A pilot's hourly rate increases for each year he or she has worked for an airline. The range in hourly rate also changes by airline and by type of aircraft. For example, an experienced Captain flying an A350 for Delta can expect to earn $354 per hour.

Yes, pilot salaries have seen an unprecedented and dramatic increase over the last few years, a trend that continues into 2026. This surge is driven by a chronic global pilot shortage and aggressive new labor contracts at major carriers. In the United States, pilots at Delta, United, American, and Southwest recently secured contracts that provide cumulative pay raises of 34% to 40% over four years. In 2026, a senior Captain at a major airline flying wide-body aircraft (like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350) can earn a base salary exceeding $400,000 to $500,000 per year, not including profit sharing and retirement contributions. Even at the regional level, starting salaries for First Officers have jumped from roughly $30,000 a decade ago to nearly $90,000 to $100,000 today, often supplemented by significant signing bonuses. Beyond base pay, pilots increase their income through "longevity" (years of service), "upgrading" from First Officer to Captain, and "bidding" for high-value international routes that offer higher hourly "per diem" rates and override pay for night or over-water operations.