand for pilots across the country and here at home, many ask how much pilots make in Arizona. 

Understanding salaries helps aspiring aviators set clear goals. 

At Leopard Aviation, we provide the training and support needed to turn that dream into a career. Arizona’s clear skies and thriving aviation industry make it the perfect place to launch your journey, and we are here to guide you from your first lesson to professional opportunities.

Factors That Affect Pilot Salaries in Arizona

Pilot pay depends on several key factors, and understanding these factors helps future aviators know what to expect as they progress in their careers.

Type of Pilot Career

Different pilot roles come with different earning potential:

• Airline Pilots – These are the pilots flying for major or regional airlines. They typically earn the highest salaries once they reach the major carriers.
• Commercial Pilots – This group includes charter, corporate, cargo, and even agricultural flying. Salaries can vary widely depending on the type of work and employer.
• Private Pilots – Private pilots usually fly for personal reasons. Since this license does not allow paid flying, most private pilots do not earn a salary. To move into paid roles, additional training and certification are required.
• Charter Pilots – These pilots fly smaller jets or turboprops for private clients. Salaries are often competitive, especially with business travelers and high-net-worth clients.
• Flight Instructors – Teaching others to fly is one of the most common starting points in aviation. Instructors gain hours toward advanced roles while earning a modest income.

At Leopard Aviation, we prepare students for every pathway, whether their goal is teaching others, flying cargo, or landing a job with a major airline.

Experience Level

Pilot pay grows with experience. Entry-level pilots often start as instructors or at regional airlines with lower salaries. As flight hours build and pilots move to larger carriers or specialized roles, earnings rise quickly.

• Entry-Level: Instructors or first officers at regionals may earn $25,000 to $50,000 annually.
• Mid-Level: Captains at regionals or corporate pilots can see salaries between $70,000 and $120,000.
• Experienced: Major airline captains and highly skilled corporate pilots often earn $200,000 or more.

We encourage our students to view the early stages as stepping stones. Every hour of instruction or charter flying is building a foundation for the bigger roles ahead.

Location

Where you fly matters; Phoenix and Tucson are major aviation hubs with strong demand for pilots. Scottsdale also offers opportunities for training and corporate charter work. Smaller towns may offer fewer airline jobs, but could have agricultural or specialty flying opportunities.

Training in Arizona gives you the advantage of exposure to busy airspace like Phoenix Sky Harbor while still having access to smaller airports for practice. This variety helps new pilots feel comfortable in all flying environments.

Employer Type

The company or organization employing a pilot greatly affects salary.

• Major Airlines – Pay the most, with high earning potential for captains.
• Regional Airlines – Offer lower starting salaries but excellent pathways into the majors.
• Private Companies – Corporate pilots and charter pilots often have strong pay with additional perks like flexible schedules.
• Flight Schools – Instructor pay varies, but the real value is building hours toward the next career step.

At Leopard Aviation, we work with students who aim for all of these paths. Our training programs are designed to open doors at regional airlines, private operators, and eventually the major carriers.

Average Pilot Salaries in Arizona

Knowing averages gives aspiring pilots a clear picture of what they can expect.

• Airline Pilots – Entry-level first officers in Arizona may start around $60,000 to $80,000 annually. Captains at major airlines often earn $150,000 to $250,000, depending on seniority and routes.
• Commercial Pilots – Charter and corporate pilots usually earn between $70,000 and $120,000. Cargo pilots can earn even more depending on the company.
• Flight Instructors – Instructors often earn $25,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on hours and demand. Many use this stage to build flight time quickly.
• Private Pilots – Since a private pilot certificate does not allow paid flying, most do not earn income directly. Those who want to make aviation a career must advance to commercial training.

At our school, we remind students that even if salaries start modestly, the growth curve is steep. Aviation rewards experience, and Arizona is one of the best places to build it fast.

Comparison: Arizona vs. National Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. salary for airline and commercial pilots is around $115,000 annually. Arizona tracks close to this average but offers several unique advantages.

• Cost of Living: While Phoenix and Scottsdale are growing, the overall cost of living can be lower than in states like California or New York. This means pilot salaries go further here.
• Regional Airline Presence: Arizona is home to many regional airline connections, offering steady opportunities for new pilots.
• Training Ecosystem: With year-round flying conditions, Arizona attracts many flight schools and aviation businesses. This creates an active job market for instructors and pilots moving up.

We see many of our students take advantage of this ecosystem by building hours quickly, then moving into regional or corporate roles before advancing to the majors.

Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities

Aviation is not just about where you start; it is about how far you can go.

• Progression Pathway: Most begin as CFIs (Certified Flight Instructors), move into regional airlines, and then progress to major airlines.
• Salary Growth: This journey can take a few years, but each step increases pay and benefits significantly.
• Specialty Roles: Beyond airlines, pilots can move into cargo flying, corporate jets, agricultural aviation, firefighting, or government positions.

We encourage our students to see every flight as progress. Whether teaching a new student, flying a charter trip, or starting at a regional, each role is a step toward bigger opportunities.

How to Become a Pilot in Arizona

The path to becoming a professional pilot in Arizona follows a series of structured licenses and ratings:

• Private Pilot License (PPL) – The first step, allowing you to fly for personal reasons.
• Instrument Rating – Prepares you to fly safely in a wider range of weather conditions.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – The license that allows you to earn money for flying.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Many pilots use this stage to build the hours required for airline or corporate roles.

Most aspiring airline pilots need at least 1,500 flight hours. Time investment varies, but many dedicated students can progress from zero experience to being employable in two to three years.

Arizona makes this process faster thanks to its consistent flying weather. At Leopard Aviation, we offer structured programs that guide students from their very first flight all the way to advanced certifications, making sure they stay on track toward their career goals.

Why Arizona Is a Great Place to Start Your Pilot Career

Arizona is not just a good place to fly; it is one of the best in the country.

• Weather Advantages: With over 300 days of clear skies, flying opportunities are abundant. Students can train almost every day without delays.
• Airspace Variety: From large airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor to smaller regional fields, pilots train in diverse conditions.
• Aviation Community: Scottsdale and Phoenix are filled with aviation professionals, networking events, and opportunities for new pilots.
• Leopard Aviation Advantage: We provide personalized training, modern aircraft, and dedicated instructors who care about your success.

When students ask us why they should train here, we tell them it is about more than just earning a license. It is about building a career in a place where opportunities are everywhere, from flight instruction to corporate flying to the airlines.

Ready to Take Off Toward Your Future

So, how much do pilots make in Arizona? The answer depends on experience and career path, but opportunities are strong and the rewards grow quickly as you advance. A pilot career offers stability, growth, and the chance to do what you love every day. 

At Leopard Aviation, we guide you from your very first flight to professional training, helping you move closer to those higher salaries step by step. If you are ready to start your journey, come fly with us and experience what a future in aviation can look like.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average salary for airline pilots in Arizona?

Airline pilots in Arizona typically earn between $90,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on seniority, aircraft type, and employer. Regional airline pilots start on the lower end, while captains at major airlines earn six-figure salaries with additional benefits such as retirement plans and travel perks.

2. How much do flight instructors make in Arizona?

Flight instructors in Arizona earn between $25,000 and $60,000 per year. Pay varies based on the flight school, number of students, and flying hours. Instructors often use this role to build flight time toward airline jobs, making it a stepping stone rather than a long-term career.

3. Do private or charter pilots in Arizona earn well?

Private and charter pilots typically make $50,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on client base, type of aircraft, and flight hours. Those flying business jets or serving high-demand clients can earn higher salaries, while entry-level charter pilots generally start on the lower end of the scale.

4. What factors affect pilot salaries in Arizona?

Pilot salaries vary by experience, certifications, and type of flying. Airline pilots with thousands of hours earn more than new commercial pilots. Location also matters—airports with high traffic and busy charter services often offer higher pay, while smaller regional markets may pay less.

5. Are pilot salaries in Arizona competitive nationally?

Yes. Arizona salaries align closely with national averages, especially in airlines and charter services. Since Arizona is a major training hub with high demand for instructors, opportunities are plentiful for entry-level pilots. The state’s strong aviation sector makes it an attractive location for aspiring professionals.