When it comes to Delta Air Lines pilot salary, the amount varies based on the pilot’s position and experience. A First Officer typically earns between $100,000 and $230,000 annually. While a Delta Captain can expect to earn between $300,000 and $400,000 per year.
Several factors influence a pilot’s salary, such as the type of aircraft they operate, their years of experience, and the number of flight hours they log during each bid period. And it is important to note that these Delta pilot salary ranges are approximate and may not represent the exact earnings of every Delta pilot.
In this guide, I’ll break down what pilots at Delta Air Lines earn and how you can pursue this lucrative and fulfilling career.
From understanding the Delta pilot pay scale to uncovering the steps to become a Delta pilot, we cover all you need to know to navigate your path.
Delta Air Lines Pilot Salary
Delta’s pilots pay will vary heavily based on the plane you fly and the number of hours you fly during each bid period. They have a 74 hour monthly and reserve guarantee. Given this, the Delta pilot salary below is only a rough estimate of annual pay based on available sources.
How Did We Get These Numbers
All data used below is pulled from the latest contract between Delta Air Lines and the Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing Delta pilots. These numbers were updated for 2024.
The pay estimates below don’t include any per diem, profit sharing, override pay, or 401k contributions which will increase overall compensation considerably.
How Much Does a Delta First Officer Make?
The delta pilot salary for first officers varies depending on the airplane they’re flying and their years with the company. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Total pay range for Delta First Officers: $102,384 to $250,925
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $109,209 |
| Year 5 | $205,219 |
| Year 10 | $226,598 |
How Much Does a Delta Captain Make?
A Delta captain salary can be quite considerable. Delta prides itself on being one of the top paying airlines in the US. Here’s an estimate on what a Delta pilot earns as of 2024.
Total pay range for Delta Captains: $290,763 to $367,373
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $313,000 |
| Year 5 | $323,000 |
| Year 12 | $341,000 |
Delta Pilot Salary Calculator
We’ve put together this simple Delta pilot pay calculator to give you an estimate of how much you could earn as a Delta pilot. This was put together using the 2024 pay scale from the Air Line Pilots Association, the group that represents Delta pilots.
Where are Delta’s Bases?
- Atlanta, GA – ATL (World’s largest airline hub)
- Boston, MA – BOS
- Detroit, MI – DTW
- Los Angeles, CA – LAX
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN – MSP
- Queens, NY – JFK
- Salt Lake City, UT – SLC
- Seattle, WA – SEA
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – AMS
- London-Heathrow, United Kingdom – LHR
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle, France – CDG
- Seoul, South Korea – ICN
- Mexico City, Mexico – MEX
- Tokyo, Japan – HND
What airplanes are in the Delta Air Lines Fleet?
- Airbus A221
- Airbus A223
- Airbus A319
- Airbus A320
- Airbus A321
- Airbus A332
- Airbus A333
- Airbus A339
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 717
- Boeing 738
- Boeing 739ER
- Boeing 752
- Boeing 753
- Boeing 757-200 VIP
- Boeing 763ER
- Boeing 764ER
Learn more about commercial aircraft in our guide on how fast does a plane go.
What are the Hiring Requirements for Delta Pilots?
For Delta Air Lines pilots there are two sets of requirements, or minimum qualifications. There’s the regulatory requirements set by the FAA, TSA, DOT, and even FCC.
Then there are the individual airline requirements for the job.
What are the Regulatory Requirements to Become a Delta Pilot?
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
- Current First Class Medical Certificate
- Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit
- Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge eligibility
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug test
- Successful completion of Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) evaluation
- 1500 hours fixed wing flight time
What are Delta Specific Job Requirements?
- At least 23 years of age
- Graduate of a four-year degree program from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Dept. of Education recognized accrediting organization
- Degrees obtained from a non-U.S. institution must be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. degrees by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- Current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S. (multiple reentry status) and be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (possess proper working documents)
- Minimum of 1,500 hours of total documented flight time
- Minimum of 1,000 hours of fixed wing turbine time (airplane and powered lift combined)
- Minimum of 250 hours PIC or SIC as defined in 14 CFR §61.159(a)(5) in an airplane category
- Minimum of 50 hours of multi-engine airplane time
- TSA required fingerprint based Criminal History Records Check and a Delta background check
Ever wonder, how much do pilots make? Check out our salary guide for every airline.
How Do I Apply for a Delta Air Lines Pilot Job?
If you meet all of the qualifications listed above you can visit the Air Delta Air Lines website. Delta also offers a career path, Delta Propel, for aspiring pilots to join their company as soon as possible.
At the time of writing, Delta doesn’t have any pilot jobs posted but check back often to see when they start hiring pilots again.
In conclusion, understanding the delta pilot salary and its components is essential for those considering a career with Delta Air Lines.
Your Airline Pilot Career Awaits
Interested in becoming an airline pilot? Click below to get all the information you need to begin your pilot training journey.
What are Delta pilot’s benefits?
As a Delta pilot, you have access to a robust benefits package designed to support your financial, health, and lifestyle needs. Here are the key components:
Financial and Retirement Benefits:
- Competitive Salaries: You’ll enjoy one of the highest base pay rates in the aviation industry.
- Profit Sharing: Delta’s profit-sharing initiative boosts your overall earnings based on the company’s success.
- 401(k) Plan: Delta offers a company-matched 401(k) plan, which can reach up to 9% depending on your contributions.
Health and Wellness:
- Medical Insurance: You can choose from a variety of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to meet your needs.
- Wellbeing Support: The Delta Wellbeing Program provides resources to maintain your mental and financial health, fostering a balanced lifestyle.
- Life Insurance: You can benefit from basic and optional life insurance for yourself and your dependents, with significant coverage amounts.
Time Off and Family Support:
- Paid Leave: You will receive between two to five weeks of vacation each year, in addition to seven personal days and holidays.
- Parental Leave: Expecting parents can take up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave at full pay, while non-birthing parents receive two weeks.
- Family Care: Delta offers backups for child, elder, or pet care at reduced rates and supports family planning needs, including adoption reimbursement.
Additional Benefits:
- Travel Benefits: You can take advantage of unlimited standby travel on Delta flights, get discounts on confirmed fares, and access various travel-related discounts.
- Development Opportunities: Delta is committed to your professional growth, providing extensive training at the Aircrew Training Center and opportunities for skills enhancement.
How much do Delta pilots earn annually?
The Gross Income for Delta pilots varies widely. Generally, a First Officer earns between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, while a Captain can expect a Salary/Compensation package ranging from $300,000 to over $400,000.
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate; actual take-home pay can vary based on tax brackets and deductions, but the earning potential places many senior pilots in a very high income category.
What is the starting salary for a Delta First Officer?
For a First Officer, which is the Entry-Level Position on the flight deck, pay is competitive from day one.
Base Salary: A Year 1 First Officer typically starts around $109,209.
Aircraft: New hires often start on narrow-body fleets like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.
Progression: First Officer pay progresses quickly, rising to approximately $170,000 in the second year.
Estimated Annual Pay (First Officer):
Year 1: ~$109,209
Year 5: ~$205,219
Year 10: ~$226,598 (Based on ~80 hours/month).
How much does a Delta Captain make?
Becoming a Captain marks a significant milestone in career progression. Due to their high earnings, senior Captains are often classified as high-net-worth individuals.
Pay scales are heavily weighted by seniority, so the longer you’ve been with the airline, the higher your rate. These high earnings also positively impact retirement benefits, such as 401(k) matching contributions.
Estimated Annual Pay (Captain):
Year 1: ~$313,000
Year 5: ~$323,000
Year 12: ~$341,000 (Based on ~80 hours/month).
What are the hourly pay rates for Delta pilots?
Delta pilots are not paid a fixed annual salary but earn an hourly wage multiplied by their flight hours. These rates are determined by the contract with the labor union/ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association).
The specific hourly figure is found in the airline’s pay rate table, and pilots can significantly boost their income through premium/overtime pay by picking up extra trips or flying on holidays.
What factors influence a Delta pilot’s salary?
Several variables determine a pilot’s final paycheck. Years of service is the primary driver of pay increases, but your aircraft type rating also plays a major role since larger aircraft command higher rates.
Additionally, your flight schedule matters because pilots who bid for efficient schedules earn more, while being based at a busy airline hub can influence the types of trips available to you.
Do Delta pilots receive profit sharing or bonuses?
Yes, because base pay is just one part of the total rewards package. Delta is famous for its profit sharing plan, where a percentage of corporate net income is distributed to employees.
This constitutes a significant portion of variable compensation, sometimes amounting to an additional check worth 10% or more of annual earnings. Furthermore, sign-on bonuses or an annual bonus may apply depending on contract negotiations.
Does flying larger aircraft increase pilot pay at Delta?
Yes, the pay band/grade is directly tied to the size and range of the aircraft. Captains flying long-haul flights on wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777 sit at the top of the pay scale.
Conversely, pilots on domestic routes flying narrow-body aircraft generally have lower hourly rates, but as Delta continues its fleet modernization, transitioning to larger and newer aircraft can offer pilots opportunities for higher earnings.
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