American Airlines Pilot Salary 2024 Revealed – How Much Do First Officers and Captains Really Earn?

American Airlines (AA), one of the world’s largest carriers, is known for offering competitive salaries and strong benefits to its pilots. In 2024, the airline continues to provide attractive pay packages for both First Officers and Captains, alongside retirement plans, healthcare, and free travel perks.

This article explores American Airlines pilot salaries, hourly pay, benefits, hiring requirements, fleet size, training programs, and career paths—giving aspiring pilots a complete view of what to expect when joining the airline.

American Airlines First Officer Salary

According to the latest AA contract with the Allied Pilots Association, the starting salary for a First Officer in 2024 is $113 per flight hour. Assuming an average of 80 hours per month, this equals around $109,209 annually.

The pay grows significantly with experience:

• Year 1: $109,209
• Year 5: $206,102
• Year 12: $231,945

First Officers flying larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 earn higher rates, making the role financially rewarding even before promotion to Captain.

American Airlines Captain Salary

Captains at American Airlines earn among the highest salaries in commercial aviation.

• Starting Pay: $324 per hour
• Average Pay: $327 per hour (~$309,000 annually at 80 hours per month)
• Pay Range: $160,000 to $290,000 annually depending on experience and aircraft type
• Top Earners: Senior Captains flying Boeing 777s or 787s can make up to $469,200 annually

Annual growth is steady:

• Year 1: $309,000
• Year 5: $319,000
• Year 12: $336,000

Captains on wide-body international routes remain the highest-paid pilots in the fleet.

American Airlines Pilot Hourly Pay 2024

Pilot salaries are structured around hourly rates, reflecting flight time and seniority.

• First Officer: Starts at $90/hr, averages $213/hr, and tops out at $234/hr.
• Captain: Starts at $304/hr, averages $327/hr, and can reach $342/hr.

Over time, wide-body Captains surpass $447/hr, earning approximately $429,350 annually.

Where Are American Airlines Pilot Bases?

AA maintains pilot bases in key U.S. cities to support its vast network. Current bases include:

• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• Charlotte (CLT)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• New York – LaGuardia (LGA)
• Washington D.C. – Reagan (DCA)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Dayton (DAY)

These hubs allow for flexible scheduling and route assignments across domestic and international markets.

American Airlines Fleet 2024

With 970 mainline aircraft, American Airlines operates one of the world’s largest fleets.

Airbus:

• A319-100: 133
• A320-200: 48
• A321-200: 218
• A321neo: 80 (85 on order)
• A321XLR: 0 (50 on order)

Boeing:

• 737-800: 303
• 737 MAX 8: 62 (38 on order)
• 737 MAX 10: 0 (115 on order)
• 777-200ER: 47
• 777-300ER: 20
• 787-8: 37
• 787-9: 22

Over 80% of the fleet consists of narrow-body jets, while wide-body aircraft power international operations.

Hiring Requirements for American Airlines Pilots

To join American Airlines as a pilot in 2024, candidates must meet these requirements:

• Age: Minimum 23 years
• Education: High school diploma or GED (college preferred)
• Flight Hours: At least 1,500 total, including:
• 500 hours cross-country
• 250 hours PIC (Pilot-in-Command)
• 100 hours night flying
• 75 hours instrument
• 25 hours multi-engine
• License: FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with multi-engine rating
• Medical: Valid First-Class Medical Certificate
• Other: U.S. work authorization, English proficiency, and security clearance

How to Apply for an American Airlines Pilot Job

The application process includes:

1. Online Application – Submit via the AA careers portal.
2. Interview – Virtual or in-person evaluations.
3. Indoc Training – Two weeks of orientation.
4. Simulator Training – Type-specific training before operational flying.

Most pilots enter through AA’s regional partners (Envoy, PSA, or Piedmont) before moving to mainline operations.

Benefits for American Airlines Pilots

AA pilots enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Compensation & Retirement:

• Competitive salaries plus profit-sharing
• 401(k) retirement plans with company match

Health & Insurance:

• Medical, dental, vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance

Travel Perks:

• Free flights for family and friends
• 16 buddy passes per year

Work-Life Balance:

• Paid time off and vacation days
• Flexible schedules for senior pilots

American Airlines Pilot Training (Cadet Academy)

AA runs a Cadet Academy to train aspiring pilots.

• Program: 12-month curriculum covering licenses and ratings (PPL, IFR, CPL, CFI, CFII)
• Mentorship: Guidance from AA pilots
• Financing: Loan options available
• Locations: San Diego, San Marcos (TX), Dallas (TX)

Graduates typically progress into regional carriers before moving to mainline.

General Information About American Airlines

• Founded: 1930 (merger of 80 airlines)
• Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas
• Employees: ~129,700 (2023)
• Fleet Size: 970 aircraft (mainline), 550+ regional
• Passengers: Over 200 million annually
• Alliance: Founding member of Oneworld

AA has historically pioneered innovations such as computer reservations and frequent flyer programs, cementing its place as a global leader.

How Many Pilots Work for American Airlines?

As of 2024, American Airlines employs over 15,000 pilots. With significant retirements expected in the next decade, AA is projected to hire thousands of new pilots to maintain its workforce.

In 2019, nearly 900 new pilots joined AA, but 2024 has seen a temporary pause in new training classes due to operational reassessments.

FAQs – American Airlines Pilot Salary and Career

Q1: How much does an American Airlines Captain earn in 2024?
Captains earn between $160,000 and $290,000 annually, with senior wide-body Captains making up to $469,000.

Q2: What is the starting salary for a First Officer at American Airlines?
First Officers start at $113 per hour, averaging about $109,000 annually.

Q3: How long is pilot training at American Airlines Cadet Academy?
The Cadet Academy lasts 12 months, covering all major certifications required to become a commercial pilot.

Q4: How many pilots currently work at American Airlines?
AA employs over 15,000 pilots, with ongoing hiring needs due to retirements.

Q5: What benefits do AA pilots receive?
They get 401(k) retirement plans, healthcare, life insurance, profit-sharing, free flights for family and friends, and paid vacation time.