Wondering what a 737 pilot gets paid? The commercial pilot salary for a 737 in 2024 ranges from $90,000 to over $400,000 a year depending on experience and airline. This post dives into the factors that affect those salaries and what to expect as you go up the career ladder.

Key Takeaways

• 2024 average 737 pilot salary is over $200,000 with experienced captains making up to $400,000, huge salary growth potential.

• Salaries vary based on experience, airline type and flight hours, major airlines pay more than regional airlines.

• Per diem payments, signing bonuses and profit sharing add to the overall compensation for 737 pilots so it’s a lucrative profession.

Understanding 737 Pilot Salary

In 2024 the average pilot salary is over $200,000 so being a 737 pilot can be very profitable. But these figures vary greatly depending on where you live and work due to cost of living.

Many pilots begin their careers by becoming instructors at a flight school to accumulate essential flying hours.

Captains with over a dozen years in the industry can pull in close to or over $300,000 a year some even over $400,000 showing how salaries increase with experience.

When you start at major airlines first officers are usually paid between $90k and $100k a year – a good entry salary compared to other commercial pilots who are paid less due to less demand and simpler operations than airline pilots.

The investment in flight training is substantial, but it is essential for launching a successful pilot career.

Airline pilot compensation is usually hourly wage with a guaranteed minimum monthly payment that ensures a steady income regardless of how many hours you fly each month.

Many factors determine what commercial pilots earn: their logged flight hours. Types of aircraft they’re qualified to fly. And their overall experience.

It’s common practice for new regional airline pilots who are paid less than their peers at big airlines to move into better paying jobs after a few years of industry experience.

Those considering a career in aviation need to understand these complexities because it highlights the importance of accumulating experience while working towards positions at major airlines.

Factors Influencing 737 Pilot Salaries

737 pilot salaries are influenced by many factors such as experience, airline type and total flight hours. These can add or subtract from a pilot’s salary.

It's important to note that airline pay changes regularly, influenced by factors such as the type of aircraft flown and market conditions.

By understanding these variables, you can plan your career better to maximize your earnings.

Experience Level

737 pilot salary is influenced by the number of years of experience. As pilots get more flight hours they get an increase in hourly rate, it’s an acknowledgement of the extra skill and value they bring to the airline. Year on year these increases are a recognition of the commitment and growing expertise of the pilots. Aspiring pilots should aim for leadership roles such as chief pilot to maximize their earnings.

A new pilot will start with a lower hourly rate. As they gain experience and flight hours they get steady increases in pay. This ensures that as pilots become more skilled and proficient in managing more complex flying situations and tasks, they get paid for their skill improvements.

Type of Airline

Pilot pay is heavily dependent on the airline they work for. Pilots at major airlines get paid more than those at regional airlines, which is due to the bigger operations and more revenue streams of the bigger companies.

For example, American Airlines pilots often receive higher salaries compared to their counterparts at regional airlines due to the larger operations and revenue streams.

When pilots move from smaller regional carriers to majors, their pay may take a hit initially but will increase as they gain experience and move up in rank.

Salary scales for pilots can vary greatly between regional and major airlines. This is why it’s so important for aviators to consider their employment options within different airline categories to get the most pay overtime.

With deeper pockets to play with, major airlines are often able to offer better pay packages and perks that come with shifts in airline pay scales.

Flight Hours

A 737 pilot’s flight hours are key to their pay. Pilots are paid for time flying and estimates are usually based on 80 hours a month. This way their pay is tied to the amount of time they are actually flying a plane.

But there is a cap on the number of flight hours an airline pilot can fly in a year. 1,000 hours is the max. This is to maintain safety standards and reduce pilot fatigue. So this cap limits their income from just flight time. Pilots often make up for this by advancing in seniority or taking on extra duties.

Commercial Airline Pilot Benefits

In addition to their competitive salaries, airline pilots enjoy a range of benefits that significantly enhance their overall compensation packages. These benefits are designed to provide financial security, health coverage, and additional perks that make the profession even more attractive.

Pilot Salary and Overtime Pay

Pilot salaries can vary widely based on several factors, but additional earnings through overtime pay and bonuses can significantly boost their income.

Pilot Work Hours and Schedules

The work hours and schedules of airline pilots are highly variable and can be influenced by numerous factors, making flexibility a key aspect of the job.

Pilot Unions and Their Role in Determining Salaries

Pilot unions play a crucial role in shaping the salaries and benefits of commercial airline pilots. These unions negotiate with airlines to establish contracts that ensure fair compensation and working conditions.

Pay Comparison: 737 Captains vs. First Officers

If you want to be a pilot, you need to know the pay difference between 737 captains and first officers. At United Airlines, veteran captains make over $312,000 a year and Delta Air Lines matches that with salaries over $300,000 a year for experienced captains. New first officers at United start at around $109,000 a year.

That’s a big difference and it’s not just because of the extra responsibility of a captain; it’s also because of union contracts which pay more for the position.

The factors that contribute to this pay gap are not just the safety and operational oversight of the captain but also the union contracts that enforce higher pay for that position.

The variation in pay between captains and first officers is pilot specific and airline specific. These are just a glimpse of what’s in store for future 737 pilots.

Knowing this pay difference helps future pilots set realistic goals for career advancement in their chosen profession.

Major Airline 737 Pilot Salaries

The 737 pilot salaries at major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are some of the bests in the industry.

If you’re curious about how much do Southwest airline pilots make, their pay is also highly competitive, with salaries ranging from $90,000 for first officers to over $300,000 for experienced captains.

If you’re wondering about other airlines, how much does a Spirit Airlines pilot make, they also offer competitive pay based on experience and seniority. In the next sections we’ll go into more detail on how these airlines pay their pilots.

United Airlines 737 Pilots

First year pay for 737 pilots at United Airlines is around $115,000. First officers just starting their career make around $108,000 in their first year and captains at major airlines can make over $300,000 after several years of service. Over the life of a career at a big airline the pay gap between captains and first officers can be over $200,000.

This big pay gap is why advancing your career and gaining experience is so valuable. Pilots at United Airlines are rewarded with a pay scale that recognizes both seniority and time with the company. This makes United a great place to go if you want a secure career with high pay.

Delta Air Lines 737 Pilots

Delta 737 pilots get paid a big salary that ranges from $80,000 to $200,000 per year. This varies. On average a Delta 737 pilot makes about $120,000 per year.

This is based on their total time and position in the cockpit – captain or first officer. A big factor in these officer salaries at Delta is the number of hours flown. Pilots who fly more hours make more money.

Delta’s ability to pay this kind of money is a big part of why they can attract top talent to the cockpit. Their ability to pay well mirrors their financial strength and their commitment to hiring experienced pilots with perks.

American Airlines 737 Pilots

American 737 pilots get paid competitively and take into account tenure and position within the company. American 737 captains get more money than first officers because of their added responsibilities and experience. For example a new pilot at American can make around $113,476 per year.

Unions play a crucial role in negotiating salaries and benefits for airlines pilots, ensuring fair compensation and working conditions.

Beyond their base paychecks, 737 pilots at American get extra income through per diem and bonuses tied to individual performance and company profit sharing. This is a big benefit for American to attract dedicated airline pilots who want stability and big earning potential.

Regional Airline 737 Pilot Salaries

Regional airline pilot salaries have increased significantly over the years. As of 2023, the starting salaries are $108,000 per year, up from $16,000 in 2000.

The range for newly hired regional airline pilots in the US is $90,300 to $120,700 per year. First year captains at regional airlines can make $135,000 to $153,000 depending on the airline and aircraft.

First year first officers at regional carriers make $90,000 to $101,000 per year. Entry level pilots at these smaller carriers can make $50k to almost double that $100k depending on the individual.

These pay increases are why many aspiring pilots build tenure and experience by flying at smaller regional services before moving to the bigger airlines where the pay is much higher.

Pilots often spend close to 4 years flying at various regional carriers before moving to the majors as an “airline transport pilot”. This is the time needed to accumulate the necessary hours and experience to become a viable candidate for higher wage openings at the major commercial airlines.

International Comparison of 737 Pilot Salaries

Salaries for pilots can vary greatly depending on the region and cost of living. US airline pilots average around $121,000 per year which is what you’d expect to earn in this field in the US. That’s more than Europe where airline pilot salaries average €84,000 or $92,000. So you need to consider your location when looking at potential salaries.

Middle East airline pilot salaries range from $100,000 to $200,000 per year. That’s a big difference for pilots considering work in regions that pay more like the Middle East. The variations also reflect the different economies in the area and the demand for airline pilots and airline stability worldwide.

Career Progression and Salary Growth

Airline pilot pay starts lower but quickly increases as you gain experience and seniority. As you log more flight hours you become qualified for more senior roles. For example, first officers can go from around $110,000 in their first year to over $208,000 by their fifth year showing just how much you can earn as you progress in your career.

Pilots working for regional airlines also witness substantial salary growth over time. Captains might reach earnings around $191,000 after twelve years on the job.

Captains employed by major airlines have even greater earning potential seasoned top tier pilots drawing annual salaries exceeding $400,000 which illustrates the premium commanded by major airline captain salaries within this sector.

For most pilots, becoming a captain from being a first officer happens quickly. Many do it in a few years. It’s common for regional airline pilots to move to major airlines a move that comes with much higher pay in about 3-5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a 737 pilot in the United States?

In the United States, a pilot flying a 737 can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $121,000. This amount may differ depending on the individual’s level of experience and the airline they work for.

How does experience level affect a 737 pilot's salary?

The salary of a 737 pilot is heavily affected by their level of experience, with those who have accrued more years in the field receiving higher rates of hourly pay. As such, pilots with substantial experience can expect to out-earn those who are newer to the profession.

What additional earnings can a 737 pilot expect?

A pilot of a 737 may see their total income significantly increased by supplemental earnings that come from profit-sharing plans, per diem allowances, and signing bonuses.

How do salaries compare between major and regional airlines?

Salaries at major airlines are generally higher than those at regional airlines, with major airline pilots starting at a more favorable pay scale and enjoying better compensation packages.

This distinction emphasizes the benefits of working for larger carriers in the aviation industry.

What is the future outlook for 737 pilot salaries?

The future outlook for 737 pilot salaries is promising, with anticipated increases driven by a persistent pilot shortage and growing air travel demand.

This trend suggests a favorable financial future for pilots in this sector.