How Much Does an Allegiant Pilot Make?
Allegiant Air is a popular low-cost carrier in the United States, operating over 100 aircraft and flying to more than 120 destinations. With a large fleet and a growing passenger base, Allegiant Air employs a significant number of pilots to operate its flights. But how much do these pilots earn?
Salary Ranges for Allegiant Pilots
Allegiant Air pilots are paid according to their experience, rank, and the type of aircraft they operate. Here are the typical salary ranges for Allegiant pilots:
| Rank | Experience | Aircraft | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | 500-1000 hours | A320, CRJ, or MD83 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Captain | 2,000-5,000 hours | A320, CRJ, or MD83 | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| First Officer – CRJ900 | 500-1000 hours | CRJ900 | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Captain – CRJ900 | 2,000-5,000 hours | CRJ900 | $75,000 – $105,000 |
| First Officer – MD83 | 500-1000 hours | MD83 | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Captain – MD83 | 2,000-5,000 hours | MD83 | $85,000 – $115,000 |
Benefits and Bonuses
In addition to their annual salary, Allegiant pilots receive a range of benefits and bonuses, including:
- Health insurance: Allegiant offers a comprehensive health insurance plan for its pilots and their families.
- Retirement plan: Allegiant contributes to a 401(k) retirement plan for its pilots, with a company match.
- Paid time off: Allegiant pilots receive a generous amount of paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
- Travel benefits: Allegiant pilots receive discounted airfare on Allegiant flights, as well as access to a network of airport lounges.
- Bonuses: Allegiant pilots can earn bonuses based on factors such as flight hours, on-time performance, and safety record.
How Experience and Seniority Affect Salary
At Allegiant Air, experience and seniority play a significant role in determining a pilot’s salary. As pilots gain more experience and seniority, they can expect to earn higher salaries and more benefits. Here are some key milestones to consider:
- 1,000 hours: First Officers with 1,000 hours of experience can expect to earn around $50,000 per year.
- 2,000 hours: Captains with 2,000 hours of experience can expect to earn around $70,000 per year.
- 3,000 hours: First Officers with 3,000 hours of experience can expect to earn around $60,000 per year.
- 5,000 hours: Captains with 5,000 hours of experience can expect to earn around $90,000 per year.
Comparison to Other Airlines
Compared to other major US airlines, Allegiant Air pilots tend to earn slightly lower salaries. However, Allegiant’s lower operating costs and lower overheads allow it to offer competitive salaries and benefits to its pilots. Here’s a comparison of Allegiant’s salaries to those of other major US airlines:
| Airline | First Officer | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant | $45,000 – $65,000 | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| American Airlines | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Delta Air Lines | $55,000 – $75,000 | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| United Airlines | $60,000 – $80,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 |
Conclusion
Allegiant Air pilots can expect to earn competitive salaries and benefits, with experienced captains earning up to $95,000 per year. While Allegiant’s salaries may be slightly lower than those of other major US airlines, the company’s lower operating costs and lower overheads allow it to offer a range of benefits and perks to its pilots. For pilots looking for a lower-cost alternative to traditional legacy carriers, Allegiant Air may be an attractive option.
