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There are many steps in the homebuying process, not least of which is deciding what type of mortgage to use. Comparing two common mortgage categories — a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) vs a conventional loan — is a smart place to start. This may be especially true for first-time homebuyers, who often find it challenging to save a substantial amount of money for a down payment.

Understanding FHA Loans and Conventional Mortgages

Buying a home is often the largest investment of a lifetime. It’s important for borrowers to understand how the FHA loan vs conventional loan decision could impact their interest rate, loan terms, and minimum down payment. Eligibility requirements also vary between different types of home mortgages. Let’s examine how each loan type works, plus the factors to consider when deciding between an FHA vs a conventional loan.

💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look ⁺ feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.

What Is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is a government-backed loan that’s issued by a lender, such as a bank or credit union, but insured by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). FHA loans offer low down payment options, as well as flexible income and credit guidelines. For a first-time homebuyer, it may be easier to secure an FHA loan than a conventional mortgage, although it’s always worth exploring both options.

What Is a Conventional Mortgage?

Conventional loans are not insured by the government. They typically have stricter borrower requirements than FHA loans but can cost less over the life of the loan.

Basic Eligibility and Application Process for Each

There are some key differences in eligibility requirements between these two popular mortgage types. Eligibility for FHA and conventional loans is based in part on financial factors like credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Additionally, FHA loans can only be used for a primary residence and require borrowers to occupy the property within 60 days. Buyers can typically have only one FHA loan at a time, unless they meet specific exceptions.

Applying for either type of home loan involves many of the same steps of the mortgage preapproval process. With either mortgage type, lenders may ask borrowers to submit information on the property they’re purchasing and documentation of income, assets, debts, and employment.

Recommended: The Mortgage Loan Process Explained in 9 Steps

FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Key Distinctions

In a head-to-head FHA vs conventional loan comparison, it’s worth noting some key distinctions. The minimum down payment, credit requirements, insurance, loan limit, and property eligibility varies between each loan type. Here’s how it looks:

Down Payment Requirements and Differences

Pitting an conventional loan vs. an FHA loan will show you how much money you need to put down on a house. (To get a good sense of how much home you are prepared to buy, use a home affordability calculator.) The minimum down payment for FHA loans is 3.5% for borrowers with at least a 580 credit score and 10% for borrowers with credit scores between 500-579. Meanwhile, conventional loans can offer down payments as low as 3% for a fixed-rate loan, or 5% for an adjustable-rate mortgage.

Credit Score Requirements and Impact on Approval

Lenders will look at your credit score with either loan type. Borrowers can secure an FHA loan with a credit score of 500, though as noted above, this requires a down payment of 10% versus just 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher. Conventional loans have stricter credit requirements — borrowers will typically need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify.

Mortgage Insurance: PMI vs. MIP

Mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) are required with an FHA loan. This includes an upfront payment equivalent to 1.75% of the loan and an annual premium that’s spread across monthly mortgage payments. MIP runs for the full loan term or for 11 years if a borrower puts 10% or more down. With a conventional loan, buyers who put less than 20% down will need private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is paid monthly with the mortgage payment.

Loan Limits and Property Eligibility

The amount you can borrow and the condition and intended use of the property are key factors when deciding between an FHA vs. conventional loan. FHA loan limits are set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For 2024, the limit for single-family residences is $498,257 for low-cost areas and $1,149,825 for high-cost areas. The limits increase for two-, three-, and four-unit properties. In 2024, the conventional loan limit for single-family properties is $766,550 in low-cost areas and $1,149,825 in high-cost areas.

Property eligibility also differs by loan type. FHA loans involve stricter appraisals that consider safety and building codes, not just the home’s value. Additionally, conventional loans can be used for a second home while FHA loans are limited to primary residences.

Interest Rate Variations

Interest rates are influenced by several factors, including a borrower’s income, credit score, down payment amount, and the overall state of the economy. Because FHA loans are backed by the government, they generally have more competitive interest rates compared to conventional mortgages.

Benefits and Drawbacks of FHA Loans

Lower Down Payment but with Mortgage Insurance Premium

For borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher, the ability to put as little as 3.5% down is a key reason for choosing an FHA loan. But FHA borrowers pay MIP, regardless of the down payment amount.

Recommended: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) versus Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)

Flexible Credit Requirements

In terms of credit score, FHA loans are easier to qualify for than conventional loans. FHA loans require a credit score of 580 to put 3.5% down or 500 to put 10% down.

Property Eligibility and Restrictions

FHA loans are intended for primary residences, so they can’t be used for vacation homes or investment properties. The appraisal process for FHA loans is also more strict than for conventional loans. The FHA appraisal assesses the property value and the home condition to ensure it meets minimum property standards set by HUD. These extensive standards cover design, as well as building materials such as insulation.

Interest Rate Variability

FHA loans usually have lower interest rates since lenders incur less risk with government-backed loans. Interest rates vary by lender, so it’s worth shopping around to compare options, whether you are considering an FHA or a conventional mortgage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Mortgages

Opting for a conventional loan vs FHA loan comes with a mix of potential benefits and drawbacks.

Higher Down Payment but No Upfront Mortgage Insurance

Though borrowers could qualify for a conventional loan with a 3% down payment, a higher down payment is more common. The average down payment on a house is 13%, although younger borrowers and first-time buyers often put down less than this. Borrowers can choose to put 20% down on a conventional loan to avoid the cost of private mortgage insurance.

Stricter Credit Score Requirements

The minimum credit score to qualify for a conventional loan is 620, though this can vary by lender.

Property Eligibility and Restrictions

Conventional loans don’t have the same occupancy requirements as FHA Loans. This allows borrowers to purchase a variety of property types, including primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties.

Interest Rate Stability and Flexibility

There are two types of conventional loans: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. The former has the same interest rate for the loan term, offering predictability and stability. Adjustable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, tend to have a lower introductory rate for several years before the rate fluctuates based on market conditions. This can provide upfront savings at the onset of the mortgage.

FHA Loan vs. Conventional: Costs Comparison

When comparing FHA loans vs conventional loans, it’s worth considering the monthly payment and overall cost over the life of the loan with each option. For home buyers with a good credit score, a conventional loan may be more attractive. That’s because conventional loan costs are more dependent on your credit score and down payment amount than FHA loan costs. And as a result, your monthly payments and PMI are lower when your credit score is higher. This is a key difference from how FHA loans work.

Upfront and Monthly Costs for Mortgage Insurance

FHA loans require paying MIP for 11 years or the life of the loan depending on the down payment amount. MIP also involves an upfront cost that’s equal to 1.75% of the loan amount. The ongoing cost of MIP is between 0.45% and 1.05% annually, divided across monthly payments.

With a conventional loan, borrowers pay PMI, which typically ranges from 0.5% to 2% of the total loan amount annually. The cost of PMI depends on the borrower’s credit score, loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and other factors. Borrowers can stop paying PMI once the mortgage balance is at 78% of the home’s original value or current value following an appraisal. For borrowers with stronger credit, PMI with a conventional loan can cost less than MIP with an FHA loan

Interest Rates and Overall Loan Costs

Though FHA loans can offer more competitive rates and be less expensive in the short-term, borrowers with strong credit could save in the long-term with a conventional loan. Once borrowers get out of PMI on a conventional loan, the annual percentage rate (APR) — the annual cost of the loan — may be lower than an FHA loan.

Down Payment Impact on Immediate and Long-Term Finances

If you can afford to put 20% down on a conventional loan, you’ll avoid the upfront and ongoing cost of PMI. Putting more money down could translate to a lower interest rate, providing further savings on monthly payments and long-term finances.

Increasing your down payment on an FHA loan to 10% can reduce the duration of paying MIP to 11 years and potentially lower the interest rate. However, borrowers who can afford a higher down payment may save more with a conventional loan since PMI can be canceled sooner.

FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Eligibility and Qualification Criteria

Borrowers have to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for either an FHA or a conventional loan. Generally, FHA loans are easier to qualify for, but they have stricter property eligibility requirements than conventional loans.

Qualifying Credit Scores for FHA and Conventional Loans

To qualify for a conventional loan, borrowers typically need a credit score of 620 or higher. Meanwhile, borrowers could qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score of 500 if they put 10% down. Borrowers with a 580 credit score can put just 3.5% down.

Down Payment Requirements for Both Loan Types

The minimum down payment for a conventional loan is typically 3% if it’s a fixed-rate mortgage or 5% if it’s an adjustable-rate mortgage. However, the down payment requirement can vary based on a borrower’s financial situation, loan amount, and type of property. FHA loans require either a 3.5% or 10% down payment depending on a borrower’s credit score.

Property Eligibility and Loan Limits

FHA loans can only be used for primary residences, while conventional loans apply to a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property. For 2024, FHA loan limits for single-family homes are $498,257 (in low-cost areas of the U.S.) and $1,149,825 (in high-cost areas). Conventional loan limits for single-family properties are $766,550 in low-cost areas and $1,149,825 in high-cost areas. Buyers who want to purchase a property that exceeds these limits will need to consider a jumbo mortgage loan.

FHA Loan vs. Conventional: Which Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits all solution for buying a house. When deciding between FHA vs conventional loans, the right choice depends on your finances, your long-term financial goals, and the property type you wish to purchase.

Factors Influencing the Choice

Your credit score and ability to make a down payment are key considerations when weighing conventional loan vs FHA loan. If you have a lower credit score or a higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, an FHA loan could be a better bet for its flexible credit requirements and more competitive interest rate. However, borrowers with strong credit could qualify for a conventional loan with a down payment of just 3%.

Long-Term Financial Considerations

FHA loans can be more affordable upfront due to lower interest rates and down payment requirements. But borrowers will be on the hook for paying mortgage insurance for the full loan term unless they put 10% down or refinance later on.

If you’re able to qualify for a conventional loan and put 20% down on a house, not having to pay private mortgage insurance can save money in the long run. Conventional loans also offer more flexible repayment terms, whereas FHA loans are either 15- or 30-year mortgages.

Flexibility in Property Choices

FHA loans require occupancy within 60 days and the property must be the borrower’s primary residence. These loans also have strict rules for property conditions. For instance, a manufactured home built prior to 1976 is not eligible for an FHA loan. On the other hand, conventional loans can be used for second homes and a greater range of property types.

💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

The Takeaway

Deciding between an FHA loan vs a conventional loan depends on your specific financial situation and the property type. An FHA loan could be a better option if you have a higher DTI ratio, lower credit score, or less money to put toward a down payment. Whereas a conventional loan could be a better fit if you have strong credit and can afford a larger down payment.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

What are the main differences between FHA and conventional mortgages?

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, whereas the lender assumes the risk for a conventional loan. For the borrower, an FHA mortgage typically has a lower credit-score requirement. It may also allow a lower down payment than some conventional loans.

Can I qualify for both an FHA loan and a conventional mortgage simultaneously?

It is possible to qualify for both an FHA loan and a conventional mortgage simultaneously. Note that lenders will look at your finances closely to ensure you can afford both loans.

How does property type affect the choice between FHA and conventional loans?

FHA loans are restricted to primary residences, while conventional loans can be used for second homes, such as investment properties or vacation homes. FHA loans also have stricter property condition requirements compared to conventional loans.

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Photo credit: iStock/FotoDuets

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

⁺Lock and Look program: Terms and conditions apply. Applies to conventional purchase loans only. Rate will lock for 91 calendar days at the time of preapproval. An executed purchase contract is required within 60 days of your initial rate lock. If current market pricing improves by 0.25 percentage points or more from the original locked rate, you may request your loan officer to review your loan application to determine if you qualify for a one-time float down. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer at any time with or without notice to you.

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Ready for homeownership — but looking for something a little bit less overwhelming than a whole house? A condominium might be the perfect fit. But can you purchase a condo with an FHA loan? Yes, under certain circumstances, you can use a loan from the Federal Housing Administration to buy a condo. However, the FHA has to approve condominiums before allowing people to take out FHA-insured loans to purchase them — and finding a condo that’s gone through this approval process (or getting one you have your eye on approved) can be a bit of a challenge. But it’s not impossible! Read on to learn more about FHA-approved condos: what it takes to get approval, where to find condos that have already been approved, and the process of getting an unapproved condo past the finish line.

What Is An FHA-Approved Condo?

To understand what an FHA-approved condo is, it helps to understand what the FHA has to do with purchasing a home in the first place. By offering insurance to lenders, the FHA helps consumers secure low-cost loans with less stringent qualification factors. These FHA loans are commonly used for single-family homes, but can also be used for condominiums, provided the condo is approved by the FHA. Thus, an FHA-approved condo is one that can be purchased with an FHA loan. Pretty simple right? Well, let’s take a closer look.

Benefits of FHA Approval for Condo Buyers

FHA condo approval is beneficial for buyers because finding an FHA-approved condo allows buyers to benefit from the lower overall costs of condo ownership compared to single-family homeownership — and enjoy the lower barrier to entry that an FHA loan can offer to lower-income families, first-time homebuyers, and others facing financial hurdles.

However, not every condo can be approved by the FHA. In order to qualify, it must meet the FHA’s appraisal standards, including safety features as well as financial factors. Entire condominium communities can be approved, and, as of August 2019, an individual unit can also be approved — provided it meets requirements including being “complete and ready for occupancy” and being part of a community with at least five units.

How FHA Approval Impacts Condo Sellers

Sellers, too, benefit from FHA condo approval. Condos that can be purchased with an FHA loan are more attractive to buyers looking for home loans with lower costs and more lenient approval requirements, which means FHA approval is a boon for both parties.

💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.

Why Does a Condo Need to Be Approved for an FHA Loan?

When the FHA insures loans offered by private lenders, it does so at some level of risk: The loan may never be repaid, in which case it would lose money paying the lost funds back to the lending bank. But borrower delinquency isn’t the only reason a loan might go unfulfilled; if the condominium is falling apart or not financially viable, that could also increase the risk level of the loan. Therefore, the FHA approves condos on a case-by-case basis to help ensure their physical and financial safety for the lender, borrower, and the FHA itself.

How to Get a Condo FHA Approved

If you’re considering buying a condo that doesn’t yet have FHA approval — and you’d like to get that approval to pursue an FHA loan — you can initiate the approval process on a single-unit basis. (Alternatively, you could reach out to the condominium association to see if it is interested in getting the community as a whole FHA approved.) The approval process will require a variety of documentation as well as an appraisal — again, in order to ensure both the physical and financial viability of the community.

Approval Requirements

To achieve FHA approval, condo communities must be demonstrably:

•   Insured

•   Compliant with state and local law

•   In good financial standing

•   In good physical standing

•   Free of any legal action

For single-unit approval, a condo must be:

•   Part of a complex that is not FHA approved

•   Completely built and move-in ready

•   Part of a community with at least five units

•   Not a manufactured home

Minimum Owner-Occupancy Ratios

The FHA maintains minimum owner-occupancy ratios for complexes attempting to get approved. This figure ranges based on a variety of factors, but is usually somewhere between 35% and 50% — meaning between about a third and about half of the condo units must be occupied by their owners.

Financial Stability and Reserve Requirements

The FHA will also assess the financial stability of the condominium complex in order to ensure it’s likely to continue to stay in business for the foreseeable future. For example, 20% of the annual budget must be set aside for reserves, and three years’ worth of financial documents must be provided.

FHA Insurance Requirements for Condos

FHA-approved condos must maintain up-to-date insurance coverage in order to create financial safety for owners and lenders alike.

Restrictions

Condos that don’t meet the eligibility requirements outlined above may not be suitable for FHA approval — and therefore may not be able to be purchased with an FHA loan.

FHA Application and Documentation

In order to get FHA approval, condos will need to prove they meet the requirements with documentation, including financial information, proof of insurance coverage, inspection reports, and more. If you’re attempting to get a single unit approved, the onus may fall on you as the interested party to get this process started. (The seller, if motivated, may also be able to help.)

The Condo Board’s Role in Securing FHA Approval

In order for an entire condominium complex to become an approved FHA condo, the condo board must first meet to decide whether or not board members want to file for FHA approval. If the vote is in favor of seeking approval, the board will need to aid in filing paperwork to begin the application process and to prove the minimum required eligibility factors are fulfilled.

How Long Does it Take for a Condo to Get FHA Approval?

While specifics will vary and delays can occur, the FHA approval process for a condo may take between two and four weeks on average once all the paperwork is in place.


💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.

How to Find an FHA-Approved Condo

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to determine whether or not a condominium you have your eye on is FHA-approved: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a searchable database tool that allows you to simply look the property up by address, community name, condo ID, and more.

Leveraging Realtor Expertise

If you have your heart set on purchasing a condo — and on using an FHA loan to do so — a local real estate agent may have the best sense of which complexes in the area are already FHA approved. Some agents may be game to help you get a unit you’re interested in approved on a single-unit basis.

FHA Loan Alternatives for Condos

If you’ve fallen in love with a condo that is, alas, not FHA-approved, take heart: There are different types of mortgage loans worth considering. Many conventional loans these days come with required minimum down payments as low as 3%, though to avoid paying mortgage insurance, you’ll need a down payment of at least 20% of the home’s value. Fortunately, that goal may be a lot more achievable for a condo than a larger single-family home.

In addition, you may be able to use other types of government-insured loans, like VA loans and USDA loans, to buy condos if you qualify. (VA loans are for veterans and their families, while USDA loans are specifically for properties in designated rural areas.)

Benefits and Drawbacks of FHA-Approved Condos

FHA-approved condos, like any other home, have both benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Pros

•   Approved FHA condos can be purchased using an FHA loan, which my offer easier-to-meet qualification requirements and lower costs to borrowers

•   Condos may be overall less costly to own than single-family homes

Cons

•   FHA-approved condos can be harder to find, especially in competitive, fast-moving housing markets

•   Getting a condo FHA approved is a process that takes time and effort, and can be difficult for an everyday consumer to take on

The Takeaway

Purchasing an FHA-approved condo can help buyers hop over some of the primary hurdles to homeownership with lower down payment and minimum credit score requirements. However, not every condo meets the FHA’s strict approval criteria — which means hopeful homeowners may have to choose an alternative mortgage loan type (or keep looking for their dream home).

SoFi offers a wide range of FHA loan options that are easier to qualify for and may have a lower interest rate than a conventional mortgage. You can down as little as 3.5%. Plus, the Biden-Harris Administration has reduced monthly mortgage insurance premiums for new homebuyers to help offset higher interest rates.

Another perk: FHA loans are assumable mortgages!

FAQ

Can you purchase a condo with an FHA loan?

If the condo in question is FHA-approved, yes, you can — but not all condominiums meet the FHA’s requirements. In order to discern whether or not the condo you’re looking at is FHA approved, you can use the FHA’s searchable database, which allows you to search by address, condo complex name, and more.

What does it mean when a complex is not FHA approved?

If a condo complex is not FHA approved, it may not meet the FHA’s requirements — or the board may simply have not yet filed for approval, which does take some time, effort, and paperwork to do. It also means that the condos will not be able to be purchased with an FHA-insured loan, at least until such approval is obtained.

Are there specific criteria for FHA approval of condos in certain regions?

FHA-approved condos must be in compliance with all state and local guidelines, which can vary by region — so yes, the specific criteria may vary slightly.

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Photo credit: iStock/benedek

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Commercial airline pilots can expect to earn about $123,250 a year once their career is established or potentially considerably more. This pay reflects their high level of skills and training. It also compensates them for the stressful job of ensuring that their passengers arrive safely at their destination. While a pilot just starting out might earn a salary of around $50,000, with experience and first officer credentials with a large airline, it’s possible to make upwards of $700,000 in some cases.

Here’s a closer look at what pilots earn. Read on for average salaries for commercial airline pilots, the necessary training, whom they can work for, and their typical career progression.

What Is the Job of a Commercial Airline Pilot?

Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, but some also fly helicopters and other aircraft. They work variable schedules with overnight layovers. This is particularly the case for long-haul commercial airline pilots, many of whom fly worldwide and through different time zones. Airline pilots require a bachelor’s degree and experience as a commercial or military pilot. Commercial pilots must adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, which include flight training.

According to Inflight Pilot Training, most commercial pilots fly approximately 75 hours a month. They also spend around 150 hours completing flight plans, checking weather conditions, and preparing flight crews. Pilots also sleep overnight at destinations and may take several days off for rest. (After all, they are not immune to that jetlag you get when traveling far afield.)


💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

How Much Do Starting Airline Pilots Make?

Airline pilots start as first officers, and how much they make in their early years depends on the airline they fly for. Starting airline pilot pay can range from $56,000 to around a $100,000 a year salary. According to Epic Flight Academy, in year 1, a first officer could earn $56,000 with Air Canada and up to $100,000 with Alaska Airlines.

Wondering “How much does a pilot make an hour?” At $56,000, the per-hour pay would be $26.92 for a typical job. However, it’s worth noting that while pilots may work 50 or more hours per work, they on average only actually fly for 22 or so hours per week. Even the lowest salary mentioned here can be well above the minimum wage in many states, reflecting the level of training and skill pilots must have.

How Much Does a Pilot Make?

How much does a pilot make a year on average? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $123,250 in May 2022, which is the most recent data available.

However, according to Epic Flight Academy, pilots’ competitive pay varies widely depending on their years of service, the airline they work for, the routes they fly, and the type of airplane they fly. Epic Flight Academy reports an average pilot salary of over $200,000, with a range from $56,000 all the way to $700,000.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Mean Annual Salary by State for Commercial Pilots for 2022

Here’s a list of the mean annual salaries by state for commercial airline pilots in 2022 based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (This is the most recent year studied, but there is a good chance that salary inflation will increase these figures as time passes.)

State	Annual Mean Wage (US$)
Alabama	103,790
Alaska	133,520
Arizona	96,160
Arkansas	87,430
California	142,350
Colorado	107,640
Connecticut	198,120
Delaware	122,330
Florida	131,610
Georgia	148,280
Hawaii	114,530
Idaho	86,210
Illinois	90,910
Indiana	107,660
Iowa	97,390
Kansas	93,010
Kentucky	131,810
Louisiana	126,890
Maine	98,420
Maryland	131,090
Massachusetts	177,650
Michigan	115,860
Minnesota	131,800
Mississippi	120,870
Missouri	115,920
Montana	100,420
Nebraska	91,830
Nevada	143,520
New Hampshire	94,360
New Jersey	136,120
New Mexico	96,380
New York	195,380
North Carolina	112,900
North Dakota	112,760
Ohio	107,300
Oklahoma	113,170
Oregon	107,230
Pennsylvania	112,000
Puerto Rico	68,960
South Carolina	95,040
South Dakota	70,910
Tennessee	124,960
Texas	124,880
Utah	142,420
Virginia	$52,129
Washington	105,230
West Virginia	95,910
Wisconsin	113,460
Wyoming	99,400*

* Data from Career Explorer

Recommended: Highest Paying Jobs by State

Pilot Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Most commercial pilots in the United States and Canada are members of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), which means they are unionized. Belonging to a union means pilot groups can negotiate their pay, benefits, work rules, and work conditions. For example, the work of a cargo pilot is different from a commercial pilot, and the pay is negotiated considering the pilot’s working environment.

Some regional carriers offer first officers sign-on first-year bonuses as well as retention bonuses. According to CleartoDream, for example, Air Wisconsin provides a $5,000 sign-on bonus, an $18,0000 retention bonus, and various other bonuses up to $30,000 for pilots that reach certain milestones and qualifications. Many airlines also offer career-progression opportunities.

Using intel from The Pilot Guys and other sources, here is a typical career path for a commercial pilot.

1. Getting a Commercial Pilot’s Certificate

It’s likely to take one to two years to complete the training to become a commercial airline pilot. According to the Pilot Guys website, this can cost around $100,000. Once a pilot has their commercial pilot’s certificate, they complete instructor training and the 1,500 hours of flight time required by the FAA to become an airline pilot.

2. Instructing and Accumulating Flight Hours

Pilots can earn an entry-level salary of around $30 an hour teaching other trainee pilots as part of their instructor training. These hours go towards completing the 1,500 hours of flight time.

3. Flying for a Regional Airline

Newbie pilots typically start flying for a small, regional airline, such as Air Wisconsin or Endeavor. These airlines pay less than the bigger airlines like Delta or American Airlines, probably in the region of $50,000 to $100,000 a year.

4. Flying as a Captain for a Regional Airline

After two or three years and around 1,000 hours of flying, a pilot can work for a regional airline and become a captain. This is a good stepping stone to working for a larger airline, and salaries may reach $200,000. Pilot’s need experience flying larger and more complex aircraft to fly for a large airline.

5. Flying for a Major Airline

After two or three years as a captain for a regional airline, a pilot could join a major airline as a first officer. First officers for large airlines can sometimes earn up to and over $600,000 depending on their experience (sometimes five years or more) and whether they are flying long-haul routes.

Pilots can also fly overtime and earn thousands more. They are limited to 100 hours in a 28-day period and 1,000 hours of overtime a year. However, most pilots fly at least 70 hours a month. The combination of a high salary and overtime pay as well can be a path to building one’s net worth.

Other perks associated with being an airline pilot if you work for a large airline are visiting different parts of the world where hotels and meals are paid for. As a representative of a major airline, pilots receive a per-diem expense allowance when they are working.

Pilots also receive generous benefits. For example, those can include paid time off, health and dental insurance, and a retirement package. Pilots also receive free and discounted air tickets for family and friends.

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Pros and Cons of a Pilot Salary

There are plenty of advantages to earning a living as a pilot. Notably, pilots receive good benefits and discounted flights for friends and family. That said, there is a downside to a career as a pilot. These include long hours away from home and a significant amount of stress. Plus, the FAA mandates that pilots retire at age 65. For some, that’s a benefit, but others might want to find a job as a retiree after their career in the skies.

While you can earn a high hourly rate as a pilot, it’s wise to take a look at the upsides and downsides of this career to get the bird’s-eye view of what it’s like.

Pros of a Career as a Commercial Airline Pilot	Cons of a Career as a Commercial Airline Pilot
Pilots are in demand, so salaries are increasing, and signing bonuses and benefit packages are common.	Long hours; many long-haul flights are over 10 hours.
Generous per-diem allowance when working and free and discounted tickets for family.	For pilots who fly domestically or regionally, multiple short routes in a day can be stressful.
Experience as a pilot opens doors. Pilots are often board members, flight school operators, and airplane brokers.	An erratic schedule that makes life hard to plan.
Retirement is required at age 65 for airline pilots, per the FAA. Some pilots appreciate this clear finish line for their career.	Stress: Pilots are responsible for the lives of their passengers.

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The Takeaway

Pilots will be in demand for the foreseeable future, and this profession can be an exciting one, involving the thrill of flying, the opportunity to travel, and the ability to earn a high salary, often in the six figures. The downside to a pilot’s life is a busy and unpredictable schedule, time away from home, and the stress of being responsible for their passengers’ lives.

If you have a passion for flying, this could be your vocation.

FAQ

What is the highest paying pilot job?

The highest paying commercial pilots work for large airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta. Their salaries average around $200,000, but according to ThePilotGuys.com, some salaries can exceed $700,000 for pilots who fly long-haul flights and have lots of experience flying complex airplanes.

Do pilots make 300k a year?

Most pilots earn around $123,250 on average per year, with some making up to or around $200,000 a year. Some pilots do make $300,000 or more depending on whom they fly for and what experience they have.

How much money does a pilot make starting out?

Most pilots starting out make between $50,000 and $100,000 a year, including benefits. They may also receive signing bonuses if there is high demand for commercial airline pilots.

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Photo credit: iStock/Portra

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