The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000.
People Also Ask
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.
For instance, Southwest Airlines pilots earn an average annual salary of $222,000. However, some Southwest pilots earn as much as $549,000. Similarly, United Airlines pilots earn an average of $205,000. The average Delta Airlines pilot earns $192,000 with top-earners making $526,000.
Pilots' pay is reaching astronomical levels, with some of the most experienced aviators earning up to $700,000. The industry's pilot shortage is likely to continue for a few years and airlines are negotiating bumper new contracts, which means pay is expected to keep rising.
According to figures from The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline pilots is $114,200, but starting pay for a regional airline First Officer could be as little as $28,000, while ending pay for a major airline Captain could be several hundred thousand per year.
Upon promotion to Captain, though, Delta pilots earn a starting pay of $189,000. The top pay for a Delta Airlines Captain is approximately $205,000, but those flying a Boeing 777 can potentially earn $298,500 per year plus bonuses, or as much as $350,000 in one year.
Established airline pilots are paid very well, with the annual earnings of senior captains around $400,000, some pilots can expect a ten million dollar career in total earnings, illustrated below according to the typical career progression.
It's a well-known fact that getting hired at Delta is more difficult than at any other airline. It's because they will deny even the most qualified individual if they don't have the right attitude. It takes more than just a bunch of flight hours to become a Delta Airlines pilot.
The age is currently 65, but an effort to raise it is one of dozens of struggles over various measures that are part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that is making its way through Congress.
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.
$205K. The estimated total pay for a Retired at Delta Air Lines is $205,462 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $139,214 per year.
Minimum of 1,500 hours of total documented flight time. Minimum of 1,000 hours of fixed wing turbine time is preferred (airplane and powered lift combined). Minimum of 250 hours PIC or SIC as defined in 14 CFR §61.159(a)(5) in an airplane category. Minimum of 50 hours of multi-engine airplane time.
Being a commercial pilot is a demanding job but can also be a rewarding career. These credentialed experts operate aircraft in a safe manner. Understanding the training and practical requirements for becoming a commercial pilot can help you create a plan to pursue this career.
Consulting firm Oliver Wyman estimates that despite efforts to close the gap, airlines in North America will face a shortage of nearly 30,000 pilots by 2032. The supply of new pilots will grow, but not enough to offset a continuing wave of retirements, the consultant says.