TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Airline Pilot Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$394,475/yr
Typical range: $351,955 – $430,154
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Airline Pilot salary by experience level in Washington DC
Airline Pilot Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $191,602 | $15,967 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $236,685 | $19,724 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $266,740 | $22,228 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $304,309 | $25,359 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $394,475 | $32,873 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $480,133 | $40,011 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $501,547 | $41,796 | +162% |
Current Salary
$394,475
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $190/hr
Next Level Target
$480,133
Principal · 14
+$86Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
52/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Airline Pilot salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Airline Pilots in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $394K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Airline Pilot make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $394K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $190/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.