Executive Jet Management Pilot Pay: Part 135 Captain Salaries Reach $230,000-Plus in 2024–2026 Market
Why It MattersTight pilot supply and strong charter demand are pushing wages and benefits higher across managed Part 135 operations, tightening cost pressure on operators industry-wide.
Pilot compensation at U.S. Part 135 executive jet management operators ranges from roughly $100,000 to over $300,000 annually, driven mainly by seat, aircraft size, experience, and schedule, according to industry reports and job postings covering 2024–2026.
On light jets such as the Citation CJ and Phenom, first officers earn $70,000–$95,000 and captains $95,000–$135,000. On midsize jets such as the Citation XLS+ and Challenger 300, first officers earn $90,000–$120,000 and captains $115,000–$160,000. On large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets such as the Global 7500 and G650, first officers earn $100,000–$150,000 and captains earn $150,000–$230,000 or more. The reported average pilot salary at Executive Jet Management is $106,695 per year, though experienced heavy-jet captains regularly exceed $180,000.
Compensation packages typically add tax-free per diem of $50–$90 per day on overnights, reimbursed hotel and transport costs, and full benefits. At larger operators such as EJM, benefits include premium-free health care from hire date, a 401(k) with a 67% employer match, paid parental leave, loss-of-license coverage, day-one paid time off, and life and disability insurance, plus recurrent training at providers such as FlightSafety or CAE valued at $30,000–$60,000 or more per pilot per year.
Geography also affects earnings, with captains based in markets such as New York or South Florida typically earning more than those in smaller regional markets, while charter-heavy aircraft generate more variable pay than owner-only flying. Strong market demand and a tight pilot supply are putting upward pressure on wages across the sector during the 2024–2026 period.
