Here’s a comprehensive look at flying for United, including a look at United Airlines pilot salary numbers.
United is one of America’s largest major airlines, headquartered in Chicago and in business since 1926. When United merged with Continental in 2010, it became the third-largest airline in the world.
The company flies to 238 US destinations and 118 international ones in 48 countries.
In 2022, it employed over 70,000 workers and carried 144 million people on its 868 aircraft. Around 15,000 of those employees are pilots.
This article is part of our ongoing series on airline pilot salaries.
United Airlines Pilot Salary
Pay rates for United pilots range from starting First Officers at approximately $109,000 per year to senior Captains earning $312,000 or more annually. Pay is based on a guaranteed 70 flying hours per month.
As with all pilot jobs at the majors, the actual take-home pay depends on years with the company and the equipment you fly.
While all first-year First Officers start at the same pay, the quicker you upgrade or transition to bigger equipment, the faster you’ll start making more money.
How Did We Get These Numbers
All data used below is pulled from the latest contract between United Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing United 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.
United Airlines First Officer Pay
As a first officer for United Airlines your pay starts at $116 per hour and quickly grows to $177 per hour in year two if you are flying on the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. The following numbers are an estimate of what you can expect to earn as a United first officer salary.
Estimated pay range for United First Officers based on hours only: $108,480 to $304,980
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $111,408 |
| Year 5 | $209,347 |
| Year 10 | $231,158 |
United Airlines Captain Pay
United Airlines captain pay starts at $329 per hour. Pay for senior captains at United can reach considerable levels with pay on the 777 at year 12 reaching $438 per hour. The following are estimates for a United Airlines captain salary.
Estimated pay range for United Captains based on hours only: $290,700 to $420,480
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $316,387 |
| Year 5 | $326,582 |
| Year 10 | $339,465 |
United has set aggressive growth goals over the next decade which means they will need to hire far more pilots. So to stay competitive there’s a high probability that United Airlines pilot pay will continue to grow.
Calculate Your Potential United Pilot Earnings
We’ve put together this simple calculator to give you an estimate of how much you could earn as a United pilot. This was put together using the 2024 pay scale from the Air Line Pilots Association, the group that represents United pilots.
Where are United’s Pilot Bases?
- Chicago-O’Hare, IL – ORD
- Denver, CO – DEN
- Los Angeles, CA – LAX
- San Francisco, CA – SFO
- Newark – EWR
- Washington-Dulles, VA – IAD
- Houston-Intercontinental, TX – IAH
What Airplanes are in the United Airlines Fleet?
- Airbus A319
- Airbus A320
- Boeing 737 (-700, -800, -900)
- Boeing 757 (-200, -300)
- Boeing 767 (-300ER, -400ER)
- Boeing 777 (-200, -300ER)
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner (-8, -9, -10)
In December of 2022, United made one of the largest aircraft orders in history when they ordered 100 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for 100 more after that. Additionally, they have options to take delivery of 44 more Boeing 737MAX aircraft between 2024 and 2026 and 56 more before 2028.
With all of their orders combined, United expects to take delivery of two aircraft every week of 2023 and three every week of 2024. For pilots looking to fly newer aircraft, it’s hard to imagine any airline with a newer fleet than United.
What are the Hiring Requirements for United Pilots?
United has three categories of requirements you must meet before you can apply to be a first officer. If you don’t yet meet these requirements, you can apply for a first officer position with a United Express regional carrier or through the Aviate pathway program.
United divides its hiring requirements into certification, flight time, and general employment requirements.
Certification Requirements
- Hold an unrestricted ATP with Airplane-Multiengine class rating
- Hold a current FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
- Hold an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR)
Flight Time Requirements
- Required: 1,500 hours total time
- Preferred: 1,000 hours of fixed-wing turbine and 100 hours in the last 12 months
General Requirements
- Current passport
- Legal to work in the US without sponsorship
- Able to travel without restriction in the US and to all United international destinations
- High school diploma or GED
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree
- International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever (Yellow Card)
- Reliable, punctual attendance and no planned absences during the first 12 weeks of employment
Is a Job at United Right For You?
Now obviously United pilot pay is competitive with the other major airlines in the US.
But a few other factors make United one of the top airlines to work for as a pilot. For one, their benefits package is excellent. In addition to retirement packages and health plans, the company offers unlimited standby travel and discounted tickets to anywhere they fly (which is pretty much everywhere!)
The company also touts its inclusive and diverse workforce, earning recognition from organizations like Women in Aviation, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, and the Human Rights Campaign.
ALPA, the Air Line Pilots Association, represents United Pilots. Pilots agreed to a new four-year contract in September 2023 that amounted to a 40 percent pay increase. It also includes “substantial” improvements in quality of life, vacation, and other benefits.
How Do I Apply for a United Airlines Pilot Job?
United accepts pilots from several different pathways depending on how much experience you possess. There are special programs for military pilots and current United employees.
Anyone with an unrestricted ATP certificate and the minimum flight time requirements can apply directly to United for an FO position.
All other candidates should check out the United Aviate pathway program.
This program is designed to take you from any phase of your flight training, from before you start to those time-building at flight schools, and guide you into a career at United.
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- About the Author
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Jarrod Roberts brings a wealth of experience to the Thrust Flight team, with a flying career spanning over 15 years. His journey in aviation began with a BS in Aeronautical Science from Texas A&M Central. After working as a flight instructor, he joined SkyWest as a First Officer and then later upgraded to Captain. He now flies for a legacy airline. Jarrod also serves as the Chief Pilot here at Thrust Flight where he guides our team of flight instructors in delivering top-tier training to our many Zero Time to Airline students.