Allegiant Air (G4) is one of the major ultra-low-cost airlines in the United States, operating a large network of leisure-focused routes between smaller and mid-sized cities and popular holiday destinations.
The airline is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has built its business around relatively low-frequency services rather than the high-frequency hub model used by the largest US carriers.
Allegiant Air Pilot Salary in 2026
For pilots, 2026 has been a particularly important year at Allegiant. The airline’s pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, ratified a new two-year collective bargaining agreement on 31 July 2026 after several years of negotiations. The agreement introduced substantially higher pay rates, improved retirement benefits, and changes to scheduling. It also triggered approximately USD 300 million in accrued retention bonuses for eligible pilots.
As a result, the salary picture for Allegiant pilots in 2026 is very different from the previous contract. The new agreement provides an immediate average hourly pay increase of around 40%, with further increases scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
Allegiant Air First Officer Salary
In 2026, Allegiant Air first officers generally earn between USD 48,000 and USD 157,000 per year, depending on seniority and credited flying. Under the new agreement, the first-year first officer hourly rate increased to USD 107.28 per hour from 1 July 2026, while a 12-year first officer receives USD 214.63 per hour.
The annual figures can look considerably different from headline hourly rates because airline pilots are normally paid according to credited flight hours and contractual guarantees rather than receiving a straightforward fixed annual salary.
At a 70-hour monthly guarantee, the new first-year rate equates to roughly USD 45,000 in guaranteed base flying pay for a full year, while a 12-year first officer would be around USD 180,000 before additional compensation. Other earnings can come from additional flying, per diem payments, and applicable bonuses.
The new contract also includes scheduled increases. From January 2027, the first-year first officer rate rises to USD 115.20 per hour, followed by USD 118.54 per hour in 2028. The changes represent a major improvement over the previous first-year rate of USD 57.67.
Allegiant Air Captain Salary
Allegiant Air captains earn substantially more than first officers, with compensation increasing significantly through the seniority scale. In 2026, captains generally earn between USD 137,000 and USD 234,000 per year based on a 70-hour monthly guarantee, although actual annual compensation can be higher depending on credited flying, additional duties, and other contractual payments.
Under the new agreement, the captain rate from 1 July 2026 ranges from USD 255.67 per hour for a fourth-year captain to USD 320.00 per hour for a 12-year captain. The 12-year rate will then rise to USD 345.00 per hour in January 2027 and USD 355.00 per hour in January 2028.
The new pay scale significantly improves Allegiant’s position within the US low-cost airline market. Senior captains can also increase their overall earnings through additional flying and other contractual opportunities.
The airline’s retention bonus programme provides another significant source of compensation for eligible existing pilots, with the accrued payments becoming payable following ratification of the new agreement.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Allegiant Air Pilots
Allegiant’s pilots are entitled to the following benefits with the airline.
- Higher Contractual Pay – The 2026 agreement delivers an immediate average hourly wage increase of approximately 40%, with additional increases scheduled through 2028.
- Retention Bonuses – Ratification triggered approximately USD 300 million in accrued retention bonuses for eligible pilots.
- Retirement Benefits – The new agreement provides enhanced retirement contributions, including a company-funded direct 401(k) contribution of 15%.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots receive employee travel benefits, allowing eligible employees and family members to access discounted travel.
- Scheduling Improvements – The new agreement introduces improvements to the scheduling system and provides for a commercial preferential bidding system intended to give pilots greater transparency when building schedules.
- Long-Term Disability Protection – The new contract includes company-paid long-term disability coverage through age 65.
- Career Progression – Pilots have opportunities to progress from first officer to captain and subsequently move into training and other specialised positions.
- Leisure-Focused Operation – Allegiant’s operating model can provide pilots with a different lifestyle from traditional network airlines, with many pilots living in or commuting to bases serving leisure markets.
What Aircraft Do Allegiant Air Pilots Fly?
Allegiant Air’s fleet has historically been centred around the Airbus A320 family, with the airline also moving towards Boeing 737 MAX aircraft recently. Their current aircraft include.
- Airbus A319-100 – 28
- Airbus A320-200 – 79
- Boeing 737 MAX 200 – 16
The carrier also has the following planes on order.
- Boeing 737 MAX 7 – 24
- Boeing 737 MAX 200 – 10
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Requirements To Become A Pilot for Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air requires all its pilots to meet the following criteria, with requirements on type-rating and previous flying experience variable depending on each role’s seniority.
- Hold a valid FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
- Possess a valid FAA First Class Medical Certificate.
- Meet the FAA’s minimum flight-hour requirements.
- Hold the required multi-engine and instrument qualifications.
- Meet Allegiant’s current flight-experience requirements for the position.
- Demonstrate strong crew resource management and communication skills.
- Have a satisfactory aviation and employment record.
- Possess the legal right to work in the United States.
- Hold a valid passport and meet international travel requirements.
- Successfully complete Allegiant’s aptitude, technical, interview, and simulator assessments.
- Successfully pass the required background and security checks.
Hiring Process
Allegiant Air follows the hiring steps below for its pilots.
- Online Application – Candidates submit their application along with their licence information, medical certificate, flight experience, employment history, and supporting documentation.
- Initial Screening – Allegiant reviews the candidate’s qualifications, flight hours, aviation background, and eligibility before progressing suitable applicants.
- Aptitude and Technical Assessment – Candidates complete assessments designed to evaluate technical knowledge, cognitive ability, decision-making and operational judgement.
- Interview Stage – Shortlisted pilots participate in interviews covering technical subjects, leadership, communication, teamwork, professionalism and previous operational experience.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates complete a simulator evaluation in which aircraft handling, procedures, crew resource management and decision-making are assessed.
- Final Checks and Offer – Successful applicants complete medical verification, employment checks, background screening and other required security procedures before receiving a formal offer and entering company training.
ALSO READ: United Airlines Pilot Salary in 2026
Bottom Line
In 2026, Allegiant Air has become a considerably more competitive employer for pilots following the ratification of its new collective bargaining agreement. First officers can earn approximately USD 48,000 to USD 157,000 per year based on the contractual guarantee and seniority, while captains can earn around USD 137,000 to USD 234,000 annually, with actual earnings potentially higher depending on credited flying and additional compensation.
The new contract is particularly significant for senior pilots, with the 12-year first officer rate reaching USD 214.63 per hour and the 12-year captain rate reaching USD 320.00 per hour from July 2026. Further increases are scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
With substantially improved pay, enhanced retirement benefits, a large leisure-focused network and continued fleet investment, Allegiant now offers a much stronger overall proposition for pilots considering a long-term career with a US low-cost carrier.
Allegiant Pilot Salary FAQs
Allegiant Air pilots generally earn between approximately USD 48,000 and USD 234,000 per year, depending on rank, seniority, and credited flying.
From 1 July 2026, first-year first officers receive USD 107.28 per hour, while 12-year first officers receive USD 214.63 per hour. A 12-year captain receives USD 320.00 per hour under the new agreement.
Benefits include enhanced retirement contributions, travel privileges, improved scheduling provisions, long-term disability coverage, and significant retention bonuses for eligible pilots.
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