A man and a woman sit in the cockpit of an airplane. They both earn a commercial airline pilot’s salary. If you dream of flying for a major airline, American Airlines is one of the best companies to work for. The American Airlines Pilot Salary is among the highest in the aviation industry. With excellent benefits, steady pay growth, and international routes, this career offers stability and adventure.
Whether you’re starting your pilot training or thinking about upgrading your license, it’s smart to know how much you can earn. This guide explains everything about the American Airlines Pilot Salary, including pay by rank, aircraft type, experience level, and more.
Understanding the American Airlines Pilot Salary
The American Airlines Pilot Salary depends on a few main factors — the pilot’s rank, the aircraft type, and years of experience. Captains earn significantly more than first officers.
The pay also increases each year, as pilots gain seniority and experience. American Airlines rewards loyalty with consistent raises and excellent benefits.
How Much Do Long-Haul Pilots Earn?
Long-haul pilots fly international routes that last many hours. These flights require more experience and responsibility. Therefore, long-haul pilots make higher pay compared to short-haul or domestic pilots.
As of 2023, a long-haul captain earns about $402 per hour, while a first officer earns around $108 per hour. By 2027, new contracts will increase these numbers. Captains may earn $470 per hour, and first officers may earn over $126 per hour.
Long-haul flights use larger aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Boeing 777. Pilots flying these planes are some of the highest paid in the company.
| Position | Aircraft Type | 2023 Hourly Pay | 2027 Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | Boeing 747 | $402/hour | $470/hour |
| Captain | Boeing 777 | $395/hour | $462/hour |
| First Officer | Boeing 747 | $108/hour | $126/hour |
| First Officer | Boeing 777 | $106/hour | $124/hour |
Keep in mind that pilots fly around 1,000 hours per year. That means even a first officer can earn over $100,000 annually, while captains often cross the 6-figure mark easily.
How Much Do Short-Haul Pilots Earn?
Short-haul or domestic pilots fly within the United States. Their flights are shorter, but they complete more trips in a month.
As of 2023, a first-year captain on a Boeing 787 earns around $383 per hour, only slightly lower than the long-haul rate. By 2027, this rate will rise to $448 per hour.
For first officers, the pay starts at $108 per hour in 2023 and will rise to $127 per hour in 2027.
Although long-haul flights seem more glamorous, short-haul pilots still make excellent money. When you multiply their flight hours, annual earnings remain very competitive.
In short, both domestic and international pilots enjoy great pay, job security, and benefits.
American Airlines Pilot Salary by Seniority
One of the biggest factors affecting the American Airlines Pilot Salary is seniority. Every year, pilots move up the pay scale.
As of 2023, a captain flying a Boeing 747 starts at $402 per hour and increases to $438 per hour by Year 12. In 2027, that range will grow from $471 to $513 per hour.
For first officers, the jump is even bigger. In 2023, their pay goes from $108 to $299 per hour between Year 1 and Year 12. By 2027, the range will be $127 to $334 per hour.
That means with experience, a first officer can triple their income in just over a decade.
| Rank | Year 1 Pay (2023) | Year 12 Pay (2023) | Year 1 Pay (2027) | Year 12 Pay (2027) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain (B747) | $402/hr | $438/hr | $471/hr | $513/hr |
| First Officer (B747) | $108/hr | $299/hr | $127/hr | $334/hr |
Seniority also gives pilots better schedules, route choices, and vacation preferences.
Hiring Requirements for American Airlines Pilots
To earn the American Airlines Pilot Salary, you must meet strict hiring requirements. These include:
- A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with multi-engine and instrument ratings
- At least 1,500 flight hours
- A First-Class Medical Certificate
- Clean flight and background records
- U.S. citizenship or work authorization
Many pilots build their flight hours by becoming Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) before joining a regional airline. After gaining more experience, they can apply to American Airlines.
American Airlines Pilot Bases
American Airlines has major pilot bases across the U.S., allowing pilots to live in or commute from several cities.
Main hubs include:
- Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
- Miami, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Washington, D.C.
- New York City, NY
These bases support both domestic and international operations, giving pilots flexibility in where they work.
American Airlines Fleet Overview
American Airlines has one of the largest and most modern fleets in the world. Pilots can fly various aircraft types depending on seniority and route.
Current fleet includes:
- Airbus Models: A319, A320, A321, A321neo, and A321 Transcon
- Boeing Models: 737-800, 737 MAX, 777-200, 777-300ER, 787-8, and 787-9
- Regional Jets: CRJ-200, CRJ-700, CRJ-900, ERJ-145, ERJ-170, ERJ-175
As pilots gain experience, they can transition to larger aircraft, which come with higher pay rates.
Benefits of Working at American Airlines
Apart from the impressive American Airlines Pilot Salary, pilots enjoy excellent benefits such as:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Free or discounted travel for pilots and families
- Per diem allowances during travel
- Professional training and career advancement opportunities
FAQ’s
1: What Is the Starting American Airlines Pilot Salary?
A new first officer earns about $108 per hour, or around $100,000 annually depending on flight hours.
2: How Much Does an American Airlines Captain Make?
Captains earn between $400 to $500 per hour, depending on aircraft and experience level.
3: How Many Hours Do American Airlines Pilots Work?
Most pilots fly about 1,000 hours per year. They also get rest days and schedule flexibility.
4: Do American Airlines Pilots Get Bonuses?
Yes. Pilots can earn performance and longevity bonuses, along with per diem payments.
5: How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot at American Airlines?
It usually takes 5–10 years of training and flight experience to qualify for an American Airlines pilot job.
Conclusion
The American Airlines Pilot Salary is one of the most competitive in the aviation world. Pilots can earn well over six figures yearly, with pay increasing through experience, aircraft type, and seniority.
From first officers to seasoned captains, everyone benefits from stable income, travel perks, and great career growth. Whether you dream of flying domestically or across the globe, American Airlines offers both opportunity and financial reward.
If you’re passionate about aviation and want a rewarding, high-paying career, this is one of the best paths to take.
