HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$291,587/yr
Typical range: $293,458 – $347,921
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Commercial Airline Pilot salary by experience level in Washington DC
Commercial 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 | $174,952 | $14,579 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $208,971 | $17,414 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $231,650 | $19,304 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $252,709 | $21,059 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $291,587 | $24,299 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $320,745 | $26,729 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $328,035 | $27,336 | +88% |
Current Salary
$291,587
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $140/hr
Next Level Target
$320,745
Principal · 14
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Commercial Airline Pilot salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Commercial Airline Pilots in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $292K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Commercial Airline Pilot make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $292K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $140/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Commercial 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 Commercial Airline Pilot in Washington DC, DC earns $293K–$348K/yr.