How Much Does a Pilot for Delta Make?
Delta Air Lines, one of the largest and most well-established airlines in the world, has a vast fleet of aircraft and a large team of professional pilots. The question that many people ask is how much do these pilots get paid? In this article, we will explore the salaries of Delta pilots, including their starting salaries, seniority-based pay, and benefits.
Starting Salary for Delta Pilots
The starting salary for Delta pilots varies depending on their experience, type of aircraft they fly, and position within the company. On average, a new-hire first officer (second-in-command) at Delta can expect to earn between $65,000 to $85,000 per year. Seniority-based pay is used to determine salaries, so pilots with more experience or higher seniority levels typically earn more.
Here is a breakdown of the starting salary ranges for Delta pilots:
- First Officer (B-757, B-767, B-717): $65,000 – $75,000 per year
- First Officer (A-330, A-350): $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Captain (B-757, B-767, B-717): $85,000 – $110,000 per year
- Captain (A-330, A-350): $90,000 – $125,000 per year
Seniority-Based Pay
As pilots accumulate hours and experience, their salaries increase based on a seniority system. Each year, pilots receive a 2-5% pay increase, with more significant increases after promotions or changes in aircraft or position. Here is a rough estimate of the average annual salary ranges for pilots at different seniority levels:
- 0-5 years of experience: $65,000 – $85,000
- 5-10 years of experience: $80,000 – $110,000
- 10-15 years of experience: $100,000 – $130,000
- 15-20 years of experience: $120,000 – $150,000
- 20+ years of experience: $150,000 – $175,000
Per-Diem and Trip Pay
In addition to base salary, Delta pilots earn per-diem payments for overnight trips. These payments range from $25 to $100 per day, depending on the location and duration of the trip. Pilots also receive trip pay for each flight, with rates varying based on route, aircraft, and destination.
Here is a rough estimate of the average annual per-diem and trip pay for Delta pilots:
- Per-diem: $5,000 – $10,000 per year
- Trip pay: $10,000 – $20,000 per year
Benefits
Delta pilots enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement Benefits: Delta contributes 6% of annual salary to the pilot’s retirement fund, with a company match of up to 12%.
- Life Insurance: $25,000 in basic life insurance with optional additional coverage.
- Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage.
- Paid Time Off: 12-16 paid days off per year, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated annual benefits package for Delta pilots:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: $12,000 – $15,000 per year
- Retirement Benefits: $6,000 – $12,000 per year
- Life Insurance: $1,500 – $3,500 per year
- Disability Insurance: $1,000 – $2,000 per year
- Paid Time Off: $10,000 – $15,000 per year
Total Compensation
Based on the above information, a Delta pilot’s total annual compensation can range from approximately $250,000 to $400,000. Here is a rough estimate of the average annual total compensation for pilots at different seniority levels:
- 0-5 years of experience: $250,000 – $300,000
- 5-10 years of experience: $270,000 – $360,000
- 10-15 years of experience: $300,000 – $420,000
- 15-20 years of experience: $330,000 – $480,000
- 20+ years of experience: $370,000 – $560,000
In conclusion, the salaries of Delta pilots vary depending on experience, type of aircraft, and position within the company. With seniority-based pay, per-diem and trip pay, and comprehensive benefits, a Delta pilot’s total annual compensation can range from $250,000 to $400,000.
Average Annual Salary Range for Delta Pilots:
- First Officer (B-757, B-767, B-717): $65,000 – $85,000 per year
- First Officer (A-330, A-350): $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Captain (B-757, B-767, B-717): $85,000 – $110,000 per year
- Captain (A-330, A-350): $90,000 – $125,000 per year
