Pilot Levels: From Captain To Second Officer

Pilot levels represent the seniority rank for both military and airline pilots. Each pilot tier has certain responsibilities and is compensated accordingly. Pilot rankings are also a broad way to determine the pilot’s level of experience.

Pilots move up in rank based on seniority. Typically a pilot starts as a cadet or training pilot (or very rarely, a second officer) and moves up when he/she has achieved the flight hours necessary to be considered for a promotion along with a vacancy created by a retiring pilot. All commercial airline pilots must retire from Part 121 operations at age 65 in the U.S.

A pilot seniority rank is important because it establishes seniority based on experience level and competency, which is critical when transporting thousands of passengers annually. In addition to earning higher annual monetary compensation, seniority provides perks for pilots. For example, pilots with higher seniority typically benefit more in terms of scheduling, aircraft, routes, and hubs where they can reside or fly from. 

Now that you have an understanding of what pilot seniority ranking means and why ranks are important, let’s break down the specifics of each pilot ranking. 

A cadet pilot is essentially a pilot in training and typically has joined an airline's training program to become a career pilot. More usually, in the U.S., the rank begins as a pilot joins an airline for their initial training program following the pilot's acquisition of an airline transport pilot certificate, or, more rarely since the implementation of the "1,500 Hour Rule," a commercial pilot certificate.

Roles: Continuous learning and basic aircrew duties.

Number of Stripes: One

Average Pay: The national average for cadet pilots is $73,769 in U.S. dollars, though this is rarely a paid position until the pilot joins the final training program after they have been hired.

The second officer is third in command and is utilized on long flights as a third pilot for adequate rest periods for each pilot. Second officers are not needed on every flight; they are most often used for international segments. This position also represented the flight engineer position in an aircraft requiring three flight crew members.

Roles: The second officer monitors flight systems and may also responsible for preflight and postflight inspections, depending on the airline. 

Number of Stripes: Two

Average Pay: The national average for second officer pilots in the U.S. is $85,103.

The first officer or copilot is second in command to the captain and assists in flight preparations and the operation of the aircraft. The first officer typically has less experience than the captain but is a fully trained professional pilot and now is required to hold an airline transport pilot certificate for Part 121 operations. 

Roles: Navigation of the aircraft along with the captain, inspections and safety checks, and monitoring controls to ensure a smooth flight. 

Number of Stripes: Three

Average Pay: The national average for first officer pilots in the U.S. is $93,000.

Some airlines around the world utilize a senior first officer as second in command to the captain. They can be brought in at this rank with enough experience dependent upon the airline. 

Roles: The senior first officer is in communication with air traffic control and the flight crew throughout the flight. He/she also acts as a supervisor for baggage loading, maintenance, and fueling.

Number of Stripes: Three

Average Pay: The national average for senior first officer pilots in the U.S. is $85,061.

The captain is the senior ranking member of the flight crew. They are responsible for all aspects of the flight, aircraft, passengers, and crew. 

Roles: Ensures all necessary checks are made for safety before, during, and after each flight. They also perform flight planning and weather checks to navigate a safe flight. 

Number of Stripes: Four

Average Pay: The national average for captain pilots in the U.S. is $140,988.

Being a captain of a major airline can be a highly lucrative career. Some airlines now offer pilot training programs that allow student pilots to work their way up the ranks while earning an income at the same time, though these positions are more frequently used outside of the U.S. The major airlines pay higher than the national averages for each rank with captains’ earnings exceeding $200,000 per year. For piloting tips and techniques that could help you progress in your career, read FLYING magazine. Subscribe today.