How to Become a Regional Airline Pilot
Fly regional jets and turboprops feeding mainline hubs — historically the entry-level commercial airline job in the US after time-building.
Salary by Career Stage
Entry
$80,000-$110,000 first year (post 2022 industry pay raises)
Mid-Career
$120,000-$170,000 (5+ year FO)
Senior
$180,000-$250,000 (Regional Captain)
Many regionals offer $100k+ signing bonuses for new hires. Top US regionals' captain rates approach legacy first-year FO rates.
Requirements
Licenses & Ratings
- • ATP-CTP + ATP
- • First-class medical
- • ATP Knowledge Test pass
Flight Hours
1,500 hours total (or R-ATP 1,000 / 1,250 with qualifying programs)
Medical
Class 1
Min Age
23
Additional Certifications
- • Type rating (CRJ, ERJ, Q400 typical, paid by regional)
Pros
- + Fastest path to airline employment after CFI
- + Pays for first jet type rating
- + Direct flow programs to legacy carriers (Endeavor→Delta, GoJet→United, etc.)
Cons
- − Reserve / commuting lifestyle for first 1-3 years
- − Lower pay vs mainline at any given seat
- − Furlough risk during downturns
Top Employers
A Day in the Life
Hub-based reserve or schedule lines. Typical 4-day trip with 3-5 legs/day. CRJ / ERJ / Q400 short-haul.
Training Path
- 1PPL → IR → CPL → CFI/CFII/MEI
- 2Build to 1,500 hours (or R-ATP)
- 3Apply, ATP-CTP + Knowledge Test
- 4Type rating + line training at regional (paid)
- 5After 3-7 years, flow / apply to mainline
Key Traits for Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bypass regional and go corporate?
Depends on goal. If mainline is the goal, regional is the most-traveled path with established flow programs. If corporate is the goal, build hours via CFI then jump direct.
Best regional in 2026?
Endeavor Air for direct Delta flow. SkyWest for stability and bases. Republic for variety of mainline partners (United, American, Delta).
Continue Your Journey
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