{"id":150857,"date":"2026-08-01T20:43:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T15:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=150857"},"modified":"2026-08-01T20:43:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T15:13:50","slug":"united-airlines-pilot-salary-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/01\/united-airlines-pilot-salary-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"United Airlines Pilot Salary in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

United Airlines (UA)<\/a> is one of the world’s largest airlines and the biggest airline by mainline fleet size. Headquartered in Chicago, the airline operates an extensive domestic and international network across six continents through major hubs including Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles and Guam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United continues to modernise its fleet with hundreds of new Airbus and Boeing aircraft on order while expanding premium international services. The airline’s industry-leading pilot contract and aggressive fleet growth have made it one of the most sought-after employers for commercial pilots in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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United Airlines pilots \n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines Pilot Salary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2026, United Airlines pilots remain among the highest-paid in the aviation industry<\/a>. Compensation includes base salary, hourly flight pay, profit sharing, overtime, per diems, retirement contributions, healthcare benefits, and extensive travel privileges. The airline has over 17,000 pilots on its payroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines First Officer Salary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2026, first officers at United Airlines generally earn between USD 120,000 and USD 360,000 per year<\/strong>, depending on seniority, aircraft type and annual flying hours. Newly hired first officers begin with industry-leading pay rates, while experienced first officers operating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777<\/a> and Boeing 787<\/a> can earn substantially higher annual compensation through longevity increases and premium flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As pilots progress through United’s seniority system, annual earnings steadily increase through contractual pay raises, international per diems, overtime opportunities and premium pay assignments. First officers flying long-haul international routes generally receive higher total compensation than those operating domestic narrow-body aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United’s collective bargaining agreement also provides excellent retirement contributions, strong work rules and career progression opportunities, making it one of the most attractive pilot employers in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Emirates Pilot Salary in 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: United Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines Captain Salary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Captains at United Airlines are among the highest-paid airline pilots in the world. In 2026, captains generally earn between USD 330,000 and USD 700,000 per year<\/strong>, depending on aircraft type, seniority and operational productivity. Senior Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 captains operating international long-haul routes can earn toward the upper end of the range through premium hourly pay, overtime and additional flying opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newly upgraded narrow-body captains typically earn toward the lower end of the salary scale, while senior wide-body captains benefit from higher hourly rates, larger retirement contributions and premium international schedules. Training captains, line check airmen and management pilots may also receive compensation above standard captain pay scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United’s landmark pilot agreement continues to support industry-leading compensation, helping the airline attract and retain experienced pilots while supporting its ambitious fleet expansion plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Delta Air Lines Pilot Salary in 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the United Airlines Pilot Pay Rates (Effective January 1, 2026) as flagged by Airline Pilot Central:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain (CA) Hourly Pay<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Year<\/th>Widebody (787, 777, 767-400)<\/th>Midsize (767-300, 757-200\/300, A321neo\/XLR)<\/th>Large Narrowbody (737-900, MAX 9)<\/th>Regular Narrowbody (737, A319, A320)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>$443.85<\/td>$368.14<\/td>$358.02<\/td>$356.46<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>$447.45<\/td>$371.26<\/td>$360.83<\/td>$359.23<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>$451.12<\/td>$374.27<\/td>$363.66<\/td>$362.07<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>$454.76<\/td>$377.31<\/td>$366.61<\/td>$365.00<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>$458.40<\/td>$380.51<\/td>$369.59<\/td>$367.95<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>$462.00<\/td>$383.48<\/td>$372.56<\/td>$370.84<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>$465.64<\/td>$386.33<\/td>$375.48<\/td>$373.73<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>$469.22<\/td>$389.52<\/td>$378.42<\/td>$376.65<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>$472.87<\/td>$392.29<\/td>$381.43<\/td>$379.59<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>$476.47<\/td>$396.50<\/td>$384.27<\/td>$382.47<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>$480.09<\/td>$400.77<\/td>$387.28<\/td>$385.40<\/td><\/tr>
12<\/td>$483.74<\/td>$404.92<\/td>$390.30<\/td>$388.27<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First Officer (FO) Hourly Pay<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Year<\/th>Widebody<\/th>Midsize<\/th>Large Narrowbody<\/th>Regular Narrowbody<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>$125.52<\/td>$125.52<\/td>$125.52<\/td>$125.52<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>$239.41<\/td>$198.62<\/td>$193.02<\/td>$192.22<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>$280.15<\/td>$232.42<\/td>$225.86<\/td>$224.85<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>$286.94<\/td>$238.10<\/td>$231.32<\/td>$230.32<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>$293.79<\/td>$243.92<\/td>$236.88<\/td>$235.86<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>$301.24<\/td>$250.02<\/td>$242.91<\/td>$241.75<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>$309.61<\/td>$256.92<\/td>$249.70<\/td>$248.51<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>$316.72<\/td>$262.94<\/td>$255.47<\/td>$254.25<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>$320.17<\/td>$265.60<\/td>$258.21<\/td>$256.97<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>$324.52<\/td>$270.01<\/td>$261.73<\/td>$260.44<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>$327.42<\/td>$273.34<\/td>$264.13<\/td>$262.83<\/td><\/tr>
12<\/td>$330.44<\/td>$276.56<\/td>$266.58<\/td>$265.19<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Per Diem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Category<\/th>Rate<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CONUS<\/td>$2.90\/hour<\/td><\/tr>
International (All Other)<\/td>$3.45\/hour<\/td><\/tr>
Annual Increase<\/td>2.5%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Retirement Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit<\/th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
401(k) Matching<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Direct Employer Contribution (A\/B Fund)<\/td>17%, increasing to 18% in 2026<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Profit Sharing<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines Scheduled Pilot Retirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Year<\/th>Scheduled Retirements<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Remainder of 2026<\/td>505<\/td><\/tr>
2027<\/td>562<\/td><\/tr>
2028<\/td>696<\/td><\/tr>
2029<\/td>682<\/td><\/tr>
2030<\/td>672<\/td><\/tr>
2031<\/td>700<\/td><\/tr>
2032<\/td>551<\/td><\/tr>
2033<\/td>504<\/td><\/tr>
2034<\/td>495<\/td><\/tr>
2035<\/td>554<\/td><\/tr>
2036<\/td>482<\/td><\/tr>
2037<\/td>444<\/td><\/tr>
2038<\/td>493<\/td><\/tr>
2039<\/td>487<\/td><\/tr>
2040<\/td>492<\/td><\/tr>
2041<\/td>477<\/td><\/tr>
2042<\/td>485<\/td><\/tr>
2043<\/td>487<\/td><\/tr>
2044<\/td>498<\/td><\/tr>
2045<\/td>527<\/td><\/tr>
2046<\/td>465<\/td><\/tr>
2047<\/td>514<\/td><\/tr>
2048<\/td>477<\/td><\/tr>
2049<\/td>437<\/td><\/tr>
2050<\/td>502<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: British Airways Pilot Salary in 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: United Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benefits Enjoyed by United Airlines Pilots<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

United’s pilots are entitled to the following benefits during their employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n