Guides · Updated
Airline Pilot Pay in 2026: Median Salary and Major-Airline Starting Rates
Median airline pilot pay
Per the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the May 2025 median was $232,140. The lowest 10% earned under $106,710 and the highest 10% over $463,830.
Major-airline starting pay
United says every new-hire FO starts at $125.52 per flight hour in 2026 (United Airlines careers). Delta ($118.00) and American ($113.00) figures come from AirlinePilotCentral's 2026 pay tables as summarized by Air Gazette (AirlinePilotCentral 2026 tables). Delta's monthly guarantee is listed at 65 hours.
Top of the scale
Per the same 2026 tables, 12-year widebody captain rates are $483.74/hr at United and $465.13/hr at Delta and American (Air Gazette (AirlinePilotCentral 2026 tables)).
Estimate your own pay
Plug a rate, guarantee and per diem into our pilot pay calculator. It has presets for United, Delta, American and the regionals, and a link you can share.
When these rates could change
Pay tables move when contracts do. Delta’s pilot contract becomes amendable Dec 31, 2026, American’s Aug 1, 2027 and United’s Sep 30, 2027. See every date and negotiation status in our pilot contract tracker.
Looking for employers? Browse the pilot employer & flight school directory.
FAQ
What is the median airline pilot salary?
$232,140 in May 2025, per BLS (airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers).
What does a first-year United first officer make?
United publishes a 2026 starting rate of $125.52 per flight hour for all new-hire first officers.
Related guides
- Pilot duty time & rest rules
- Pilot contract tracker
- Pilot pay calculator
- Airline pilot hiring 2026
- Regional FO pay
- Pilot shortage 2026
- Helicopter pilot salary
- Free 2026 Pilot Pay Guide (PDF)
Data checked Oct 2026. Pay and postings change, so verify with the employer. Estimates are labeled.