TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years

3–5 Years Experience Airline Pilot Salary in Washington DC

2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.

$266,740/yr

Typical range: $225,578 $351,955

P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Airline Pilot Salary Progression in Washington DC

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$191,602$15,967
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$236,685$19,724+24%
Mid-LevelThis page4 yrs4 yrs$266,740$22,228+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$304,309$25,359+59%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$394,475$32,873+106%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$480,133$40,011+151%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$501,547$41,796+162%
Current Salary
$266,740
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$304,309
Senior · 6
+$38Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3–5 years experience Airline Pilot salary in Washington DC, DC?

3–5 Years Experience Airline Pilots in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $267K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a 3–5 years experience Airline Pilot make per hour in Washington DC, DC?

Based on $267K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Airline Pilot in Washington DC, DC?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Airline Pilot in Washington DC, DC earns $352K–$430K/yr.