For example, Southwest Airlines pilots earn an average annual salary of $222,000. However, some Southwest pilots earn as much as $549,000. Similarly, United Airlines pilots earn an average of $205,000. The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000. American Airlines pilots earn an average salary of $118,000, with some pilots earning in excess of $700,000. Most importantly, pilot salaries continue to increase. Even international airlines pay well. For instance, Qatar pilots average $173,000-187,000 annually. Additionally, China Southern Airlines starts its pilots at $228,000 per year. An average Lufthansa pilot earns $102,000 annually.