Helicopter Pilot Salary

By Kyle Garrett

How much do helicopter pilots make? The short answer is, it depends. A helicopter flight instructor, flying a two-seat piston trainer is going to make a lot less than a pilot flying a twin engine turbine-powered Sikorski executive transport. The good news is that besides the very lowest end of the scale, helicopter pilot salaries can provide pilots with a good living. Get more information about helicopter pilot training here.

Helicopter Pilot Salaries

The type of helicopter you fly, your seniority with the company, and your rank all play a role in determining your pay. Helicopter pilots, by definition, are "commercial pilots" according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), because they get paid to fly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2008 report, 50% of all commercial pilots earned between $45,000 and $89,000. At the lowest end of the scale, 10% of commercial helicopter pilots earned less than $32,020 and at the highest end, 10% earned more than $129,580.

Helicopter Pilot Benefits

Benefits for helicopter pilots vary tremendously. Don't expect to get much health insurance or life insurance in your first job as a helicopter flight instructor, but as you move up in flight hours, rank, and seniority, you may be able to earn an excellent benefits package. Many helicopter pilots work for large companies or government agencies, and it's in these types of jobs you'll find the best benefits. Learn more about helicopter pilot jobs.