The allure of the cockpit has always been tied to adventure and prestige.
Still, in recent years, pilot salaries at major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have also become a topic of great interest.
With the demand for pilots surging post-pandemic and airline profitability rising, compensation packages for pilots at these “Big 3” US airlines have reached new heights. Here’s a detailed breakdown of pilot earnings at these carriers based on information from various sources.
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American Airlines: pay scales and bonuses
American Airlines offers competitive salaries to its pilots, with earnings varying based on experience, aircraft type, and seniority.
According to Thrust Flight, a first officer at 
American Airlines
earns an average of $90 per flight hour in their first year, with the figure increasing steadily in subsequent years. On the other hand, captains can earn between $323 and $352 per hour, depending on the aircraft flown.
Annual salaries for American Airlines pilots typically range between $85,000 for new hires and $350,000 or more for experienced captains. However, long-haul captains operating widebody aircraft can earn upwards of $425,000 annually when overtime pay and bonuses are included, as reported by Aviation A2Z.
American Airlines also offers performance bonuses and profit-sharing, which can significantly boost a pilot’s take-home pay. According to Pilot Jobs Network, these incentives, combined with flexible schedules and retirement benefits, make American Airlines an attractive option for career pilots.
|
Position |
Hourly Pay (First Year) |
Hourly Pay (Experienced) |
Annual Salary (Range) |
Maximum Annual Salary (Wide-Body Captains) |
Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
First Officer |
$90 per flight hour |
Increases steadily |
$85,000 – $150,000 |
N/A |
Performance bonuses, profit-sharing, retirement benefits |
|
Captain |
$323 – $352 per flight hour |
Higher with seniority |
$200,000 – $350,000+ |
$425,000+ (including overtime/bonuses) |
Flexible schedules, significant incentives |
Delta Air Lines: leading the way with high pay
Delta Air Lines
is often regarded as one of the most desirable carriers for pilots due to its generous compensation packages and extensive benefits. According to Thrust Flight, first-year officers at Delta earn around $92 per flight hour, which increases to $108 per hour in the second year. Captains earn substantially more, with hourly rates ranging from $329 for narrowbody aircraft to $354 for widebody aircraft.
Photo: Santi Rodriguez | Shutterstock
Delta’s annual pilot salaries typically fall between $100,000 for junior pilots and $350,000 for senior captains. Aviation A2Z notes that widebody captains flying international routes can make as much as $400,000 annually, especially with overtime. A unique feature of Delta’s compensation is its profit-sharing program, which can account for up to 20% of a pilot’s annual pay during profitable years.
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Additionally, as stated in The Street, Delta pilots recently secured a new contract that includes pay raises of up to 34% over the next four years, ensuring that their compensation remains among the highest in the industry. These pay raises make Delta highly competitive and reflect the airline’s commitment to retaining top talent in a market with high demand for skilled pilots.
|
Position |
Hourly Pay (First Year) |
Hourly Pay (Experienced) |
Annual Salary (Range) |
Maximum Annual Salary (Wide-Body Captains) |
Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
First Officer |
$92 per flight hour |
Increases to $108 per hour |
$100,000 – $150,000 |
N/A |
Profit-sharing program (up to 20% of annual pay), comprehensive benefits package |
|
Captain |
$329 – $354 per flight hour |
Higher with seniority |
$250,000 – $350,000+ |
$400,000+ (including overtime/bonuses) |
Recent contract includes up to 34% pay raises over four years, industry-leading compensation |
United Airlines: competitive pay and opportunities
United Airlines
also ranks high in pilot pay, offering attractive salaries and benefits to its cockpit crew. As reported by Thrust Flight, first-year officers earn approximately $93 per hour, with hourly pay increasing each year. Captains at United earn between $330 and $354 per hour, depending on the aircraft type.
Photo: Ceri Breeze | Shutterstock
Annual salaries at United Airlines vary widely based on seniority and flight routes.
New first officers can expect to earn around $85,000 annually, while experienced captains, especially those flying widebody aircraft on international routes, often exceed $400,000 yearly, according to AviationA2Z. United’s comprehensive benefits package includes retirement plans, healthcare, and access to lucrative overtime opportunities.
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Moreover, United is expanding rapidly, offering pilots significant career growth opportunities. The airline’s ongoing recruitment drive and fleet expansion provide a clear pathway for junior pilots to climb the ranks quickly. As highlighted by Aviation A2Z, these factors make United Airlines a popular choice for aspiring and seasoned pilots alike.
|
Position |
Hourly Pay (First Year) |
Hourly Pay (Experienced) |
Annual Salary (Range) |
Maximum Annual Salary (Wide-Body Captains) |
Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
First Officer |
$93 per flight hour |
Increases with seniority |
$85,000 – $150,000 |
N/A |
Performance bonuses, profit-sharing, comprehensive benefits package |
|
Captain |
$330 – $354 per flight hour |
Higher with seniority |
$250,000 – $350,000+ |
$400,000+ (including overtime/bonuses) |
Opportunities for rapid career advancement due to fleet expansion and recruitment drive |
Who pays the most?
When comparing American, Delta, and United Airlines salaries, Delta appears to offer the highest base pay and profit-sharing potential for its pilots, as per The Street. However, American Airlines and United Airlines are closely followed, and their compensation structures are equally attractive, especially for senior captains on international routes.
American Airlines stands out for its significant bonuses and incentives, while United Airlines offers robust career growth opportunities alongside competitive pay. All three airlines have pay scales that reflect their operations’ size and strategic importance in the global aviation market.
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