American Airlines Pilot Salaries for 2024
American Airlines offers a competitive remuneration package for its pilots, with salaries varying based on experience and aircraft type. In 2024, First Officers start with an annual salary ranging from $110,000 to $230,000, while Captains earn between $309,000 and $336,000. Additional benefits include 401(K) retirement plans and comprehensive health, dental, and accidental insurance.
American Airlines First Officer Salary
Under the latest contract with the Allied Pilots Association, American Airlines pays its first officers a starting rate of $113 per hour in 2024, equating to an estimated $109,209 annually for those flying 80 hours monthly.
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 Hours per month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $109,209 |
| Year 5 | $206,102 |
| Year 12 | $231,945 |
American Airlines Captain Salary
Captain salaries at American Airlines vary based on experience and aircraft. For new captains, starting hourly wages are around $324, averaging $327, or $309,000 annually for a first-year captain flying 80 hours per month. The estimated annual salary for an experienced captain on large aircraft like the Boeing 777 or 787 can reach $469,200.
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 Hours per month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $309,000 |
| Year 5 | $319,000 |
| Year 12 | $336,000 |
American Airlines Pilot Hourly Pay in 2024
In 2024, American Airlines first officers start at $90/hr and can earn up to $234/hr, while captains earn between $304/hr and $342/hr. The pay scale reflects pilots’ experience and the complexity of the aircraft they operate.
| Position | Starting Pay | Average Pay | Top Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | $90/hr | $213/hr | $234/hr |
| Captain | $304/hr | $327/hr | $342/hr |
American Airlines Pilot Bases
American Airlines operates pilot bases in various U.S. cities, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Phoenix, New York LaGuardia, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Dayton.
American Airlines Fleet
As of June 2024, American Airlines operates 970 mainline aircraft, primarily Airbus and Boeing models. Their fleet includes a majority of narrow-body jets and a significant number of Boeing wide-body aircraft.
- Airbus A319-100: 133 in service
- Airbus A320-200: 48 in service
- Airbus A321-200: 218 in service
- Boeing 737-800: 303 in service
- Boeing 787-9: 22 in service
American Airlines Pilot Hiring Requirements
Pilots must be at least 23 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot certificate. A minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time is required, alongside a valid First Class Medical Certificate and fluency in English.
Applying to American Airlines as a Pilot
Pilots apply via the American Airlines career portal, and the process involves interviews and training sessions. American Airlines typically recruits from its regional airlines. The comprehensive benefits package includes competitive pay, profit-sharing, health insurance, retirement plans, and travel perks.
American Airlines Pilot Training
American Airlines provides training through its Cadet Academy, offering a structured program to help cadets achieve necessary pilot certifications. The academy offers mentorship, financing options, and training across various U.S. locations.
General Information About American Airlines
American Airlines is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. With 965 aircraft, the airline operates nearly 6,800 daily flights to 350 destinations worldwide.
