United Airlines Pilot Salary in 2024: How to Join UA as a Pilot

In 2024, the average salary of a pilot at Chicago-based United Airlines (UA) is approximately $248,118 per year. The pay structure varies based on the pilot’s position, experience, and the type of aircraft flown.

United Airlines First Officers, starting salaries are around $109,000 with potential earnings increasing to approximately $304,980 after several years of experience, for the Captains starting salaries are higher, beginning at about $260,000 and can exceed $338,000 for those with significant experience.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the United Airlines pilot salary for 2024, providing insights into the pay scale and potential earnings for both First Officers and Captains and much more. So, Let’s Start.

Photo: United Airlines

United Airlines First Officer Salary

United Airlines First Officer salaries in 2024 range from approximately $109,000 to $304,980 per year, depending on years of experience.

As a new First Officer, your starting pay will be $116 per hour, which equates to around $111,408 annually based on a 70-hour monthly guarantee.

United Airlines First Officer Salary | Photo: Airline Pilot Central

Year of Experience	Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month)
Year 1	$111,408
Year 5	$209,347
Year 10	$231,158

United Airlines First Officer Salary 2024

Photo: United

United Airlines Captain Salary

United Airlines Captain salaries in 2024 reflect a competitive pay scale that varies based on experience and aircraft type. Specifically, first-year captains can expect to earn approximately $316,387 annually, while those with more experience can see their salaries increase significantly over time.

As you advance in your career, your hourly rate will also rise. For instance, a captain flying a Boeing 777 after 12 years can earn up to $438 per hour. This translates to an impressive annual salary of around $420,000 for those consistently flying 80 hours monthly.

United Airlines Captain Salary | Photo: Airline Pilot Central

Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month)
Year 1	$316,387
Year 5	$326,582
Year 10	$339,465
Year 12	$420,480

United Airlines Captain Salary 2024

Photo: United

United Airlines Pilots Hourly Pay 2024

In 2024, United Airlines pilots earn competitive hourly wages that vary based on their position and experience. Specifically, First Officers start at approximately $116 per hour, while Captains begin at around $329 per hour. As pilots gain experience, their hourly pay increases significantly.

For example, First Officers can see their hourly rate grow to $177 in their second year, while Captains can earn up to $438 per hour after several years of service. This structured pay scale reflects the airline’s commitment to rewarding experience and skill.

Position	Year 1 – Hourly Pay	Year 2 – Hourly Pay	Top Hourly Pay (Years of Experience)
First Officer	$116	$177	$193 (Approx 10+ years)
Captain	$329	$339	$438 (Approx 12years)

United Airlines Pilots Hourly Pay 2024

Photo: By © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36767130

Where are United Airlines Pilot Bases?

United Airlines has several pilot bases across the United States, offering strategic locations for its flight crews. As of 2024, the pilot bases include:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Cleveland (CLE)
• Denver (DEN)
• Guam (GUM)
• Houston (IAH)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)
• Las Vegas (LAS) (new as of May 2023)
• Orlando (MCO) (new as of May 2023)

The addition of the Las Vegas and Orlando bases marks the first new pilot bases for United Airlines in nearly 20 years, aimed at reducing commuting time for pilots living in those regions.

Photo: Brisbane Airport

What Airplanes are in the United Airlines fleet?

As of August 2024, United Airlines operates a diverse fleet of 972 mainline aircraft, making it one of the largest commercial airline fleets in the world. The fleet features a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, primarily focusing on narrowbody and widebody planes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the aircraft types currently in service:

Summary table of United Airlines fleet :

Aircraft Type	Total Aircraft
Airbus A319-100	81
Airbus A320-200	84
Airbus A321neo	15
Boeing 737-700	40
Boeing 737-800	141
Boeing 737-900	12
Boeing 737-900ER	136
Boeing 737 MAX 8	101
Boeing 737 MAX 9	81
Boeing 757-200	40
Boeing 757-300	21
Boeing 767-300ER	37
Boeing 767-400ER	16
Boeing 777-200	19
Boeing 777-200ER	55
Boeing 777-300ER	22
Boeing 787-8	12
Boeing 787-9	38
Boeing 787-10	21

United Airlines Fleet Aircrafts 2024

Total Fleet Size :

United Airlines operates approximately 972 mainline aircraft. The fleet predominantly comprises Boeing aircraft, which consist of over 80% of the total.

Photo: United

What are the hiring requirements for the United Airlines Pilots job?

Below are the key hiring requirements for becoming a United Airlines pilot:

Certification Requirements :

• Unrestricted FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with airplane multiengine class rating
• Current FAA first-class medical certificate
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR)

Flight Time Requirements :

• Minimum of 1,500 hours total flight time
• Prefer 1,000 hours of fixed-wing turbine time
• Prefer a minimum of 100 hours of flight time within the last 12 months

General Requirements :

• Current passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of employment
• Legal right to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Able to travel freely within the U.S. and without restriction to all countries United serves
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred
• Reliable, punctual attendance is essential

In addition, United pilots must:

• Reflect leadership qualities like modeling character, creative thinking, delivering results, and teamwork
• Share United’s commitment to core values
• Demonstrate a passion for aviation and ongoing excellence

The hiring process also includes an interview and background checks. United offers competitive compensation and benefits for pilots, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, and travel privileges.

Photo: Purdue University

How to Apply for the United Airlines Pilot Job?

To apply for a pilot job at United Airlines, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1.) Review Requirements :
First, ensure you meet the following qualifications that are mentioned above. Go have a look on it what are the requirements to become a pilot as a First Officer or Captain at United Airlines.

2.) Prepare Your Documents :
Next, gather the necessary documents, including:

• Your pilot certifications and licenses.
• Logbook showing your flight hours.
• Resume detailing your experience and qualifications.

3.) Visit the United Airlines Careers website :

Then, go to the United Airlines careers page specifically for pilots. Here, you can find detailed information about the available positions and the application process.

4.) Submit Your Application
After that, complete the online application through the United Airlines application portal, which is typically hosted on platforms like AirlineApps.com. Fill in your personal information, pilot certifications, flight hours, and relevant qualifications.

5.) Complete the Personality Assessment

Once you submit your application, you may be required to complete a personality quiz or Hogan test. This assessment helps United gauge your fit for the role.

6.) Await Interview Invitation

Subsequently, if selected for an interview, you will receive an email notification. If you do not hear back, it typically means you were not selected for this round.

7.) Prepare for the Interview

If you receive an interview invitation, prepare by:

• Reviewing common pilot interview questions.
• Familiarize yourself with United Airlines’ operations and values.
• Practicing scenario-based questions related to aviation.

8.) Attend the Interview

During the interview, participate actively, which may take place in Denver at United’s facilities. Be ready to discuss your flight experience, decision-making processes, and how you handle various flight scenarios.

Photo: United

Process after successfully clearing the United Airlines Interview :

9.) Complete Background Checks

If you successfully pass the interview, you will undergo background checks and verification of your credentials.

10.) Receive Job Offer

After everything checks out, you will receive a job offer. Review the terms and conditions, including compensation and benefits, before accepting.

11.) Complete Pre-Employment requirement

Once you accept the offer, you may need to provide proof of vaccination (including COVID-19 and Yellow Fever), complete any additional training, and finalize your onboarding process.

12.) Begin Training

Finally, after meeting all requirements, you will start your training at United Airlines, which includes familiarization with their aircraft and operational procedures.

By following these steps, you can navigate the application process for a pilot position at United Airlines effectively. Good luck!

Photo: Cado Photo

About United Airlines – Overview :

Airlines Name	United Airlines
Headquarters	Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Founded	April 6, 1926, as Varney Airlines in Boise, Idaho
Fleet Size	972
Destinations	354 across all six inhabited continents
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	Scott Kirby
Alliance	Star Alliance
Frequent Flyer Program	Mileage Plus

United Airlines – Overview

History of United Airlines :

The Early Years of United Airlines :

• United Airlines traces its origins back to 1926 when Walter Varney founded Varney Air Lines, an air mail carrier based in Boise, Idaho.
• Furthermore, in 1928, William Boeing consolidated several airlines, including Varney Air Lines, to form United Aircraft and Transport Corporation (UATC).
• Additionally, UATC acquired additional carriers like Boeing Air Transport, Pacific Air Transport, and National Air Transport to provide coast-to-coast passenger and mail services by 1930.

Disbanding and Restructuring :

• In 1934, the U.S. government forced UATC to dissolve, separating aircraft manufacturing from air transport operations. As a result, United Airlines, Inc.
• emerged as an independent operating company, unifying all the transport divisions. Moreover, William A. Patterson became president in 1934 and led the company until 1963.

Challenges and Mergers of United Airlines :

• Although United faced setbacks during World War II, the company redeployed resources to support the war effort. In the 2000s, the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2002.
• However, United merged with Continental Airlines in 2010. Today, United Airlines is the third largest airline in the world, serving six continents with a fleet of over 900 aircraft.

Image: United Airlines pilots

What benefits do United Airlines Pilots get?

The exact details of the benefits package are governed by the United Pilot Agreement between United Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing United pilots.

The benefits are designed to provide pilots with a competitive compensation and benefits program to attract and retain top talent in the industry.

United Airlines offers a competitive benefits package for its pilots, including:

Travel Perks

• Unlimited standby travel to anywhere United flies
• Discounted airfare for pilots and their families.

Financial Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match for retirement savings
• Short-term and long-term incentive opportunities.

Health Benefits

• Medical insurance plans
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Accident insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs

Other Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Defined contribution retirement plan
• Access to social, athletic, and activity clubs worldwide
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development

Airline pilots | Image credits Istock images | Aviation A2Z

Does United Airlines offer Pilot Training?

No, United Airlines does not directly offer pilot training programs. However, they actively partner with several flight schools and academies to provide training for aspiring United pilots.

United Aviate Academy

United Airlines has established its pilot training academy called United Aviate Academy. This academy is designed to take students from zero flight hours to earning their private pilot license in just three months. After completing training at the academy, students progress through the Aviate program to eventually become United pilots.

United Airlines Partnerships with Flight Schools

In addition to the academy, United Airlines collaborates with several flight schools and training programs to help aspiring pilots meet the requirements for becoming United pilots. These partnerships include:

• AeroGuard Flight Training Center: This center offers an accelerated Pilot Pathway Program that trains students from zero experience to regional airline-ready in as little as two years.
• Thrust Flight: Thrust Flight provides flight training programs that help students earn their commercial pilot license and build the required flight hours to apply to United.

NOTE: United Airlines does not directly conduct pilot training, they have established the United Aviate Academy and partnered with other flight schools to create training pathways for future United pilots. The flight schools conduct the training, while United Airlines facilitates these opportunities.

Photo: Cado Photo

Which Cities does United Airlines fly to?

United Airlines pilots fly to a vast network of domestic and international destinations:

Domestic Destinations

As of January 2024, United operates flights to 238 domestic destinations across the United States. Some of the major domestic cities served by United include:

• Chicago
• Denver
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• Newark
• San Francisco
• Washington D.C.

International Destinations

In addition to its domestic network, United flies to 118 international destinations in 48 countries across all six inhabited continents. Some key international cities served by United include:

• London
• Tokyo
• Frankfurt
• São Paulo
• Hong Kong
• Sydney
• Mexico City

NOTE: In total, United Airlines flies to 342 destinations worldwide, making it one of the largest route networks of any airline.

Photo: JFK Spotting

How many United Airlines Planes fly in a day and what traffic do they handle?

As one of the largest airlines in the world, United Airlines operates a significant number of flights each day:

• United Airlines operates over 5,000 flights per day across its domestic and international route network.
• In 2023, United carried over 158 million passengers, making it the second-largest airline in the world by passenger traffic.
• United’s hubs handle a substantial portion of this traffic, with Chicago-O’Hare being the largest hub with the most daily flights.
• Denver International Airport carried the most passengers for United in 2023, handling over 31 million United passengers that year.
• Other major hubs like Newark, San Francisco, Houston, and Washington-Dulles also see a high volume of United flights and passengers each day.

NOTE: With over 5,000 daily flights and 158 million annual passengers, United Airlines manages an immense amount of air traffic, with its major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Newark handling the bulk of this volume daily. The airline’s expansive route network and fleet of nearly 1,000 aircraft enable it to transport millions of passengers worldwide.

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