What Does a Delta Pilot Make?
Headlining the skies as Delta Air Lines’ pilots’ salaries is a topic that sparks curiosity among many job seekers and aviation enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what Delta Air Lines pilots earn, with a focus on their varying salaries, benefits, and career progression.
What Does a Delta Pilot Make? Initial Answer
According to our research, the average total compensation for a Delta Pilot is around $161,000 per year, with senior captains earning more than $250,000. However, this figure can vary extensively depending on factors such as experience, rank, duty period, and aircraft operation.
Delta Pilot Salary Chart
| Rank | Airframe | Average Annual Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| First Officer | Airbus (A320) | ~$70,000 to ~$90,000 |
| First Officer | Boeing (737) | ~$75,000 to ~$95,000 |
| Captain (2nd Officer) | Airbus (A320) | ~$100,000 to ~$150,000 |
| Captain (2nd Officer) | Boeing (737) | ~$110,000 to ~$155,000 |
| First Officer (International) | Airbus (A330), Boeing (767) | ~$80,000 to ~$120,000 |
| Captain (International) | Airbus (A330), Boeing (767) | ~140,000 to ~£200,000 |
Note: These figures might vary based on individual scenarios and should be used for general reference only.
Delta Pilot Earnings Breakdown
Delta pilots’ wages are composed of several compensation components:
- Base Pay: A fixed per-hour wage, ranging between $50 to ~$200 per flight hour, depending on duty period and rank.
- Overtime Pay: Additional compensation for extended trips, $1000 to ~$5000 per trip, including layovers and dead-heading.
- Per-Trip Bonuses: Annual bonuses paid for completing each trip, $400 to ~$2000 per trip.
- Commuter Check: A monthly stipend for travel expenses, variable between $500 and ~$2000 per month.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, professional development opportunities, and mandatory retirement savings plans.
Additionally, senior captains may command higher salaries due to being responsible for:
- Multi-crew operations
- Complex flight routes
- Specialized aircraft types like the Airbus A350/787 or Boeing 777/717
Delta Pilot Lateral Movement and Career Path
As pilots gain more experience and seniority at Delta, they can be promoted to higher ranks (First Officer, Captain (2nd Officer), Upgraded Captain, and the highest rank, Captain Major). This lateral movement generally comes with increased salary range and more desirable flying shifts.
Job Security and Retirement Benefits**
Many pilots appreciate Delta’s relative job security, as retirement benefits and pension plans secure their financial future. When pilots reach the mandatory 65-year retirement age, they receive a 67% pension multiplier percentage of their highest 23 months’ average salary adjusted for inflation.
Joining Delta Air Lines vs. Other Airlines
Should you choose to join a different airline, keep the following factors in mind while comparing salaries:
- Cost of living in the aircraft’s hub city
- Layover and dead-time policies
- Overage and overtime pay structures
- Pension and retirement security
- Professional development incentives
- Union representation’s impact on wages and compensation
In conclusion, compensation for Delta pilots is one of the most competitive on the market. With attention to salary, benefits, and career progression, landing a job as a Delta Air Lines pilot could be a lucrative and lifelong career.
