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A dentist who’s been working for five or so years can make around $154,774 a year, according to the latest figures from Payscale. That competitive pay reflects the significant amount of education and training required to do the job. But even brand-new dentists could earn a six-figure salary. The average annual pay for entry-level dentists, including bonuses and overtime, is $130,875.

While becoming a dentist isn’t cheap — the typical dental school graduate owes around $286,200 in student loan debt, according to the Educational Data Initiative — the field is often regarded as virtually recession-proof.

Here’s a closer look at what dentists do, how much they can earn, and the pros and cons to consider.

What Are Dentists?

Dentists are healthcare providers who specialize in oral health, which includes the teeth, gums and mouth. In addition to routine exams and cleanings, a dentist can also perform a variety of services, including filling cavities, putting in crowns or bridges, pulling teeth, or designing and installing dentures. Some dentists operate their own practices, which means they may also manage staff, finances, and marketing.

Being a dentist means interacting with patients all day long. If you are shy and have difficulty starting conversations, you might explore jobs for introverts instead.

Also important to know: It can take six to eight years to become a dentist. While there’s no fast track, know that once you complete your studies, you should be able to earn a nice salary.

As you’re establishing yourself professionally, it’s a good idea to also create short- and long-term financial goals for yourself. Online tools like a money tracker app can help you keep track of your spending and saving and provide useful insights.

How Much Do Starting Dentists Make?

If you’re considering going through those six to eight years of study, you may want to know, what is a good entry-level salary for a dentist just starting out?

As mentioned before, a brand-new dentist can earn an average of $130,875, which includes bonus and overtime. How much does a dentist make a month? If you break this down, it would come out to $10,906 a month. Keep in mind that if you took out a dental school loan, some of your salary may need to go to paying back what you owe.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

What is the Average Salary for a Dentist?

After a few years on the job, how much can dentists make a year? The good news is, salaries usually rise as you gain more experience.

According to data from Payscale, dentists with one to four years of experience earn an average of $144,075 a year. With five to nine years of experience, the average annual salary rises to $154,774. After working 10-19 years, a dentist could earn an annual average of $157,700. And dentists with 20 years or more of experience earn around $169,644 a year.

While most dentists are given a salary, some get paid by the hour instead. In those cases, how much does a dentist make an hour? According to data from Indeed, the average hourly rate is $84.09.

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

What Is the Average Dentist Salary by State?

Wondering how a dentist’s income stacks up against the highest-paying jobs in your state? Check out this chart of average dentist salaries by state.

Dentist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Curious about how much a general dentist makes a year? The answer varies depending on several factors, including their experience, area of specialty, where they work, and whether they run their own practice.

But if you’re wondering what trade makes the most money, dentistry is up there. And there’s certainly job security. As long as people have teeth (or need to use them), there will be jobs for dentists!

Recommended: What Are the Pros and Cons of Raising Minimum Wage?

Pros and Cons of Being a Dentist

You might be excited at the prospect of making good money as a dentist, but it’s a smart move to weigh potential benefits and drawbacks of the profession. Here are ones to consider:

Pros:

•   Competitive pay

•   Job stability

•   Can help people have good oral health

•   Potential for a good work-life balance

•   Ability to be able to run your own practice

Cons:

•   Typically takes eight years of schooling for to become a dentist — four years of undergraduate school and four for dental school

•   May have a sizable student loan to pay off after graduation

•   May need to be on call for dental emergencies

•   Work often requires making precise movements on a small scale, which can be physically taxing over time

💡 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 Takeaway

Dentistry can be a rewarding career, but you’ll need to be prepared for the hard work and high costs it requires. It takes most people eight years of schooling to be a dentist, and a typical dental school graduate owes more than $286,000 in student loan debt.

While that amount of debt can be overwhelming, keep in mind that dentists often command a high salary and typically enjoy job stability. After working for a handful of years, a dentist could make around $154,774 a year. A dentist with 20 years or more of experience may earn $169,644.

If you’re passionate about helping patients — and are looking for a stable, flexible, well-paying job — dentistry may be the right fit for you.

FAQ

What is the highest-paying dentist job?

A dentist who has been working for 20 years or more can command a salary of around $169,644.

Do dentists make $100k a year?

Yes, many dentists, even brand-new ones, can earn $100,000 or more a year.

How much do dentists make starting out?

Dentists who have just completed dental school can earn on average about $130,875 per year, according to the most recent data available from Payscale. That figure includes bonuses and overtime pay.

Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*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.

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.

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.

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Being a veterinarian doesn’t just give you an opportunity to work with animals all day — you could also earn good money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a vet is $103,260.

However, the profession requires a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, which generally takes four years to complete. Is it worth the extra education to become a veterinarian? Let’s find out.

What Are Veterinarians?

Veterinarians are medically licensed doctors whose patients are animals. Just like a doctor for humans, vets ensure their patients are healthy by diagnosing issues, treating injuries, and administering vaccinations.

Some veterinarians only work with certain animals, such as horses, or have specialties like immunology, anesthesia, or dentistry.

It typically takes eight years to become a veterinarian, including four years of undergraduate education and four years of veterinary school.

Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

How Much Do Starting Veterinarians Make?

The average entry-level salary for new veterinarians at an independent practice is $105,637. Working for a corporate practice tends to pay a bit more — the average starting salary is around is $124,686. Some practices may also offer a sign-on bonus.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

What Is the Average Salary for a Veterinarian?

One question you may have is, how much does a veterinarian make an hour? The average hourly rate is $47.25, though with 10 years or more of experience, that amount rises to $67.22 per hour.

Now, how much does a vet make a year? Depending on a host of factors, a vet could earn anywhere from $81,601 on the lower end to $186,300 on the higher end.

Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?

What is the Average Veterinarian Salary by State for 2023?

Interested in the highest-paying jobs by state so you can see what salaries are like where you live? Here are the state-by-state average salaries for vets, from highest to lowest.

Veterinarian Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

The amount you actually get paid as a veterinarian will depend on several factors. For instance, you probably won’t make as much money when you’re fresh out of veterinary school as you would after working in the field for a decade or more. And as the chart above shows, the state where you decide to live will also influence how much you earn.

Other factors that can play a role include whether you choose to work for a corporate practice or private practice, whether you manage staff, and whether you pursue a specialty field.

No matter what your take-home pay is, online tools like a money tracker app can help you create budgets and keep tabs on your finances.

Pros and Cons of Being a Veterinarian

Before you sign up for veterinary school, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a vet.

Pros

If you love animals, few jobs will put you in as close contact with them as being a vet. On any given day, you could see dogs, cats, snakes, turtles, rabbits, and even horses!

And if you’re looking to make good money, being a veterinarian is a great option. Even starting out, vets could potentially draw a $100,000 salary.

The veterinary industry is stable, which can be appealing if you’re considering opening your own practice. And unlike other medical professions, veterinarians usually keep standard office hours.


💡 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

The profession has a few drawbacks to consider. For instance, you may be required to perform emergency services after hours.

Once you finish your undergraduate degree, you’ll also need to complete veterinary school before you can start working. A typical program takes around four years to complete, so you may need to earmark a portion of your salary to pay back medical school student loans.

And like most jobs in the medical field, being a veterinarian can be emotionally taxing. After all, you’ll be responsible for putting fatally wounded or older animals to sleep, and that can be difficult.

Recommended: 30 Low-Stress Jobs for Introverts

The Takeaway

If you’ve read through the drawbacks to being a vet and are still excited about the prospect of helping animals, becoming a veterinarian might be a great fit for you. Just keep in mind that the profession requires an extra four years of education, which can add to your educational debt. Also, salaries can vary widely by state and whether you work for an independent or corporate practice, two factors that could impact your salary.

FAQ

What is the highest paying veterinarian job?

On the high end, veterinarians can make $186,300 per year.

Do veterinarians make over 100k a year?

Yes, many veterinarians earn over $100,000 per year, but that depends on their experience, where they live, and their responsibilities.

How much do veterinarians make starting out?

Just starting out, veterinarians who work at an independent practice can earn an average of $105,637. Those going to work for a corporate practice could make slightly more — an average of $124,686.

Photo credit: iStock/Viktor Cvetkovic

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

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.

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The IRS divides income into taxable and nontaxable categories. In general, income is taxable unless there’s a law exempting it.

As you’d expect, all taxable income must be included on your yearly income tax return. But here’s the twist: Nontaxable income may also need to be listed on your return, too.

Because anything tax-related is complicated, we’ll show you some examples of taxable and nontaxable income.

What Is Nontaxable Income?

You might think that nontaxable income is money that you can plausibly leave off your tax return. However, that’s not the case. Nontaxable income won’t be taxed even if you include it on your tax return. On the flip side, leaving income off your tax return won’t shield you from taxes. It just means you’ll be liable for those taxes, plus late fees and penalties, when the IRS figures it out — and they usually do. For questions about your specific income tax liabilities, consult an accountant or tax advisor.

Nontaxable Income Examples

The IRS provides a chart on nontaxable income limits — or how much you need to earn before you’re required to file an income tax return. For example, a single person age 65 or over can earn up to $15,700 without needing to file a federal tax return. A head of household under age 65, meanwhile, can earn up to $20,800 without needing to file.

There are many other types of income besides what appears on a W-2 or 1099. Here are examples of income that’s nontaxable, even if you might think otherwise.

•   Inheritances and bequests. Money and other assets you inherit are typically exempt from federal income tax. That’s because any taxes are levied before the estate is settled, and the threshold for estate taxes is high: $13.61 million in 2024.

•   Cash gifts. In 2024, gifts up to $18,000 are excluded from taxes. Above that, the gift giver typically pays the tax.

•   Rebates. This refers to cash you receive back from a retailer, manufacturer, or dealer.

•   Life insurance payouts. If cashed in after someone dies.

•   Scholarships. If used to pay school tuition and fees. However, when the funds are used to pay for room and board or personal expenses, they may be taxable.

•   Alimony for divorces finalized after 2018, and child support payments.

•   Welfare payments

💡 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 Taxable Income Works

All taxable forms of income must be listed on your IRS return and will count toward whatever tax bracket you’re in.

Taxable income can include funds that aren’t yet in your bank account, such as when a check arrives but you don’t cash it during the tax year. The IRS offers examples of this to provide clarity. For instance, if your mail carrier tries to deliver a check to you on the final day of the tax year but you “are not at home to receive it,” that counts as income for the current year. If the check was mailed but couldn’t reach you during the tax year, that money goes toward next year.

Types of Taxable Income

Taxable income comes in three forms: money, property, and services. Money includes wages, salaries, self-employment income, and commissions; royalties, strike pay; rental income; and alimony if the divorce was finalized before 2019. Stock market gains are another example of taxable income.

Fringe benefits are typically taxable. This category could include a company vehicle, holiday gifts from your employer in cash or gift certificate form, an off-site gym membership, or childcare services.

Nontaxable vs Taxable Income

Putting money away for retirement often involves depositing funds into a tax-sheltered account to benefit from the IRA or 401(k) tax deduction. With these accounts, there’s a tax impact when you make your contributions or withdraw your money but not at other times. These retirement accounts come with annual contribution limits, though, so you may decide to invest in taxable accounts when those limits are reached.

When opening a taxable brokerage account, the goal is tax-efficient investing instead of the tax-deferred investing that happens with an IRA or 401(k). This can include investing into long-term stocks or municipal and treasury bonds.

Recommended: What Is a Taxable Account?

Examples of Income That Is Both Taxable and Nontaxable

If your employer pays for your tuition, it can be nontaxable. But if it goes over a certain amount, it can become taxable. The same is true with employer-paid group life insurance. You may also want to take a close look at the category of “unearned income.”

Unearned income is passively earned income that you make without working. This can include retirement distributions, Social Security benefits, interest from bank accounts, stock dividends, and so forth. It also includes debt cancellation or forgiveness, which can be taxable or nontaxable, depending whether it was canceled or forgiven for less than the amount due.

How to Reduce Your Tax Liability

Reducing taxable income makes good sense. Some strategies to consider include:

•   Choosing the right filing status

•   Maxing out your retirement contributions

•   Deducting qualified health care expenses

•   Opening a 529 savings plan if your children may attend private school or college

Another strategy is to reduce or avoid capital gains tax. You can do that a few ways:

•   Donating appreciated shares of stock. This applies when you have held the stock for more than a year.

•   Selling stocks at a loss to offset capital gains, which can reduce your taxable income.

•   Investing in property via a Qualified Opportunity Fund. You can temporarily defer paying taxes on your gains.

Each of these strategies can be complex, and professional help is recommended.


💡 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 Takeaway

The IRS divides income into taxable and nontaxable categories. With the second, the income may or may not need to be listed on your federal tax return, even though taxes aren’t owed. Some common forms of nontaxable income include inheritances, cash gifts of $18,000 or less, scholarships that cover school tuition and fees, alimony, child support, and welfare payments.

Taxable income can be “earned” on the job, as with wages, salaries, and commissions. Unearned income is the term for passive revenue, such as stock gains in taxable accounts, interest on savings, and benefits you receive from your employer. To prepare for tax time, it can help to have a quality money tracker app that gives you high visibility into what you’ve spent.

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.

FAQ

What is an example of nontaxable income?

Nontaxable income examples include child support payments and, as of 2019, alimony. Other examples include inheritances (which may be taxed in other ways) and cash gifts from friends or family. Contributions to an IRA may be partially or fully tax deductible, depending on your income and filing status. The funds would be taxed only when you make a withdrawal.

What are some examples of income that is taxable?

Money earned through a salary, wages, and self-employment income are some of the most common types of taxable income. Other types include royalties, commissions, rental income, and strike pay.

What are four items that are taxable income?

Wages, salaries, self-employment income, and commissions are four commonly applicable forms of taxable income.

Photo credit: iStock/andresr

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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.

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.

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If you’re exploring career options, and the idea of seeing the world and meeting interesting people appeals to you, you may want to consider a career as a flight attendant.

One of your first questions may be, how much does a flight attendant make a year? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary is $63,760. However, that figure can change based on a number of factors, including your experience, skills, and education.

Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Flight Attendants?

If you’ve ever flown, you already have met flight attendants. They’re the people who greet you when you step on the plane, serve you food, and ensure your safety when you fly.

But flight attendants have many responsibilities you don’t see. They have to be well-versed in emergency procedures, should there be an issue on board. They interact with the pilots and create reports for each flight.

Being a flight attendant requires an outgoing personality. If that doesn’t describe you, you may want to explore jobs for introverts.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Flight Attendants Make?

Compared to other jobs, flight attendants can make a good entry-level salary. For a flight attendant with less than one year of experience, the starting salary is about $60,487. This will, of course, depend on the airline that hires you and where you live.

Something else to consider: Compared to other jobs, training to become a flight attendant is relatively quick. Some programs are about six weeks long; after that, you’re ready to take to the skies.

Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?

What is the Average Salary for a Flight Attendant?

The salary for a flight attendant just starting out is fairly high compared to some other jobs. But how much does a flight attendant make an hour? And just how much more could they earn with more experience under their belt?

It first helps to understand the difference between salary vs. hourly pay. Many flight attendants are paid by the hour, and the clock typically starts when the aircraft door is closed. That means that the period they spend greeting travelers and getting them settled is unpaid work.

While flight attendants don’t generally get overtime pay, they can earn extra money by working more hours or during holidays. Experience can play a role as well. The average hourly salary for a senior flight attendant is around $41 (or $84,637 per year), though some can earn as much as $55 or more per hour (or $115,126 per year).

No matter what your take-home pay is, online tools like a money tracker app can help you create budgets and keep tabs on your finances.

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

TABLE: What Is the Average Flight Attendant Salary by City for 2023
Curious about how much a flight attendant makes per year where you live? Here are average annual salaries in cities around the U.S.

And if you’re interested in exploring other jobs, check out the highest-paying jobs by state.

Flight Attendant Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Before you see these figures and get excited about making lots of money as a flight attendant, understand that these are average salaries. When you’re just starting out, you’ll likely make much less. And depending on where you live and the duties and responsibilities you have as a flight attendant, your salary will vary.

Other factors that will impact how much you make include whether or not you have people who report to you, how long you’ve been working, and where you fly. Working international flights might also pay more than domestic flights.


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

Pros and Cons of Flight Attendant Salary

Now that you know how much flight attendants make, let’s weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of the job.

Pros

For many people, the salary a flight attendant can make is impressive. And given that it doesn’t take years of study and hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loans to become a flight attendant, the barrier to entry is lower.

Unless you’re looking for a work-at-home job for retirees, another perk of being a flight attendant is that you’ll get the opportunity to travel around the country or even the world.

Cons

Like any job, there are drawbacks to working as a flight attendant. For starters, you are likely to be paid hourly, and you might not get compensated for any work you do before the doors of the plane close.

While flying around the world sounds glamorous, many flight attendants tire of the long hours in the skies. There are potential health risks of frequent air travel to consider as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), air travel exposes you to cosmic ionizing radiation, which could impact your reproductive health. Plus, jet lag can make it difficult to keep a regular sleeping schedule.

Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

The Takeaway

Flight attendants have the opportunity to make good money, see other parts of the country or world, and typically only need a few weeks of training to start working. If you’re outgoing, enjoy working with people, and love to travel, becoming a flight attendant could be a good fit.

FAQ

What is the highest-paying flight attendant job?

How much does a flight attendant make per hour? While salaries vary depending on experience and location, on the high end, flight attendants can earn around $115,126 per year.

Is flight attendant a healthy job?

Constantly being on their feet and being quick to respond to travelers’ requests keeps many flight attendants in good shape. However, there are potential health risks to consider. Jet lag could disrupt your circadian rhythms, and being in the air exposes you to cosmic ionizing radiation, which could impact your reproductive health, according to the CDC.

How much do flight attendants make starting out?

While starting salaries can vary depending on location, airline, and responsibilities, many flight attendants starting out make around $60,487.

Photo credit: iStock/Adene Sanchez

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.

Photo credit: iStock/Portra

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