Generally ag-pilots get paid 20-25% of what the airplane grosses. Most of the time it averages out to be $100-$200/hr, depending on airplane size and numerous other factors. The hardest part about this business is getting a start, mainly because the insurance companies won't cover newbies and operators cannot afford to turn you loose in a $500,000 airplane with no insurance.
Obviously the areas with longer growing seasons the Miss. delta, TX, CA offer the best chances at making more money. $100,000/yr and higher, pilot pay is not out of the ordinary in these areas.
Last edited by AT502B; 19th May 2007 at 00:37.
Reason: clarification of pay