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. Quick Links American Airlines: pay scales and bonuses Delta Air Lines: leading the way with high pay United Airlines: competitive pay and opportunities Who pays the most? Spirit Airlines has already had several rounds of furloughs in 2024, cutting capacity, in part, due to issues with the PW1100G engine. 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.
