Delta Pilot Salary
Becoming a pilot for Delta Air Lines is a rewarding career with competitive salaries and excellent benefits. A pilot’s pay depends on various factors, including experience, aircraft type, and seniority. Whether you’re starting as a First Officer or advancing to Captain, Delta offers one of the most attractive pay structures in the airline industry.
Delta Airline Pilot Salary
The Delta Airline Pilot Salary is determined by key factors such as experience, aircraft type, and seniority. As pilots gain flight hours and move up in rank, their compensation increases. Those operating larger or long-haul aircraft often earn higher pay. Along with base salary, Delta pilots may also receive bonuses, profit-sharing, and benefits, making the overall Delta Airline Pilot Salary structure one of the most competitive in the industry.
Delta Airlines First Officer Salary
First Officers, also known as co-pilots, begin their careers with a solid salary that increases with experience and flight hours.
Starting Salary
Around
$50,000 per year
Average Salary
Approximately
$165,259 per year
Top Salary
Experienced First Officers can earn up to
$346,000 annually
* According to Indeed
Based on publicly available data from Indeed(June 2025), aviation graduates can expect a starting salary of $50,000 and an experienced co-pilot can earn up to $346,000 depending on location, experience, and employer.
Disclaimer: This data reflects general industry trends and does not guarantee employment or specific salary outcomes.
Delta Airlines Captain Salary
Captains hold the highest pilot rank at Delta and are responsible for the overall safety of each flight. Their salaries reflect their experience and leadership.
Starting Salary
About
$283,268 per year
Average Salary
Around
$365,863 per year
Top Salary
Senior Captains flying larger aircraft can earn around
$472,541 per year
* According to Indeed
Based on publicly available data from Indeed(June 2025), airline captains can expect a starting salary of $283,268 and an experienced captain can earn up to $472,541 depending on location, experience, and employer.
Disclaimer: This data reflects general industry trends and does not guarantee employment or specific salary outcomes.
Factors Influencing Delta Pilot Pay
Several elements affect a pilot’s salary at Delta Air Lines:
Experience
Pilots with more flight hours and years of service typically earn higher salaries.
Aircraft Type
Pilots operating larger or more complex aircraft often receive higher pay.
Seniority
Longer tenure with the airline can lead to increased earnings and opportunities for advancement.
Flight Hours
The number of hours flown monthly can impact overall compensation.
FAQ
What is the annual income of Delta?
Delta Air Lines reported an annual revenue of approximately $58 billion in 2023, making it one of the largest airlines in the world. The company’s financial strength allows it to offer competitive salaries to its pilots.
What is the Delta Airline pilot salary for new pilots?
Newly hired First Officers at Delta start with an annual salary of about $50,000, which increases as they gain experience and flight hours.
What is the Delta Airlines Captain salary?
A Delta Airlines Captain salary begins at approximately $283,268 per year. The average salary is around $321,594, while senior Captains flying larger aircraft can make over $400,000 per year.
What factors influence Delta pilot pay?
Several factors impact Delta pilot pay, including experience, aircraft type, seniority, and flight hours. Senior pilots and those flying larger planes tend to earn the highest salaries.
How does Delta Airlines pilot salary compare to other airlines?
Delta offers some of the highest pilot salaries in the industry. While other major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines offer similar pay scales, Delta’s profit-sharing program and benefits make it a top choice for many pilots.