Pay & Benefits for Airline Pilots
Explore first-year salary estimates, benefits, and career pathways available to pilots in the airline industry.
How Pilots Negotiate Salaries & Benefits
Pilots at most commercial airlines in the United States and Canada are unionized, which means that their pilot group negotiates their pay, work rules, and benefits. There is no cookie-cutter approach to collective bargaining. ALPA works to strengthen collaboration among ALPA and non-ALPA pilot groups, aiming to develop favorable bargaining patterns across airlines.
Each pilot group has its own set of contract goals, and the negotiation process is not the same at all airlines. Before beginning contract talks, pilot groups typically conduct a thorough analysis of the current environment and establish goals and objectives that reflect the needs and priorities of their members.
Salary Estimates & Bonuses for First-Year Pilots
The charts below show salary estimates and bonuses for first-year pilots at regional carriers and pay rates for major U.S. and cargo carriers.
First-Year F/O Salary Estimates & Bonuses for Regional Carriers
Note: Information is current as of July 2025 and is subject to change. Prepared by ALPA Economic and Financial Analysis Department.
First-Year F/O Pay Rates for Major U.S. Carriers
Note: Information is current as of July 2025 and is subject to change. Prepared by ALPA Economic and Financial Analysis Department.
First-Year F/O Pay Rates for Cargo Carriers
Note: Information is current as of July 2025 and is subject to change. Prepared by ALPA Economic and Financial Analysis Department.
First-Year F/O Bonus Breakdown for Regional Carriers
|
Airline |
Bonus |
|---|---|
|
Air Wisconsin |
$5,000 sign-on bonus |
|
CommuteAir |
$20,000 sign-on bonus |
|
Endeavor |
None |
|
Envoy |
None |
|
GoJet |
None |
|
Horizon Air |
None |
|
Mesa |
None for first year |
|
Piedmont |
None |
|
PSA |
None |
|
Republic |
None |
|
SkyWest |
$7,500 pilots with current turbojet type rating and qualified military pilots |
Updated July 2025
Career-Progression Opportunities at Regional Carriers
|
Airline |
Program Type |
Program Terms |
|---|---|---|
|
Air Wisconsin |
United Aviate |
Conditional job offer if successful in selection process. |
|
CommuteAir |
United Aviate |
Conditional job offer if successful in selection process. |
|
Endeavor |
Delta Guaranteed Interview |
After meeting all criteria, a pilot will be eligible for an interview at Delta. |
|
Envoy |
Flow |
Various flow opportunities to American based on DOH criteria for pilots hired prior to October 2011. |
|
Horizon Air |
Career Path |
Pilot Pathways: At Horizon interview, meet and interview with Alaska, meet continued performance review criteria; flow upon open opportunity. |
|
Mesa |
United Aviate |
Conditional job offer if successful in selection process. |
|
Piedmont |
Flow |
Lesser of 25% of new pilot positions or 3 new pilot positions per each month American is hiring. No interview required. Pilots on the seniority list prior to the amendable date are eligible. |
|
PSA |
Flow |
Lesser of 25% of new pilot positions or 3 new pilot positions per each month American is hiring. No interview required. Pilots on the seniority list prior to the amendable date are eligible. |
Updated July 2025
More Resources for Aspiring Pilots
Types of Airline Pilot Jobs
From flying passengers to putting out fires, the airline industry offers a diverse range of career paths.
Hiring Tips & Forecast
Understanding the hiring process and demand for pilots can help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Who's Hiring?
Find a list of U.S. and Canadian airlines that are hiring, along with minimum qualifications and links to their applications.
Military-to-Airline Transition Guide
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything—from FAA licensing and using your GI Bill to landing your first airline job.
Bring a Pilot to Your School
Want to hear about life as an airline pilot? ALPA pilots volunteer their time to provide interactive presentations for schools. Inspire your students about aviation—bring an ALPA pilot to your school!
Become an Airline Pilot
Anyone with a passion for aviation and the desire to fly can pursue a career as an airline pilot.
Get Started
Learn about the qualifications and training pathways to becoming a professional pilot.
Types of Pilot Jobs
From flying passengers to putting out fires, the piloting profession offers a diverse range of career paths.
A Day in the Life
Five ALPA members share their unique experiences flying for different types of carriers.