What is the pilot bonus for 2023?

Air Force officials are allowing certain pilots to join a new test program that could offer up to $50,000 in bonus money per year if aviators sign extensions to their contracts. The new program, called the Fiscal Year 2023 Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program, is open from Aug.



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Today Piedmont announced that it is extending the $100,000 up-front Pilot Experience bonus through the end of March 2023. This limited-time opportunity initially launched in November offers $75,000 to pilots close to upgrading to captain and $100,000 to those who qualify for the left seat.

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In March, Delta approved a contract that increases wages 34 percent by 2026 and includes improvements to scheduling, retirement and other benefits. Delta's deal raised the standard for pilot compensation and benefits.

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The military has long been one of the major pipelines for airline pilot talent. A significant number of airline pilots start their careers in the military, fly for 10-20 years, and then go into civil aviation. That's why the military is among several of the top pilot employers.

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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.

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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. Delta pays a junior First Officer $92 per hour. Flying a B777 for United Airlines, a senior Captain earns $352, and the junior First Officer $91.

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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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