If your monthly mortgage payment no longer fits your lifestyle or financial goals, you may be able to change it with mortgage refinancing or recasting. Recasting and refinancing are two ways a borrower can save on mortgage costs — sometimes a jaw-dropping amount. To understand which might be best for you, it helps to understand the difference between them and the pros and cons of each.
• Mortgage recasting involves making a large payment towards the principal and recalculating monthly payments on the remaining balance.
• Refinancing replaces an existing mortgage with a new one, potentially with different terms and rates.
• Recasting keeps the original loan’s term and rate but lowers monthly payments due to the reduced principal.
• Refinancing can lower interest rates and monthly payments, and may allow for cash-out options.
• Both options aim to reduce mortgage costs, but the best choice depends on individual financial situations and goals.
Recasting vs Refinancing
Recasting is the reamortizing of an existing mortgage, meaning the lender will recalculate your monthly payments. Refinancing involves taking out a completely new mortgage with a new rate, and possibly a new term, and paying off your old mortgage in the process.
Note: SoFi does not offer mortgage recasting at this time.
Recasting
If your lender offers mortgage recasting and your loan is eligible, here’s how it works: You make a large lump-sum payment — $10,000 might be required — toward the principal balance of your mortgage loan. The lender recalculates the monthly payments based on the new, lower balance, which shrinks the payments. The lender may charge a few hundred dollars to reamortize the loan.
Mortgage recasting does not change your loan length or interest rate. But because your principal amount is lower, you’ll have lower monthly payments and will pay less interest over the life of the loan.
If you were to put a chunk of money toward your mortgage principal and not recast the loan, your payments would not change, though the extra principal payment would reduce your interest expense over the life of the loan.
Who might opt for mortgage recasting? Someone who has received a windfall and wants to put it toward the mortgage might like this option. Sometimes it’s someone who has bought a new home but hasn’t sold the previous one. Once the old home is sold, the homeowner can use some of the proceeds to recast the new mortgage.
Another fan of recasting might be someone who wants to use the lump sum to pay their loan down to 80% of the home’s value so they can stop paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
FHA, VA, and USDA loans are not eligible for mortgage recasting. Some jumbo loans are also excluded. If you want to change the monthly payments on those types of mortgages, you’ll need to refinance your loan.
Refinancing
When you seek refinancing, you’re applying for a brand-new loan with a new rate and terms and possibly from a new lender. Most people’s goal is a lower interest rate, a shorter loan term, or both.
While finding a competitive offer might take some legwork, refinancing could help you save money. A lower interest rate for a home loan of the same length will reduce monthly payments and the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.
A homeowner who refinances to a shorter term, say from 30 years to 15, will pay much less total loan interest. Fifteen-year mortgages also often come with a lower interest rate than 30-year home loans.
Equity-rich homeowners who’d like to get their hands on cash may find cash-out refinancing appealing.
Pros and Cons of Recasting
Mortgage recasting lowers your monthly mortgage payments and lets you save on total loan interest while keeping the same interest rate. Since you recast your mortgage with your existing lender, the process is pretty straightforward, and the cost could be as low as $150.
There are some potential drawbacks to mortgage recasting, however. Making a large lump-sum payment means you could be trading liquidity for equity, and creating financial instability if unexpected expenses arise or if the housing market takes a downward turn.
If you have other debts with higher interest rates, you may want to avoid mortgage recasting. It could make more sense to use the money you would put toward the principal to pay down your higher-interest debt first.
“No matter what method works best for you, it’s important to cut spending as much as you can while you’re tackling your debts,” said Kendall Meade, a Certified Financial Planner at SoFi.
If you are eligible to refinance, you won’t need a large cash source in order to lower your mortgage payments. Instead, your main goal is to qualify for a lower interest rate. If you succeed, you will save a lot of money in interest over time.
With a cash-out refi, you can use that money for whatever you need: pay down higher-interest debt, add to the college fund, or remodel your kitchen.
Refinancing involves what looks like a bummer: closing costs, which could range from 2% to 6% of the remaining principal. You’re taking out a new mortgage, after all. Some lenders will let you roll closing costs into your loan.
A lower rate could make it all worthwhile, though. It’s a good idea to calculate the break-even point, when interest savings will exceed closing costs. Everything beyond that break-even point will be savings.
Reducing your loan term with a refi could result in a higher mortgage payment but tremendous interest savings over the life of the new loan.
Refinancing may make sense for homeowners who are planning to stay put for years; those who want to switch their adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate one; and borrowers with FHA loans who want to shed mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), on a loan they’ve paid down or a home that has appreciated. Most FHA loans carry mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.
💡 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.
The Takeaway
A mortgage recast vs. refinance: different animals with similar aims. A recast requires a lump sum but will shrink payments and total loan interest. A mortgage refinance may greatly reduce borrower costs and sometimes free up cash. Which one is right for you will depend on your current loan terms and your available cash, among other factors.
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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.
When you’re in school, it can seem like all your money is going toward tuition and books. Still, it’s essential to learn how to budget as a college student.
You may not have a full-time job yet, or even know your major, but managing your money early on could help you save for spring break, uncover monthly savings, and avoid taking out additional student loans.
Here’s how to get started.
4 Steps to Create a Budget in College
Step 1: Calculate Your Income
When it comes to budgeting in college, a good first step is figuring out how much money you actually have to spend. To do this, add up your income. This may include student loans, scholarships, a part-time job, or contributions from your family.
It’s a smart idea to revisit your income regularly, such as at the start of each term. That way, if you’ve switched jobs, had a change in your financial aid package, or received a windfall from your parents, you can adjust the budget accordingly.
💡 Quick Tip: SoFi offers low fixed- or variable-interest rates. So you can get a private student loan that fits your budget.
Step 2: List Your Expenses
If you’re new to learning how to budget as a college student, there’s a little homework involved in figuring out your spending habits. If you’re game for this task, take an evening to list all of your college-related expenses and their cost each month. Then categorize each expense as either “necessary” or “fun.”
Necessary expenses are essentials, like rent, utilities, books, tuition, food, and gas. Fun expenses are related to entertainment — think dining out, bar tabs, tickets to athletic games, travel, or clothes.
You may also want to consider making room in the budget to build your savings. Double-check if any of your student loans have interest that needs to be paid immediately. Even if interest payments are deferred, it’s smart to start paying down student loan debt now. After all, every little bit helps.
Step 3: Choose a Budgeting Method
There’s no one-size-fit-all approach to budgeting for college students, and it may take some trial and error before you find the type that works for you. Here are some popular budgeting methods you may want to explore:
50/30/20 Budget
In the 50/30/20 budget, you allocate 50% of your after-tax dollars to “needs,” 30% to “wants,” and the remaining 20% to savings.
The 70% Rule is similar to the 50/30/20 budget. Here, you allocate 70% of your after-tax income to living expenses, 20% to paying down debt or — if you have no debt — to savings, and 10% to whatever you wish.
Zero-Sum Budget
The goal of a zero-sum budget is to assign a purpose to all of your monthly after-tax income. Start by assigning dollars to each of your required bills, like rent, groceries, or student loan payments. Then figure out how much is left over for discretionary spending and saving, and assign where exactly that money is going.
Pay Yourself First
The premise of “pay yourself first” is simple: Assign money for savings or other financial goals, and spend the remaining money however you wish.
Envelope Budget
Each month, take out a set amount of cash to spend in each budget category, such as “groceries” or “transportation.” The money is stored separately in different envelopes, which you draw from when needed. (You can also adapt this budgeting method to use your debit card — just be sure to keep track of your spending.)
Line-Item Budget
A line-item budget can help you keep track of monthly expenditures. Using a spreadsheet or a pencil and paper, simply list your income for the month (or school term, if you’d prefer). Then, list each expense you have during the month. This allows you to see your income and cash that’s flowing out. If you’d like to see how your current spending stacks up, you can include a list of past expenses.
Shared Cost Splitting
If you have a roommate or are living with a partner, you split shared monthly bills right down the middle (or whatever percentage you both agree on). Each person pays their part.
Need help keeping track of your finances? Online tools like a free budget planning app might come in handy.
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Step 4: Set Up a System to Track Your Budget
There are at least three good ways to help you budget in college:
• Whiteboards
• Budget-tracking apps
• Spreadsheets
All three methods work similarly. You’ll record your income and expenses for the month. At the end of the month, you’ll look back on how much you brought in and how much you spent so you can make adjustments for the next month.
A whiteboard works particularly well if you have roommates and split your bills. It helps keep everyone accountable and serves as a good reminder to pay your bills on time. In the whiteboard scenario, you can record what you spent for the day, and update your totals every day. It’s best to put the whiteboard in a spot where you can see it, such as by your desk or on the fridge.
A budget-tracking app on your phone lets you take your budget on the go. Budget apps can link to your bank and credit card accounts, so every time you make a transaction, the app automatically records it.
You can set up your budget by adding new categories, and maybe allow notifications so you get a warning when you’re close to going over on your burrito budget.
You can also learn how to budget in college by making a simple spreadsheet. Build a virtual spreadsheet with Google Sheets or Excel, using a new tab for each month in the year so you can separate monthly expenses.
This method is more manual than an app, requiring you to look at your bank or credit card statements and manually record each transaction in your budget.
• Overestimate your expenses — and underestimate your income.
• Take advantage of free events in your area.
• Save on food by cooking your own meals.
• Set financial goals each month or school term to help you stay focused and motivated.
💡 Quick Tip: Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.
The Takeaway
If you’re in school and are new to taking financial ownership, you might not know how to track income and expenditures — or want to. But learning how to budget money in college could help you afford to eat more than ramen, lessen debt, and maybe even spot ways to save money.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
How do I set up a basic budget?
To create a basic college student budget, start by listing all your sources of income, including financial aid, earnings from a part-time job, and family contributions. You can divide this amount by the number of months you need to make the money last; this is how much you have to live on each month. Next, write down all your necessary expenses, such as rent, transportation, and groceries. Subtract your fixed expenses from the monthly spending allotment. Whatever is left over can be used to cover non-essential expenses, like dining out, travel, and buying clothes.
What is a 50/30/20 budget for college students?
In this type of budget, you assign 50% of your after-tax dollars to fixed expenses, such as rent, food, utilities, insurance, and car and student loan payments. Next, allocate 30% of your money to variable expenses, like travel, dining out, and entertainment. Finally, set aside the remaining 20% to savings.
What tools can college students use to manage their budget?
There is no shortage of options when it comes to tools to manage a budget. A budgeting app, spreadsheet, or even a pen and paper can all do the trick. Your bank may also offer budgeting tools.
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Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 04/24/2024 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
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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.
Who doesn’t want to save more money? But as common a goal as this may be, it’s hard to achieve. Lack of time, focus, and funds can all play a role. Which is why automating your savings — meaning the endeavor is taken off your plate and happens like clockwork — can be a very helpful tactic.
Saving money is important on so many levels, from building up a healthy emergency fund to having a retirement nest egg. And it seems as if Americans could use some help in this pursuit. The personal savings rate in the U.S. was 4.10% at the end of 2023, which is less than half what it was a couple of years prior.
Automating your savings could help change that. Read on to learn:
• Why automating savings can be such a good idea
• How to automate savings nine different ways
Why Automating Savings Makes Sense
When people say one thing and then do another, it’s called the value-action gap or intentional-behavior gap. Psychologists have lots of theories about why this disconnect exists.
When it comes to saving money, lots of things can get in the way: routine bills, an unexpected big night out with friends, a shopping splurge, or simply forgetting to move money into savings.
But by taking some of the human element out of saving money and using an automatic savings technique, it may be possible to overcome some of the obstacles that make it hard for people to save.
Automating your finances also reduces the amount of time you have to spend each month on tasks like paying bills and other aspects of routine cash management. And it helps you sidestep procrastination and instant gratification, which can be powerful forces to overcome — and often stand in the way of growing savings.
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No account or monthly fees. No minimum balance.
9x the national average savings account rate.
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Sort savings into Vaults, auto save with Roundups.
9 Ways to Automate Savings
How to automate savings? Simply decide which actions to automate and set them up with a lender (if they offer automated services).
Here are some good ways to get started.
1. Set Up Direct Deposit
A good first step to automating savings is setting up direct deposit for paychecks. This means that on payday, your paycheck goes directly into the bank account. People often plunk their full paycheck into their checking account, but a smart move can be to send some of those funds into a savings vehicle.
• Whether you fund a dedicated savings account or investment fund, this process will ensure a regular, ongoing flow of money to help you build a nest egg.
• If your employer doesn’t have a way for you to divide your automatic deposit, there’s a simple workaround: Have your paycheck go into your checking account and then have a sum automatically transferred to savings on the next day.
2. Earmark Money for Each Goal
There are a lot of things people can choose to do with their money. Most people have more than one savings goal, from accumulating cash for a vacation, a new car, or the down payment on a home.
If all of your money goes into a single savings account, it can be difficult to determine how effectively they are tracking for each individual goal. You can gain financial clarity by setting up separate savings accounts for each goal and then making regular automated deposits into each.
How much should go into each savings account? That depends on your goals and the immediacy of each. If you’re saving for a vacation a year from now, figure out the price tag for your trip, divide by 12, and that’s how much to stash away each month.
Saving can be hard work. But without the right savings account, those hard-earned dollars may not go as far as they potentially could. Instead of putting money in just any account, look for a high-interest savings account to increase the returns of your automated savings.
• Some lenders may reward automatic savers, helping them to reach their goals faster. For example, a recurring automated deposit of $100 may earn interest at a lower starting rate, but increasing that deposit to $500 each month may trigger a higher rate.
• Or look for an online bank which, since they don’t have to pay for brick-and-mortar locations and in-person staff, typically pay higher rates than traditional banks.
4. Take Advantage of Employer Programs
For those who have savings for retirement among their financial goals, employers can be a great savings partner. Those with a 401(k) may want to arrange automatic paycheck deductions, so the contribution comes out of your pay before it even lands in their bank account.
Some companies will also match 401(k) contributions up to a certain level each year. Aim to earmark at least enough to get that match; otherwise, it’s akin to leaving money on the table. It’s an easy way to increase retirement savings.
The late fees associated with missing a bill payment needlessly take a bite out of savings. So if you’re trying to save money, ensuring that all payments go out on time is an easy way to reduce losses that can derail a savings plan. A few pointers:
• Organizing your bills is important, but you don’t need a great memory to stay on top of rent, car, and utility payments — these can usually be done automatically. It makes sense to automate predictable billings that don’t fluctuate each month. Set them up in the payment system, and rest assured they’ll be paid by the due date as long as adequate funds are available.
• For credit card bills, it’s good to ensure that spending habits don’t exceed the amount flowing into the account from paychecks and other sources.
• If you spend more in a particular month, it’s wise to check in advance of the payment date that there are sufficient funds to cover the automatic payment.
• Setting up a calendar alert each month several days before the credit card payment date is a good reminder to make sure there’s enough money to cover the amount owed, particularly if your credit card spending habits are irregular.
6. Monitor Financial Insights
Setting — and sticking to — a budget is an important part of successful financial management. But it can be a lot of work to monitor spending in each category and to stay on the right side of all targets.
Here’s where technology can definitely give you a boost. Instead of crunching the numbers week after week and month after month, apps and other digital tools can improve the ease of fulfilling this important, but arguably boring, mathematical task.
Your bank may well offer an automated tool or dashboard that shows in real-time your spending and saving. This means you can see account balances and itemized spending category breakdowns to have a clear picture of where your money goes and where you might cut back.
Some banks also allow account holders to set up personal financial goals — such as monthly savings targets — and then automatically track their transactions against them. This can be helpful when you are trying to boost savings and your sense of financial security.
7. Increase Deposits Over Time
While learning how to automate savings can take the headache out of managing finances, it’s wise to revisit the amounts periodically. Cash flows change from time to time (you get a raise, you pay off a car loan, you have a baby), and there may be new opportunities to save.
Even if nothing of note has changed, some individuals may find that they have more room to contribute to savings than they estimated at the outset. Even increasing automated savings by 1% per paycheck can help savings grow faster.
Setting a periodic automatic calendar reminder to closely review finances (perhaps every quarter) can be a wise move.
8. Use a Cash-Back Card
If you have a cash-back credit card, you may typically use that 1% to 5% back on purchases to… purchase more. Instead, direct your cash-back rewards into a savings account. Whether you get $10, $100, or more in cash back per month, it will help your savings account grow.
9. Funnel Your Windfalls Wisely
If you get a tax refund or a bonus at work, send that money into savings (or at least some of it) versus checking. Sure, it’s fun to get an infusion of cash and go shopping or dining out, but you can hit those financial goals more quickly if you send the money straight to savings, where it can earn compound interest and grow.
The Takeaway
Automating your savings can help ease your path to reaching your financial goals, from saving for a wedding to nurturing a retirement nest egg. This process is quick and convenient, and doesn’t require you to remember regular money transfers nor break out the calculator to see where you stand financially. Finding a savings account with a competitive interest rate and low or no fees can help your savings grow even faster.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit activity can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below).
Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.
Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
As an alternative to Direct Deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Eligible Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until SoFi Bank recognizes Eligible Direct Deposit activity or receives $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit.
Separately, SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days can also earn 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. For additional details, see the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
Members without either Eligible Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, or who do not enroll in SoFi Plus by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days, will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. 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.
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.)
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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.)
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: iStock/Portra
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A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional who supports spine and nervous system health, providing care and rehabilitation to patients. Those who work in this role are typically experts on causes and treatments of back, neck, and shoulder pain.
To become a chiropractor, you need to get a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which is usually a four-year program (on top of three years of undergraduate study). However, the investment of time and money in your education can pay off in a job that offers high satisfaction and a good salary. The average annual salary for a chiropractor in the U.S. as of January 5, 2024 is $85,646, according to ZipRecruter.
If you’re interested in working in the healthcare field and enjoy working with people, a job as a chiropractor may be ideal for you. Read on to learn more about how much money a chiropractor makes, as well as other factors to consider before you decide to jump on this career path.
• Chiropractors in the U.S. have an average annual salary of $85,646 as of early 2024.
• Entry-level chiropractors can expect to earn between $41,000 and $76,500.
• With experience, chiropractors can earn up to $101,000 or more annually.
• Salaries vary significantly by state, with chiropractors in Oregon, Alaska, and North Dakota earning the highest.
• Benefits such as healthcare and paid vacation are common for full-time employed chiropractors.
What Are Chiropractors
A chiropractor is a type of medical professional who specializes in evaluating and treating a patient’s neuromusculoskeletal system. Their primary duty is to help patients reduce pain and gain greater levels of mobility. They may perform treatments like massage therapy, physical rehabilitation strategies, or spinal adjustments and procedures.
Tasks involved in being a chiropractor typically include:
• Reviewing a patient’s medical history and listening to their concerns
• Performing physical examinations to analyze posture, spine, and reflexes
• Advising patients on health and lifestyle issues, such as exercise and nutrition
• Providing neuromusculoskeletal therapy, which involves adjusting a patient’s spinal column and other joints
• Giving additional treatments, such as applying heat or cold to a patient’s injured areas
• Referring patients to other healthcare professionals if necessary
Chiropractors often work in healthcare clinics, physical therapy centers, yoga studios, massage centers, or gyms. Some open their own private practices. Because the majority of a chiropractor’s day is devoted to patient care, this job is always in-person and is not a good fit for anyone looking for a work-from-home job.
If a chiropractor runs their own practice, they may also have to take on additional responsibilities related to accounting, record keeping, hiring, and managing employees.
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How Much Do Chiropractors Make When They Are Starting Out?
Starting salaries for chiropractors can range anywhere from $41,000 to $76,500. However, those in this role can generally expect their income to rise significantly over time. The highest-earning chiropractors in the U.S. make $93,500 to $101,000-plus a year, per ZipRecruiter.
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What is the Average Salary for a Chiropractor?
How much you can earn as a chiropractor will vary based on your geographical location, company, years of experience, certifications, and other factors. On average, however, a chiropractor earns an hourly rate of $41. This is the equivalent of $1,647 per week or $7,137 per month. The average amount a chiropractor earns per year in the U.S. is $85,646.
The Average Chiropractor Salary by State for 2024
How much money a chiropractor makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a chiropractor makes per year, on average, by state (highest to lowest) based on ZipRecruiter’s data.
State
Annual Salary
Oregon
$98,843
Alaska
$98,357
North Dakota
$98,341
Massachusetts
$97,167
Hawaii
$96,265
Washington
$94,053
Nevada
$92,997
South Dakota
$92,943
Colorado
$91,777
Rhode Island
$91,552
New York
$87,237
Delaware
$86,275
Vermont
$85,187
Virginia
$85,026
Illinois
$85,001
Maryland
$83,554
Nebraska
$81,770
Missouri
$81,264
South Carolina
$80,563
Pennsylvania
$79,915
New Jersey
$79,751
Oklahoma
$79,189
Maine
$79,147
Wisconsin
$78,981
North Carolina
$78,900
New Hampshire
$77,715
Idaho
$77,523
Texas
$77,002
Kentucky
$76,752
Wyoming
$76,482
Minnesota
$76,285
Michigan
$75,978
New Mexico
$75,855
Indiana
$75,472
Ohio
$74,150
Arizona
$73,911
Connecticut
$73,535
Mississippi
$73,019
Iowa
$72,927
Montana
$72,797
Arkansas
$72,531
Alabama
$71,889
Utah
$70,844
Tennessee
$70,793
Kansas
$68,753
Georgia
$66,970
Louisiana
$66,604
West Virginia
$61,719
Florida
$59,269
Chiropractor Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
On top of their average salary of $85,646, chiropractors earn more once you take their employee benefits into account. Chiropractors who work full-time for an employer can expect to gain access to standard employee benefits like healthcare and paid vacation. However, many chiropractors choose to work part-time or are self-employed. Those who are self-employed and run their own practice will need to provide themselves and their employees with benefits.
Pros and Cons of Chiropractor Salary
Becoming a chiropractor requires pursuing years of higher education. Before making that time and financial commitment, it’s a good idea to carefully evaluate both the pros and cons of working as a chiropractor.
Pros of Being a Chiropractor
Here’s a look at some reasons why you might consider becoming a chiropractor:
• A positive job outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The government predicts about 2,600 chiropractor job openings a year, on average, over the decade.
• Ability to help people Chiropractors help people function better, have less pain, and reach their health goals. This type of work generally comes with high job satisfaction because chiropractors know that what they are doing is meaningful.
• Job flexibility and autonomy Compared to other types of healthcare jobs, chiropractors enjoy a high level of autonomy and independence. Many choose to own and operate their own private practices after they graduate. Becoming an entrepreneur gives you the freedom to make your own schedule and work for yourself.
• Earn a good salary The national average salary of chiropractors is $85,646 per year, but chiropractors who complete more education and earn special credentials can negotiate for a higher salary, and may earn as much as $100,000 per year. In addition, those in this role may pursue supervisory positions or create their own practice, which can come with higher pay.
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Cons of Being a Chiropractor
Being a chiropractor also comes with some downsides. Here are some to keep in mind:
• A long time in school Becoming a chiropractor requires completing extensive schooling. Indeed, it can take up to eight years of school and training to become a chiropractor. However, many chiropractic students find the time and effort worth the reward.
• Working overtime While some chiropractor positions allow you to work regular, 40-hour weeks, many chiropractors work 50-plus hours per week to see patients, conduct research, and complete paperwork.
• Risk involved Some chiropractic procedures involve a patient’s spinal cord and nervous system, such as spinal manipulation and decompression, which can cause pain and involve some risk to the patient. That’s why it’s important that chiropractors have extensive training in conducting these procedures.
• Salary is lower than other types of doctors While chiropractors do practice health care, they typically don’t earn as much money as other kinds of doctors. For example, the average national salary for a general physician is $208,152 per year. Keep in mind, though, that it takes more schooling and training to become a general physician.
Chiropractors specialize in the anatomy and physiology of people’s nervous systems and spine, and their primary duty is to help patients reduce pain and gain greater levels of mobility.
Choosing to pursue a career path as a chiropractor can be stable and lucrative, with annual salaries as high as $110,000.
Before you can make that much money, however, you’ll need to invest in going to chiropractic school. This may require saving money up over time and/or taking out student loans.
Whatever path you choose, learning how to budget and manage your monthly income and expenses can help you reach both your career and your financial goals.
FAQ
What is the highest paying Chiropractor job?
Traveling chiropractors and sports team chiropractors tend to earn higher salaries than other chiropractic roles. You can also earn a higher-than-average income as a chiropractor by owning your own practice and employing professionals from other medical disciplines, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Where you work can also have an impact on how much you earn as a chiropractor. The states with the highest average salaries for chiropractors are Oregon, Alaska, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.
Do chiropractors make 100k a year?
It’s possible for chiropractors to make 100k a year. In fact, annual salaries for chiropractors can be as high as $110,000.
How much do chiropractors make starting out?
Starting salaries for chiropractors can range anywhere from $41,000 to $76,500. However, a chiropractor’s income typically increases over time. The highest-earning chiropractors in the U.S. make $93,500 to $101,000-plus a year.
Photo credit: iStock/ljubaphoto
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*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
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.
