Is it hard to get hired as a pilot at Delta?

In order to become an Delta pilot, you must earn a Commercial Pilot License, build the required amount of flight experience, and then earn an Airline Transport Pilot License. Delta requires a total documented flight time of 1,500, though they frequently hire pilots with significantly more experience.



Getting hired as a pilot at Delta Air Lines is exceptionally difficult and remains one of the most competitive career goals in aviation. In 2026, Delta continues to seek "top-tier" candidates, typically requiring a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, though competitive applicants usually boast well over 3,000 hours with significant multi-engine and turbine experience. Beyond technical skills, Delta uses a rigorous "holistic" evaluation process that includes psychological testing (MMPI-2), intensive cognitive assessments (Aon), and a panel interview focused on leadership and "cultural fit." While the industry is facing a pilot shortage, Delta can afford to be selective, often prioritizing those who have come through their Propel Pathway Program or have experience at their subsidiary, Endeavor Air. Success requires a flawless flying record, a college degree (highly preferred), and a personality that aligns with Delta’s "servant leadership" philosophy.

People Also Ask

Getting a job at Delta Air Lines is very hard. Jennifer Carpenter, the head of talent acquisition at Delta Air lines, recently had an interview with CBS News where she mentioned that only 0.5 percent of flight attendant applicants get hired.

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Under 1 percent acceptance rate And last year, sure enough, the Harvard comparison works out on one level: more than 270,000 applicants applied to Delta for just 1,700 positions. That works out to a .

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Average Delta Air Lines Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $184,865, which is 177% above the national average. Salary information comes from 105 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

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Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are commercial airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries.

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Delta offers pilots lifestyle flexibility with domicile locations across the U.S. We are proud to offer Delta pilots an industry-leading a total compensation, and benefits package including high base pay rates and the industry's best profit sharing program and 401(k) contributions.

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Yes, it is hard to get a job at Delta Air Lines. The company does have a high turnover rate, so they are consistently seeking new employees; however, they are selective in who they hire. The hiring process at the company is drawn out. Candidates with referrals almost guarantee a call from a Delta Air Lines recruiter.

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Conservative or traditional business attire is the preferred look for a flight attendant interview. Traditional attire is a suit or a blazer or sports coat paired with a skirt or slacks. A sleeveless or off-shoulder dress should be topped with a jacket or cardigan.

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Delta's flight attendant training program is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The program lasts a total of six weeks. While in the training program, new flight attendants are trained in many topics, including: Turbulence.

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Here's the ranking of US airlines from MOST complaints in May 2022 to LEAST complaints in May 2022:
  • American Airlines (575 complaints)
  • United Airlines (400 complaints)
  • Frontier Airlines (301 complaints)
  • Delta Air Lines (281 complaints)
  • Spirit Airlines (269 complaints)
  • JetBlue Airways (244 complaints)


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Being a pilot is considered a unique job that requires managing high workloads and good psychological and physical health. Unlike the other professional jobs, pilots are considered to be highly affected by stress levels.

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Delta Air Lines is one of the largest commercial air carriers in the United States. Pilot domiciles include: ATL, DTW, LAX, MSP, NYC, SEA, and SLC.

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Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off.

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Delta has a very solid interview process. Typically there are 8 interviewees each day. The interview last 2 days with a conditional job offer after day 1.

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Traditionally a pilot at a regional airline might start out earning less than $50,000 per year, but get hired on by a major airline and that goes up quickly into the six figures, and well over $300,000 for senior captains flying widebody aircraft overseas. Some earn over $400,000.

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Southwest Airlines Provides Excellent Benefits Southwest provides its employees with excellent benefits and compensation. They also consider the pilot's family life when scheduling them for flights. Those aspects of working for the airline make the job a lot more enjoyable.

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Factors Affecting Pilot Salaries - Aircraft Type
The type of aircraft a pilot flies plays a significant role in determining their salary. Generally speaking, pilots who fly larger, heavier aircraft can earn higher salaries than those who fly smaller planes.

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