FedEx Pilots Salary: Comprehensive Guide & Career Path

How much do FedEx pilots get paid? The salary for FedEx pilots can vary greatly based on experience, aircraft and seniority. A First Officer starts at $81 per hour and Captains can make up to $335 per hour. In this article we’ll break down these salaries, explain what factors go into them and look at career progression opportunities at FedEx.

Key Takeaways

• FedEx pilot salaries vary greatly based on experience, aircraft and flight hours, with First Officers making up to $165,000 and Captains starting at $234 per hour.

• Pilots get full benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, bonuses and travel perks, making FedEx a great employer in the aviation industry.

• If you want to be a FedEx pilot, you need a minimum of 1,500 hours and specific certifications and should use the Purple Runway Pathway program to advance your career.

FedEx Pilots Salary Overview

FedEx has over 5,000 pilots, we have a lot of capacity and reach with our flight operations team. FedEx pilot pay is heavily dependent on the type of aircraft they fly and how many hours they have flown. This keeps pay competitive and aligned to the pilot’s level of experience and job duties.

Pilots pay at FedEx is heavily influenced by the type of aircraft they fly, bigger planes pay more per hour. So, choosing an aircraft is a big factor for pilots looking to increase their pay. Tenure in the company and specific routes flown also impacts how much a FedEx pilot can make.

We will break down the pay for First Officers and Captains at FedEx in more detail in the next sections. These will show how pay increases as pilots develop their skills and longer service with FedEx.

First Officer Salary Breakdown

When you start at FedEx as a First Officer you get a great pay package. On the 737 you make $81 and hour that’s what they pay top talent in the industry.

FedEx has a pay scale for pilots that differentiates between First Officer and Captain pay. With increments based on time in service this means big financial growth as First Officers accumulate hours and experience and plenty of opportunities for advancement as they progress through their career.

The clear upward mobility not only encourages pilots to accumulate a lot of flying hours over the course of their career but also sets them up for future promotions and higher pay as they move along their career path.

Captain Salary Breakdown

FedEx Captains get paid big, with their starting hourly rate at $234. That’s a big jump from First Officer pay, which means there’s a lot of expertise and responsibility required of FedEx aircraft commanders.

As they gain seniority, Captains get paid more. By their 15th year flying 777s, Senior Captains can make up to $335 an hour. That’s a lot of money for being responsible for the safety and operational efficiency of FedEx flights.

If you're curious about 777 pilot salary, pilots flying the 777 can expect competitive pay that increases with experience, making it a highly rewarding position within the company.

If you’re an experienced pilot looking to grow your career and get the job of your dreams, the combination of high starting pays and potential for future growth makes being a Captain at FedEx a dream job.

Calculating FedEx Pilot Earnings

FedEx pilots are paid based on actual flight hours, not an annual salary. So, flight hours are a big deal for them. At FedEx, pilots are guaranteed a minimum monthly base with 74 hours of flying for pay purposes.

A pay projection tool using the Air Line Pilot’s Association 2024 pay scale has been provided by FedEx for its pilots to estimate earnings. The calculator takes into account multiple factors including type of aircraft flown, hours flown and location factors that require cost of living adjustments.

First Officers with FedEx can expect to go from around $75,000 their first year to around $165,000 after 5 years. That’s more experience and more flight hours. By having this structured pay system, FedEx gives pilots transparency on how their earning potential grows throughout their career with the company.

FedEx Pilot Benefits and Perks

FedEx pilots get more than just competitive pay. They get a range of benefits to go along with it. An enhanced legacy pension plan is one of the highlights which can be up to $169,000 a year at maximum.

Or pilots can choose a combination of a lower pension and a cash balance retirement savings plan for more flexibility when thinking about their financial future.

Pilots also have the option to participate in the Market Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) where annual contributions can be up to $36,300 that’s 11% of a pilot’s pay. This gives them the flexibility to choose between receiving their retirement funds in one lump sum or via annuity payments according to their preference.

For day-to-day benefits, FedEx pilots get comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental and vision insurance for themselves and dependents. They get per diem allowances when away from home base, bonuses tied to performance and plenty of paid time off.

And travel perks make being a FedEx pilot a great gig for existing and future pilots alike. If you're also curious about how much does Delta pilot make, Delta pilots enjoy similar benefits, with competitive pay that varies based on experience and role within the company.

Qualifications to Become a FedEx Pilot

To be considered for a FedEx pilot position you will need to meet several requirements. At least 1,500 hours total time is required. This time must be as Pilot-in-Command or Co-Pilot in specific aircraft. A Bachelor’s degree from a college or university is highly preferred but not required.

Having a science degree can also be beneficial, as it provides a strong foundation in problem-solving and analytical skills that are valuable in aviation.

Prospective pilots must have a First Class Medical Certificate to prove they meet the strict physical requirements of the job. A pre-employment drug test is required for all pilot applicants for FedEx.

You must present proof of technical proficiency with certifications such as a Commercial Pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings. These requirements show what is needed to fly in FedEx’s diverse fleet.

The Path to Becoming a FedEx Pilot

To get on the path to being a FedEx pilot you must first meet the qualification requirements and set up an account on the FedEx job portal. As you add more flight hours and experience over time you will become more likely to get invited to an interview.

Programs such as Zero Time to Airline are designed to help aspiring pilots get all the certifications and ratings needed to start a career in aviation. Commited to their pilots growth FedEx has excellent training programs to help you develop your plane management skills.

Prospects should prepare themselves for assessments that will test both their knowledge of aviation and personal characteristics. The selection process includes standard HR questions as well as practical scenarios where you will be asked to make decisions in controlled simulated environments.

FedEx Fleet and Aircraft Types

FedEx has a wide range of airplanes including 767s, MD-11s and A300s that serve different purposes in their operations. With this many aircraft in the FedEx fleet, pilots need to have specific proficiencies and certifications to fly these different type of planes.

A pilot’s pay at FedEx is heavily influenced by their experience and qualifications on certain aircraft types. Typically bigger or more complex planes pay more. With this many aircraft in the FedEx fleet, pilots have the opportunity to expand their flying repertoire and increase their pay.

Which aircraft a pilot is qualified to fly determines the flight duties they are assigned and shapes the routes they will fly and the pay associated with those assignments.

Career Growth and Opportunities at FedEx

FedEx has many career growth opportunities for pilots through their Purple Runway Pathway program. This program is designed to support pilot development and move them up the company ranks, with structured pathways to more senior positions within FedEx.

To help employees advance their careers, FedEx has a tuition reimbursement program that encourages current employees to become pilots. This is another way FedEx is invested in developing their people.

With over 5,800 pilots and over 400 aircraft, FedEx Express is a great place to grow your career in aviation. Being a major player in the air cargo industry means pilots have job security and FedEx is a great company to start or grow your career.

Tips for Aspiring FedEx Pilots

Aspiring FedEx pilots need to be well prepared to show off their skills and fit for the job. This means rehearsing typical pilot interview questions and understanding FedEx’s culture and way of business.

Aspiring pilots should familiarize themselves with a range of aviation related knowledge assessments covering topics such as rules, wayfinding and technical proficiency. That will prepare them for the technical demands of the pilot role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting pay for a FedEx First Officer?

The starting pay for a FedEx First Officer on the 737 is around $81 per hour.

Sounds like a great opportunity if you’re interested in flying!

What are the minimum qualifications to become a FedEx pilot?

To become a FedEx pilot, you need at least 1,500 flight hours, a Bachelor’s degree, a First Class Medical Certificate, and a commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.

Meeting these qualifications is essential for your application!