Many aspiring pilots wonder, ‘How much do FedEx pilots make?’
In this article, we’ll break down a FedEx pilot’s salary and explain exactly how to become a FedEx pilot in just a few short years.
FedEx operates a global cargo fleet that delivers packages around the world. Thousands of businesses and millions of consumers use FedEx every month. Currently, FedEx has over 5,000 pilots and with 100+ pilots retiring every year they are constantly hiring.
With the continued growth of e-commerce, it’s expected that delivery needs around the world will continue to increase which is great news for FedEx and provides job security for their pilots.
FedEx Pilots Pay
Just like the passenger airlines, FedEx pilot’s pay will vary 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 the factors above, the FedEx pilot salary below should only be considered an 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 FedEx and the Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing FedEx 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. FedEx pilots are in the middle of negotiations with FedEx to put together a new contract.
Let’s explore the FedEx cargo pilot salary in detail to understand what pilots can expect in terms of compensation:
FedEx First Officer Pay
As a first officer for FedEx your pay starts at $81 per hour on the 737 or at $84 per hour on the 777 among others. It quickly grows to $156 per hour in year two if you are flying on the Boeing 737 and $190 per hour on the 777. The following numbers are an estimate of what you can expect to earn as a FedEx first officer salary.
| Years at FedEx as a Pilot | Estimated Annual First Officer Pay (80 hours/month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $77,760 |
| Year 5 | $162,240 |
| Year 12 | $197,760 |
FedEx Captain Pay
FedEx captain pay starts at $234 per hour. Pay for senior captains at FedEx can reach considerable levels with pay on the 777 at year 15 reaching $335 per hour. The following are estimates for a FedEx captain salary.
| Years at FedEx as a Pilot | Estimated Annual Captain Pay (80 hours/month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $224,640 |
| Year 5 | $253,440 |
| Year 12 | $268,800 |
FedEx Pilot Salary Calculator
We’ve put together this simple calculator to give you an estimate of how much you could earn as a FedEx pilot. This was put together using the 2024 pay scale from the Air Line Pilot’s Association, the group that represents American pilots.
Where are FedEx Bases?
- Los Angeles, CA: LAX
- Memphis, TN: MEM
- Anchorage, AK: ANC
- Cologne, Germany: CGN
- Hong Kong: HKG
- Indianapolis, IN: IND
What airplanes are in the FedEx Fleet?
- Boeing 757-200
- Boeing 767-300 (find out how fast this plane flies)
- Boeing 777F
- Airbus A300
- McDonnell Douglas MD-10
- McDonnell Douglas MD-11
What are the FedEx Pilot Requirements?
There are two sets of FedEx pilot 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
FedEx Pilot Job Requirements:
- 1500 hours fixed wing flight time (1000 hours PIC in jet aircraft is preferred; multi-engine turbo-prop aircraft, 12,500 pounds or greater; certain single engine turbo-prop aircraft, or combination of these).
- 500 PIC required
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
Discover pilot pay for all the major and regional airlines in the US on our pilot salary guide.
How to Become a FedEx Pilot
This first thing you need to do is meet all of the qualifications listed above. If you don’t meet those, you should read our article on how to become an airline pilot that walks you through every step you’ll need to follow.
If you meet all of the qualifications listed above you can visit the FedEx jobs website and create a profile. By creating a profile you enter the hiring pool for FedEx.
As you continue to fly be sure to update your profile regularly to improve your chances of being selected for an interview. Be sure you also take a look at their knowledge test outline in order to prepare.
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