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How much do first class pilots make?

Quick Answer

First class pilots, also known as captains or pilot-in-command, are the highest paid pilots at major airlines in the United States. On average, first officers at major airlines earn between $120,000 and $250,000 per year. However, salaries vary widely depending on the airline, type of aircraft, years of experience, and other factors. The highest paid first class pilots at the largest airlines can earn over $300,000 per year.

What is a First Class Pilot?

A first class pilot, also known as a captain or pilot-in-command (PIC), is the pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the flight. To become a first class pilot, pilots must have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and be designated as pilot-in-command by the airline.

First class pilots have the highest level of responsibility and authority on commercial airline flights. They are ultimately responsible for the safety of the aircraft, crew, and passengers. The first class pilot sits in the left seat of the cockpit and is the final authority on all aspects of the flight.

Responsibilities of a First Class Pilot

The primary responsibilities of a first class pilot include:

  • Directing the flight from start to finish
  • Supervising all crew members
  • Overseeing aircraft operation and performance
  • Making the major command decisions
  • Communicating with air traffic control
  • Performing takeoff and landing maneuvers
  • Monitoring flight instruments and navigational systems
  • Adhering to federal aviation regulations
  • Completing detailed flight logs and reports
  • Conducting pre-flight planning and aircraft inspections

In addition to their flying duties, first class pilots have additional administrative and leadership responsibilities. They often oversee training and mentor more junior first officers. First class pilots may also serve in management roles developing flight schedules, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications for First Class Pilot

To qualify as a first class pilot, candidates must meet extensive experience and licensing requirements:

  • Hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
  • Have at least 1,500 hours of flight experience
  • Pass a rigorous medical examination
  • Complete airline-specific training
  • Demonstrate outstanding flying skills and leadership abilities
  • Hold an aircraft type rating for airline aircraft flown
  • Graduate from an FAA-approved flight school
  • Pass knowledge and practical flight exams

First class pilots must also continue to pass recurrent training and exams throughout their career to keep qualifications current. Extensive experience flying transport category aircraft as a first officer is usually required before becoming a first class pilot.

How Much do First Class Pilots Make?

First class pilot salaries vary depending on a number of factors, but generally fall within the following ranges at major U.S. airlines:

  • Starting Salary: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
  • 5 Years Experience: $140,000 – $200,000 per year
  • 10+ Years Experience: $200,000 – $250,000 per year
  • Top 10% Annual Pay: $250,000 – $300,000+ per year

Regional airlines tend to pay first class pilots at the lower end of these ranges, while major carriers like Delta, United, American, Southwest, FedEx, and UPS pay at the higher end. Long-haul international pilots also earn towards the top of the pay scale.

In addition to a base salary, most airline pilots also earn flight hour pay. This adds between $50-$150/hour for every hour flown. Overtime, holiday pay, and fringe benefits like 401(k) plans also impact total compensation.

Below is a table comparing average first class pilot salaries by airline:

Airline Average Annual Salary
Spirit $139,000
Frontier $148,000
JetBlue $174,000
Alaska $179,000
Delta $185,000
Southwest $192,000
United $200,000
American $209,000
FedEx $235,000
UPS $258,000

As shown, first class pilot pay at major freight carriers like FedEx and UPS is among the highest in the industry. These cargo airlines move time-sensitive packages globally and operate nearly 24/7, resulting in higher salaries.

Factors That Determine First Class Pilot Pay

There are a number of factors that determine how much an individual first class pilot earns:

  • Airline – Different airlines negotiate different pay rates with pilot unions.
  • Aircraft Size – Wages increase progressively with larger planes like regional jets, narrow-body, and wide-body aircraft.
  • International vs. Domestic – International pilots earn higher wages than domestic pilots in many cases.
  • Years of Experience – Pay increases steadily over the first decade of employment.
  • Flight Hours – More time in the air equals more flight hour pay.
  • Route Seniority – Senior pilots get first choice of more lucrative routes.
  • Union Contract – Renegotiated contracts bring pay increases over time.

With all of these variables, first officer pay at an individual airline can vary widely from under $100,000 for a new co-pilot to over $300,000 annually for an experienced captain flying international routes. However, $175,000-$225,000 is typical for experienced major airline first class pilots.

Career Path to Become a First Class Pilot

Being hired as a first class pilot is the pinnacle of an aviation career. It takes many years of training and flight experience to qualify. Here are the typical steps required:

  1. Obtain a private pilot’s license – Requires at least 40 hours of flight time.
  2. Obtain a commercial pilot’s license – Requires 250+ hours of flight time.
  3. Gain flight experience – Build to 1,500+ hours as a flight instructor or regional airline first officer.
  4. Obtain an ATP certificate – Requires 1,500 flight hours and passing exams.
  5. Get hired by a regional or major airline – As a first officer or second-in-command.
  6. Upgrade to captain – After 3-5+ years and 4,000+ hours as first officer.

This career progression takes most pilots a minimum of 7-10 years after completing flight training. Gaining experience, seniority, and aircraft type ratings along the way to become eligible for first class pilot openings.

The mandatory retirement age for airline pilots in the U.S. is 65. Captain positions open regularly as senior pilots reach retirement. Competition is fierce, so it takes dedication, skill, and perseverance to reach this top rank and salary level.

Job Outlook for Airline Pilots

The job outlook for airline pilots is very strong. Boeing estimates 79,000 new pilots will be needed in North America over the next 20 years. This represents a 15% increase in demand.

As large numbers of current pilots reach mandatory retirement age, first officer and first class pilot positions will open regularly. airline growth in emerging markets also supports more job openings industry-wide.

However, the path to becoming an airline pilot remains long and costly. Meeting required flight experience continues to be a key obstacle. Prospective pilots may need to fund initial flight training and work first as a flight instructor to build hours. But for those willing to put in the effort, a first airline job and eventual captain position promises good compensation and career stability.

Pros of Being a First Class Airline Pilot

There are many advantages to reaching first class pilot status at a major airline:

  • Excellent pay – Average salaries from $175,000 to $300,000+ annually.
  • Travel benefits – Free/discounted air travel and hotel accommodations.
  • Schedule flexibility – First class pilots have more input on monthly schedules.
  • Great flight benefits – First class travel and accommodations while working.
  • Prestige – High status profession as pilot-in-command.
  • Stable career – High job security once hired by a major airline.
  • Room for growth – Opportunities for management and instructor roles.

In addition to earning a top salary, first class airline pilots enjoy traveling the globe. They stay in premium hotels during layovers and take advantage of space available flight benefits. Reaching this pinnacle flying position is extremely rewarding both financially and in terms of lifestyle.

Cons of Being a First Class Airline Pilot

Some of the downsides of working as a first class pilot include:

  • Time away from home – Long duty days plus overnight layovers.
  • Irregular flight schedules – Early mornings, late nights, holidays, weekends.
  • Tight regulations – High standards and FAA oversight.
  • Ongoing training requirements – Recurrent training and check rides.
  • Long career progression – Extensive experience required to qualify.
  • Leadership pressures – Responsible for aircraft, crew and passengers.

The job involves extended periods away from home base and irregular hours. Pilots may be called on short notice to pick up or trade flights. Flight and duty time regulations also limit hours worked to combat fatigue. But the rewards typically outweigh these disruptions for most pilots who aspire to be first class.

Conclusion

First class airline pilots earn an excellent salary given the right qualifications and experience. Although entry requirements are steep, the payoff of reaching captain status at a major airline is high. With retirements opening up positions regularly over the next decade, opportunities exist for top pilots to earn $175,000-$300,000+ as pilot-in-command of wide-body airliners. The career takes dedication, but offers great rewards for those who achieve first class status.