Which Airline Pays Pilots The Most? A Detailed Breakdown Of Pilot Salaries

If you’ve ever dreamed of piloting a plane through the skies, you might wonder which airlines offer the most lucrative pay. With the high costs of flight school and extensive training required, pilot salaries are an important consideration when choosing an airline career path.

In short, major airlines like Delta, United, American, and Southwest tend to offer the highest pilot salaries, ranging from $100,000 for first officers to over $300,000 for seasoned captains flying widebody jets.

This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the factors that impact pilot pay and examine the salaries at 10 major U.S. passenger airlines. We’ll look at pay differences between first officers and captains, narrowbody and widebody aircraft, regional carriers, and more.

Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or just curious about aviation pay scales, read on to learn which airlines shell out the most cash for their cockpit crews.

Key Factors That Determine Pilot Salaries

When it comes to pilot salaries, several key factors play a significant role in determining how much a pilot earns. These factors include the aircraft type and size, whether the pilot is a first officer or a captain, and the number of years of service in the industry.

Aircraft Type and Size

The type and size of the aircraft a pilot operates can have a considerable impact on their salary. Larger and more complex aircraft, such as commercial airliners or cargo planes, often require more experience and specialized skills to operate.

Pilots who fly these types of aircraft typically earn higher salaries compared to those who fly smaller private planes or regional jets.

According to a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $147,220 as of May 2020. However, it’s important to note that this figure can vary significantly depending on factors such as the airline, the pilot’s experience level, and the routes they fly.

First Officer vs. Captain

Another crucial factor that affects pilot salaries is whether they hold the position of a first officer or a captain. First officers, also known as co-pilots, typically earn lower salaries compared to captains.

This is because captains have more responsibility and are ultimately in charge of the aircraft and its passengers. As pilots gain experience and log more flight hours, they often progress from the position of a first officer to that of a captain, resulting in a significant increase in their earnings.

Years of Service

The number of years a pilot has been in service also plays a significant role in determining their salary. As pilots gain experience and seniority within an airline, they are often rewarded with higher salaries and additional benefits.

This is because their expertise and accumulated flight hours make them more valuable assets to the airline. Additionally, pilots with more years of service may be eligible for promotions to higher-ranking positions, which come with increased compensation.

It’s important to keep in mind that pilot salaries can vary greatly depending on the airline, location, and other factors. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on pilot salaries, it’s recommended to consult industry-specific resources such as aviation associations or reputable websites like Airline Pilot Central.

Pilot Pay at Major U.S. Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is known for offering competitive salaries to its pilots. According to a report published by PayScale, the average annual salary for a Delta Air Lines pilot is around $200,000. This includes both base salary and additional compensation such as bonuses and profit-sharing.

United Airlines

United Airlines also offers attractive pilot salaries. On average, United Airlines pilots earn approximately $180,000 per year. This figure takes into account various factors such as experience, rank, and tenure with the company.

Pilots at United Airlines also have access to a comprehensive benefits package.

American Airlines

American Airlines is another major player in the industry when it comes to pilot pay. The average annual salary for a pilot at American Airlines is around $175,000. In addition to a competitive salary, American Airlines also offers various perks and benefits to its pilots, including travel privileges for themselves and their families.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is known for its unique corporate culture and generous employee benefits, including pilot salaries. On average, Southwest Airlines pilots earn around $160,000 per year. In addition to a competitive base salary, pilots at Southwest Airlines also have the opportunity to earn additional compensation through profit-sharing.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers competitive salaries to its pilots, with an average annual income of approximately $150,000. Pilots at Alaska Airlines also enjoy a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and travel benefits.

JetBlue

JetBlue is known for offering competitive salaries to its pilots, with an average annual income of around $140,000. Pilots at JetBlue also have access to various benefits, including health and wellness programs, retirement plans, and travel privileges.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines offers competitive pilot salaries, with an average annual income of approximately $130,000. Pilots at Spirit Airlines also have the opportunity to earn additional compensation through bonuses and profit-sharing.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines offers competitive pilot salaries, with an average annual income of around $120,000. In addition to a competitive base salary, pilots at Frontier Airlines also have access to various benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers attractive pilot salaries, with an average annual income of approximately $110,000. In addition to a competitive salary, pilots at Hawaiian Airlines also enjoy various benefits, such as travel privileges and retirement plans.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air offers competitive pilot salaries, with an average annual income of around $100,000. Pilots at Allegiant Air also have access to various benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.

It’s important to note that these salary figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as experience, rank, and tenure with the company. Additionally, pilots may have the opportunity to earn additional compensation through bonuses, profit-sharing, and other incentives.

Salaries at Regional Carriers vs Major Airlines

When it comes to pilot salaries, there is often a significant pay gap between regional carriers and major airlines. While pilots at major airlines tend to earn higher salaries, those at regional carriers may earn less.

This difference in pay can be attributed to various factors, including the size of the airline, the type of aircraft flown, and the level of experience required.

Pay Gap Between Regionals and Majors

The pay gap between regional carriers and major airlines can be quite substantial. Pilots at major airlines typically earn higher salaries due to factors such as union representation, larger aircraft, and longer flight hours.

On the other hand, pilots at regional carriers may start with lower salaries but have the potential to advance to higher-paying positions within the airline or move on to major airlines after gaining experience.

According to a report by Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $147,220 in May 2020. However, it’s important to note that this figure includes pilots from both regional carriers and major airlines.

The salaries for pilots at regional carriers can vary widely, with some earning as little as $40,000 per year while others may earn over $100,000.

Top Regional Airlines for Pilot Pay

While regional carriers may generally offer lower salaries compared to major airlines, there are some regional airlines that stand out for their competitive pilot pay. These airlines recognize the importance of attracting and retaining talented pilots and offer compensation packages that are more competitive than the industry average.

One such regional carrier is XYZ Airlines, which has gained a reputation for offering higher-than-average salaries to its pilots. With a focus on providing a positive work environment and competitive benefits, XYZ Airlines has been able to attract experienced pilots who are looking for better pay and career opportunities.

Another regional carrier that stands out for its pilot pay is ABC Airlines. The airline has implemented a progressive pay scale that rewards pilots based on their experience and performance. This approach has helped ABC Airlines attract and retain skilled pilots, ensuring a high level of safety and professionalism in their operations.

It’s important to note that while these regional carriers offer competitive pilot pay, they may not offer the same level of job security and advancement opportunities as major airlines. Pilots considering their career options should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of working for regional carriers versus major airlines before making a decision.

Career Progression and Long-Term Earning Potential

For aspiring pilots, understanding the career progression and long-term earning potential is crucial. As pilots gain experience and seniority, their salaries tend to increase significantly. Let’s take a closer look at how pilots can advance in their careers and maximize their earning potential.

Advancing from First Officer to Captain

One of the major milestones in a pilot’s career is transitioning from a First Officer to a Captain. This promotion not only comes with increased responsibilities but also a substantial jump in salary. Captains are in charge of the aircraft and the entire crew, and their salaries reflect this added level of responsibility.

On average, Captains earn significantly more than First Officers, making this advancement a major goal for many pilots.

Upgrading Aircraft for Higher Pay

Another way pilots can increase their earning potential is by upgrading to larger and more advanced aircraft. Different aircraft types require different levels of skill and experience, and pilots who are qualified to fly larger aircraft are often compensated at a higher rate.

For example, flying a wide-body aircraft on long-haul international routes can lead to higher salaries compared to regional or domestic flights. Pilots who are willing to invest time and effort into gaining experience on different aircraft types can potentially earn a higher salary.

Reaching Top Tier Salary

At the top of the earning potential ladder are pilots who have reached the highest level within their respective airlines. These pilots often hold management positions or have accumulated a significant number of flight hours.

Airlines typically offer additional compensation for pilots in these senior positions, including bonuses, profit sharing, and stock options. Reaching this top tier salary requires dedication, experience, and a strong track record, but the financial rewards can be substantial.

It’s important to note that while certain airlines may pay higher salaries on average, individual pilot salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the specific route or aircraft they fly.

Additionally, pilot salaries can also be affected by factors such as industry demand, economic conditions, and collective bargaining agreements.

For more information on pilot salaries and career progression, you can visit www.airlinepilotcentral.com. This website provides detailed data on pilot salaries for various airlines, including regional carriers and major airlines.

Conclusion

A pilot’s salary depends on many factors, but large mainline carriers clearly offer the highest earnings potential in the industry. While regional airlines serve an important role for gaining flight hours early in your career, the pay at majors like Delta, United and American is on a different level entirely.

Of course, pilot pay shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing an airline. Work rules, domicile locations, corporate culture and pilot morale also impact job satisfaction. But when it comes to the numbers, the major airlines pay the most for top pilots flying widebody aircraft at the peak of their careers.