Top 777 Pilot Salary: How Much Do Boeing 777 Pilots Really Earn?

Wondering how much Boeing 777 pilots earn? On average, their annual salary is around $200,000, which is a significant figure when considering the 777-pilot salary.

In this article, we’ll explore salary variations worldwide, compare First Officer and Captain pay, and discuss other factors that influence these earnings.

Boeing 777 Pilot Salary Overview

Flying a Boeing 777 is not only cool, it’s also paid well! The average annual salary for a pilot flying this plane is around $200,000 and they are one of the highest paid professionals in the industry. This salary attracts many pilots to set their sights on this role.

Looking at all airline pilots, the average annual salary in the US is over $200,000 with middle of the pack being $219,140 in 2023. These salaries are enticing for anyone who loves to fly.

In comparison to the US, pilots in the Middle East get between $100,000 to $200,000 a year. So pay varies by location and market.

But these numbers show that pursuing a commercial pilot career especially to become a Boeing 777 captain is financially smart with commercial pilot salaries reflecting that and showing what you can earn as an airline pilot.

First Officer vs. Captain Pay

Achieving the rank of Captain is a major career advancement for any pilot, signifying both an increase in responsibilities and potential income.

As First Officers already garner commendable wages, the transition to being a Captain heightens their earning capacity as it underscores their seasoned expertise and commanding position.

To optimize one’s salary prospects, aspiring towards a Captaincy within a major airline can be key due to the substantial financial rewards associated with elevated duties and accrued piloting proficiency at these premier carriers.

So, how much does an American Airlines pilot make? As with many major airlines, the pay scales are competitive, offering significant financial rewards for experienced pilots, especially those who advance to the rank of Captain.

First Officer Earnings

First Officers (co-pilots) are vital to the safety and operation of the aircraft. Salaries range from $60,000 to $146,000 per year and are based on experience and airline.

These pilots are paid per flight hour so the more hours flown the more pay.

Airline pilot compensation is mainly based on hourly rates that increase with flight hours. First Officers can make a lot more money when they fly more hours so there’s an incentive to fly as many hours as possible.

Captain Earnings

Captains at the big airlines make a lot more than First Officers. Their annual salaries range from $290,700 to over $400,000.

Specifically, United Airlines Captains have a salary range of $290,700 to $420,480. Seasoned Captains can expect to start at $312,000 + per year. That’s a big bump for career advancement.

United Airlines hourly rates for new Captains are $329/hr and up to $438/hr for senior Captains. Those are some big bucks for being a Captain.

The big variations in pay are due to factors such as type of airline and level of pilot experience. Remuneration matches time in service and job requirements.

At regional airlines a whole different category from the big airlines, pay for Captains is between $111,000 and $115,000 (less than the major airlines but still a good income).

Given they are bigger and more responsible, airlines are higher across the board for traditional carriers.

Factors Influencing Boeing 777 Pilot Salaries

Pilot salaries for the Boeing 777 are affected by several factors. Experience is the biggest one.

Initial pay is low and increases as they rise through their career with a peak later on. Total flight hours are key as more hours means more pay.

Different airlines have different pay scales and rules. Overtime pay can add up to a pilot’s total compensation.

Experience Level

Pilot earnings are tied to their experience level. Hourly pay increases with the length of service at a company as per tenure-based contracts.

As a pilot advances in their career they see a big jump in their earning potential which is to retain them for a longer period and to reward the experience. Pilots start at the bottom of the pay scale but see an increase in pay as they accumulate more flight time.

Over several years with additional training and more hours logged in the air there is a big bump not only in their per hour pay but also overall compensation showing how important accrued experience is to get into higher pay brackets.

Flight Hours

Flight hours directly affect pay. Pilots are paid by the hour so more hours mean more pay.

To be a Boeing 777 pilot you need a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours including hours in multi engine aircraft, so you have plenty of experience before flying such a complex aircraft.

Accumulating flight hours is key to a pilots career. More hours logged means more pay so it’s a big factor in determining overall salary. This means pilots are incentivized to fly more hours directly linking effort to income and career progression.

Airline Differences

Boeing 777 pilot pay varies hugely between airlines and is dependent on experience and location.

Pilots at major airlines get bigger salary packages than those at regional carriers. This is because of the scale of the operation and the finance of the bigger companies.

In fact experienced cargo pilots at these big firms can earn the same or more than passenger pilots.

Boeing 777 pilot pay is heavily influenced by the airline you work for. The pay rates are set by individual airline contracts which mirror the operational demands and financial stability of the airline.

So pilot pay including benefits is more favorable at major airlines compared to what regional or smaller airlines can offer their pilots.

Additional Compensation and Benefits

Boeing 777 Pilots get lots of extra financial perks and security too - profit sharing, overtime pay, daily allowances during travel periods, bonuses and health and insurance packages.

These add to the overall package and makes this career even more attractive.

Per Diem and Travel Allowances

Per diem allowances are provided by airlines to help with daily expenses during layovers, $1.50 to $3 per hour. That’s extra income of over $7,000 a year for them. Some airlines give pilots the option to choose how they get paid per diem, so they have financial flexibility.

Profit Sharing and Bonuses

Profit sharing and bonuses can add to total compensation. Bonuses can be based on safety or flight hours. Captains can get extra pay for specific flights or hours flown above their scheduled amount.

Health and Insurance Benefits

Airlines offer a wide range of health benefits for pilots – medical, dental, vision coverage and life insurance to protect pilots’ families.

Career Path to Becoming a Boeing 777 Pilot

To become a Boeing 777 pilot, you need to go through rigorous flight training and certification which can be done in as little as 2 years with strong dedication and the right pathway.

Prospective pilots need to meet the eligibility requirements, get the necessary licenses and complete the comprehensive flight training to get certified.

Required Certifications and Training

An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is required to fly the Boeing 777, which can be achieved through hours accumulated at regional airlines, flight instructing or cadet pilot programs to get a commercial pilot license commercial airline pilot.

Once hired by an airline, pilots will do simulator and flight training specific to the Boeing 777 and aviation training to be ready for the job.

Gaining Flight Experience

Getting hours is key to becoming a pilot of the Boeing 777. Those hours can be gained by attending flight training academies, flying for regional airlines or general aviation.

Becoming a flight instructor or flying charter flights gives aspiring pilots plenty of opportunities to get hours and skills. By building up hours gradually, pilots in training can quickly meet the requirements to get a pilot job with airlines that fly the Boeing 777.

Transitioning to Major Airlines

After 3-5 years as a professional pilot with a regional airline, pilots can advance their career by moving to major airlines. Although the pay may go down initially, the earning potential and career prospects will increase over time.

Moving to major airlines is considered a milestone for pilots, opening up more prestigious and better paying roles in the industry.

Job Outlook and Future Trends

The career prospects for Boeing 777 pilots are good, steady demand will continue.

Although there have been fluctuations in pilot pay recently, the number of Boeing 777 qualified pilots will increase due to the resurgence of global travel and airlines expanding their fleets.

Demand for Boeing 777 Pilots

With global air travel back to pre pandemic levels and projections showing we’ll need around 674,000 new pilots in the next 20 years there is a big need for additional commercial pilots.

The growth and renewal of aircraft fleets is a key factor in consistent job opportunities for Boeing 777 pilots. But hurdles such as limited pilot training capacity will hinder efforts to meet this growing demand.

Expected Salary Growth

Over the next 10 years pilot salaries will increase due to pilot shortage and high rates of pilot retirement.

This shortage will continue to drive demand for pilots and their pay. Overall earnings are boosted by per diem allowances. These add to the aviation industry’s efforts to attract and retain talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do some pilots make 500k a year?

Yes, some pilots, particularly captains at major airlines like American, Delta, and United, can earn over $500,000 a year. Additionally, FedEx pilots also receive substantial salaries, often in the six-figure range.

How much do FedEx 777 pilots make?

FedEx 777 pilots can expect a starting pay of around $234 per hour, with an average of $313 per hour and potential top pay reaching approximately $335 per hour after 15 years. 

The FedEx pilots salary reflects the high level of skill and experience required for this role, making it one of the most competitive pay scales in the industry.