These pilots are soaring high, in more ways than one.
According to Aviation A2Z, a recently negotiated agreement featuring significant pay raises has positioned
Alaska Airlines pilot salaries among the most competitive in the industry.
Their first officers, also known as co-pilots, now commence their careers earning approximately $119.92
per hour — translating to roughly $107,900 annually based on an average monthly flight credit of 75 hours.
advancement. alaskaair
First officers with longer tenure at the Seattle-headquartered airline continue to see their
earnings increase.
More experienced officers assigned to larger aircraft command approximately $171 per hour,
equating to about $153,000 annually, not including additional allowances and bonuses.
Captains for Alaska Airlines have secured the most lucrative salaries following the new
negotiations, now receiving top-tier industry rates of $361.29 per hour. With a 75-hour monthly flight schedule,
their base annual pay reaches $324,000.
This figure can escalate to $350,000 — and surpass $400,000 for the most senior captains — with
additional compensation from layover pay, premium segments, instructor/examiner duties, and profit sharing.
The advantages extend beyond salary. Alaska Airlines pilots also benefit from personal travel
privileges, loss of license protection (insuring against financial loss if medically unable to fly), various
opportunities for supplementary income, and more.
However, Alaska Airlines is not the sole carrier dedicated to ensuring its pilots are well-compensated
and secured.
Late last December, a Miami-based American Airlines Boeing 737 captain posted a screenshot of
his apparent paycheck on Reddit, which was subsequently shared to X by Breaking
Aviation News & Videos. The total was a stunning $458,000.
Many on X commented that pilots merited their substantial salaries.
“I am perfectly content with the person commanding the aircraft, keeping me 35,000 feet in the
air, receiving a significant income,” one flyer remarked.
“Kids, go get your pilot licenses,” another person humorously suggested.