✈️ United Airlines Pilot Compensation Overview
Table of Contents
United Airlines pilot salaries are structured around rank, tenure, aircraft type, and monthly flight hours. Pay figures below primarily come from the latest contract with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) ratified in September 2023 .
🧑✈️ First Officers (Co-Pilots)
- Starting pay: Around $116/hour, equating to roughly $109,000–$115,000/year based on a 70–73‑hour monthly guarantee
- Year 2+ with narrowbody aircraft (B737/A320): Rates can rise to $177/hour, or approximately $200,000+ annually
- Broader estimates for First Officers span $108,000–$305,000/year, depending on aircraft and hours .
🧑✈️ Captains
📊 Industry & Aggregated Averages
Various data aggregators provide snapshots of overall pilot earnings:
| Source | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Glassdoor | $186,000 – $348,000 (all pilot levels) |
| ZipRecruiter (2025) | Avg. $130,916; range $100K (25 %) to $155K (75 %) |
| FlightNerd Airforce | Avg. $248,118/year |
| Epic Flight Academy | Avg. $248,118/year; hourly FO avg. $176, Capt. $270 |
💰 Beyond Base Pay
United pilots also enjoy:
- Profit-sharing, 401(k) contributions, and per diem allowances—usually adding tens of thousands annually
Overtime, holiday premiums, reserve duty compensation, and bid pay, particularly for international wide‑body routes, significantly boosting total pay 🧭 Key Insights & Takeaways - Steep pay trajectory
Starting First Officers earn around $110K/year, climbing rapidly with seniority and upgrades. Captains can exceed $300K/year early, rising toward $400K+.Aircraft type matters
Widebody (long-haul) equipment commands higher rates—senior B777/B787 Captains can make Contract
gains
A new ALPA deal (Sept 2023) granted up to 40% wage increases over its four‑year span Total compensation ≠ just base
Including per diem, overtime, and sharing, many pilots’ total earnings exceed base figures, especially Captains on international legs.
🚀 Example Career Earnings PathYear 1 FO on narrowbody: ~$110K–$115K.
Year 3 FO upgraded to widebody: $200K–$250K.Year 5 Captain on narrowbody: $300K–$330K.
Year 10+ Senior Captain on widebody: $350K–$420K base, $450K+ total with premiums. 🧠 Conclusion
United Airlines pilots are among the best-compensated commercial pilots in the U.S. Starting salaries for First Officers land near six figures, with quick progression. Captains, especially on international widebody aircraft, can exceed $400,000/year, with total earnings boosted by bonuses and premium flights.Whether you’re contemplating a pilot career or evaluating compensation, it’s clear: United offers a top-tier financial trajectory, especially with experience, desirable aircraft, and high-value flying—though the expenses and commitment of training and hour building remain significant.
