Become an Airline Pilot
Join the Zero Time to Airline Program

Discover Top-Paying Airlines: Compare Pilot Salaries Across 15 Airlines Instantly!

Join our newsletter and download Our Comprehensive Airline Pilot Salary Comparison Guide Now! Discover the best-paying airlines and plan your path to a successful and lucrative career in aviation.

airline pilot salary comparison guide preview

Delta Pilot Salary – Discover How Much You Could Earn

By

Updated:

in

Curious about a Delta pilot salary?

This guide breaks 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 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.

Delta First Officer Pay

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 ExperienceEstimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month)
Year 1$109,209
Year 5$205,219
Year 10$226,598
These numbers are a rough estimate of a Delta Air Lines First Officer Pay. Updated Oct 2024.

Delta Captain Pay

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 ExperienceEstimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month)
Year 1$313,000
Year 5$323,000
Year 12$341,000
These numbers are a rough estimate of a Delta Captain Pay. Updated October 2024.
Think these pay numbers are off? Click here to give us feedback.
First Name
Last Name
Email
Message
The form has been submitted successfully!
There has been some error while submitting the form. Please verify all form fields again.

Launch Your Airline Pilot Career

Want to become a pilot for Delta Airlines? The first step is to enroll in flight training. The Zero Time to Airline program is your fast track to a career as an airline pilot. Learn more about this unique program and start your journey today.

Calculate Your Potential Delta Pilot Earnings

We’ve put together this simple 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.

Delta Air Lines Pilot Pay Calculator

Delta Air Lines Pilot Pay Calculator

Delta Pilot Position
83

$
Note this doesn’t include any per diem, profit sharing, override pay, or 401k contributions.

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
Delta Pilot Salary Chart

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
Delta Air Lines new 2023 Pilot Pay

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.

Regulatory Requirements:

  • 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
Delta Air Lines Planes on the ground

Delta Air Lines Pilot 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?

Delta Plane being towed

In conclusion, understanding the delta pilot salary and its components is essential for those considering a career with Delta Air Lines.

Interested in becoming an airline pilot? Click below to get all the information you need to begin your pilot training journey.

Want to become a more confident pilot?

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel where we post FREE content to help student pilots understand the art of aviation.

Be entertained and educated on our TikTok channel.

Or check out some of our most popular articles on how to become an airline pilot and airline pilot salaries.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *