By aircraft · 2026
Midsize Captain Pay 2026
Typical midsize captain base salary by experience across US airlines.
Representative base salary by year
| Year | Base salary | Est. take-home (TX) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $236,934 | $184,659 |
| Year 5 | $274,964 | $209,957 |
| Year 10 | $341,573 | $253,253 |
| Year 12 | $275,557 | $210,343 |
Averaged across reporting airlines. Take-home assumes Texas domicile, federal tax only.
Midsize Captains fly aircraft such as the Boeing 757 and 767, bridging narrowbody and widebody operations. Across US carriers, reported base salary for this role and fleet ranges from roughly $57,000 to $343,680 for 2026, with aircraft size being one of the clearest drivers of the difference between fleets.
Aircraft category matters because most airline contracts pay a premium for larger, heavier aircraft. A Captain who upgrades from a narrowbody to a midsize fleet typically sees a pay increase on the same seniority step — one reason fleet choice is a strategic career decision, not just a lifestyle one.
These figures show base salary aggregated across airlines for the midsize captain role. Individual carriers vary, and total compensation adds profit sharing, retirement contributions, and per diem on top. Use the explorer to see airline-specific numbers and model your own state's taxes.