Delta Airlines Pilot salary is around $100,000 to $230,000 for First Officer and Captain it starts from $300,000 to $400,000 depending upon which plane you fly, the years of experience you have, and the number of hours you fly during each bid period. The salary structure below is a rough estimate of annual pay through the available resources.
Are you curious about the salary and other compensations Delta Air Lines (DL) pilots get? In this blog, we have discussed in detail the pay scale, Delta bases, their fleet, Hiring requirements, and application process, and some of the general questions. So, Let’s get started.
Table of contents
- Delta Airlines First Officer Salary
- Delta Airlines Captain Salary
- Where are Delta’s Bases?
- What Airplanes are in the Delta Airlines Fleet?
- What are the Hiring requirements for Delta Pilots?
- How do I apply for the Delta Airlines Pilot Job?
- What are Delta pilot’s benefits?
- Does Delta Airlines offer Pilot training?
- How does Delta Airlines pilot Compensation work?
- Do Delta pilots need a 4-year degree?
Delta Airlines First Officer Salary
The average salary of a Delta Airlines First Officer in 2024 is estimated to be around $93,650 per year this is based on the salary for an A320/737 aircraft at 72 flight hours per month.
Delta Air Lines determines wages for First Officers based on factors such as skills, experience, and the number of flight hours logged.
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 Hours per month) |
| One Year | $109,210 |
| Five Years | $205, 220 |
| Ten Years | $226,560 |
Here is the snapshot of the Payscale of the First Officer aircraft type-wise at Delta Airlines:
Delta Airlines Captain Salary
The salary for a Captain at Delta Air Lines in 2024 varies based on experience and the type of aircraft flown. Estimated Total Pay Range: $290,763 to $367,373 per year.
The pay structure includes base salary and additional compensation, which can vary based on flight hours, aircraft type, and other factors
Captain Salary by Experience :
| Years of Experience | Estimated Annual Pay (80 hours per month) |
| 1 Year | $ 313,000 |
| 5 Year | $ 323,000 |
| 12 Year | $ 341,000 |
Here is the snapshot of the Payscale of the Captain based on the aircraft they fly at Delta Airlines:
Where are Delta’s Bases?
Delta Air Lines has several crew bases across the United States where its pilots and flight attendants are assigned. The primary crew bases for Delta are located in the following cities:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Detroit, Michigan
- Los Angeles, California
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
- New York City, New York (including both JFK and LaGuardia)
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – AMS
- London -Heathrow, United Kingdom – LHR
- Paris – Charles de Gaulle , France – CDG
- Seoul, South Korea – ICN
- Mexico City – Mexico – MEX
- Tokyo – Japan – HND
What Airplanes are in the Delta Airlines Fleet?
Delta Air Lines operates a diverse fleet consisting of various aircraft types from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer. As of 2024, the fleet includes Airbus, Boeing, and some Regional are as following :
Airbus Fleet
- Airbus A220
- A220-100: 45
- A220-300: 26
- Airbus A319: 57
- Airbus A320: 58
- Airbus A321
- A321-200: 127
- A321neo: 61
- Airbus A330
- A330-200: 11
- A330-300: 31
- A330-900neo: 29
- Airbus A350-900: 32
Boeing Fleet
- Boeing 717: 88
- Boeing 737
- 737-800: 77
- 737-900: 163
- Boeing 757
- 757-200: 105
- 757-300: 16
- Boeing 767
- 767-300: 43
- 767-400: 21
Regional and Other Aircraft
- Bombardier CRJ
- CRJ200: 1
- CRJ700: 19
- CRJ900: 163
- Embraer
- Embraer 170: 11
- Embraer 175L: 83
- Embraer 175S: 47
What are the Hiring requirements for Delta Pilots?
To become a pilot for Delta Air Lines, candidates must meet specific hiring requirements, which include both minimum qualifications and preferred qualifications. Here are the key requirements:
Minimum Requirements
- Age: At least 23 years old.
- Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.
- Education: High school diploma or Equivalent of GED.
- Flight Certification:
- FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification.
- FAA First Class Medical Certificate (current).
- Flight Hours:
- Minimum of 1,500 total flight hours.
- Preferred 1,000 hours of fixed-wing turbine time.
- At least 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC).
- Minimum of 50 hours of multi-engine flight time.
Preferred Qualification:
- Education: A four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is preferred but not required.
- Experience: Candidates with additional flight experience or higher flight hours are often more competitive.
Additional Requirements :
- Documentation: Candidates must provide all relevant documentation during the interview process.
- Certifications: Must have an FCC Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit and proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.
- Background Checks: Candidates will undergo criminal background checks and a DOT pre-employment drug screen.
The application process for the Delta Airlines Pilot job is as follows:
- Application Submission: Apply through Airline Apps.
- Review: Applications are reviewed by two members of the Delta Application Review Team.
- Assessment: Complete an online evaluation and a panel interview.
- Pre-Employment Screenings: Successful candidates must complete all required screenings.
- Training: New hires undergo a two-week indoctrination and must pass Delta’s Advanced Qualification Program (AQP).
According to Airlines Pilot Central, Delta plans to hire approximately 60 pilots each month in 2024 and around 1000 in 2025.
How do I apply for the Delta Airlines Pilot Job?
If you meet all the requirements listed above then You can apply for the Delta Airlines Pilot job. To apply you need to visit the official website of Delta Airlines from there your application process will start.
Delta Airlines also provides a career path –Delta Propel for future upcoming pilots. It is available within your college Applications for Delta Propel college path are open annually between May 1 and September 8.
Currently, Delta’s Propel program collaborates with several universities to facilitate pilot training and career development. Delta is expanding its list to collaborate with more Universities. some of the notable partner institutions include:
- Arizona State University
- Auburn University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona and Prescott campuses)
- Hampton University
- Middle Georgia State University
- Minnesota State University
- Western Michigan University
- Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
- Jacksonville University
- University of North Dakota
- Interamerica University of Puerto Rico
- Kent State
What are Delta pilot’s benefits?
Delta pilots enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes various financial, health, and lifestyle perks. Here are the key benefits:
Compensation and Retirement :
- High Base Pay Rates: Delta offers competitive salaries for pilots, which are among the highest in the industry.
- Profit Sharing: Pilots benefit from an industry-leading profit-sharing program, enhancing their overall compensation.
- 401(k) Plan: Delta provides a 401(k) plan with a company match, which can be as high as 9% depending on contributions.
Health and Wellness :
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Pilots have access to various healthcare plans, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, tailored to their needs.
- Delta Wellbeing Program: This program supports pilots’ health and work-life balance, offering resources for mental health and financial wellness.
- Life Insurance: Delta provides basic and optional life insurance coverage for pilots and their dependents, with significant payout limits.
Time Off and Family Care :
- Paid Time Off: Pilots receive two to five weeks of paid vacation, along with seven personal days and several paid holidays.
- Parental Leave: Delta offers up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave at 100% of base pay for birthing parents, and two weeks for non-birthing, adoptive, or surrogate parents.
- Family Care Benefits: This includes backup care for children, elders, or pets at a subsidized rate, and support for family planning, including fertility and adoption reimbursement.
Travel Perks :
- Travel Privileges: Pilots enjoy unlimited standby travel on Delta flights and discounts on confirmed airfare, as well as access to over 500 travel-related discounts.
Professional Development :
- Training and Development: Delta invests in pilot training at its Aircrew Training Center and offers various programs for career advancement and skill enhancement.
Does Delta Airlines offer Pilot training?
Yes, Delta Air Lines offers pilot training through their Propel Pilot Career Path Program. Here are the key details:
Delta Propel Pilot Career Path Program :
Delta’s Propel program provides a defined path for aspiring pilots to become Delta pilots. The program is offered through Delta’s preferred training partners, where student pilots complete the following certifications:
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Eligibility Requirements :
To be eligible for Delta Propel, candidates must meet certain requirements depending on their path:
- University Pathway: Be enrolled in or a recent graduate of an R-ATP eligible major, be a junior/senior or recent graduate intending to instruct, have a private pilot certificate, and complete at least one Part-141 flight course.
- Company Pathway (for current Delta employees): Have 2+ years as a Delta employee in good standing, have a private or commercial pilot certificate, 100+ hours total flight time, and a 4-year degree preferred.
- All candidates must have a first-class medical certificate, a passport for international travel, and no felonies or DUIs.
Training Facilities :
Delta pilots complete training at the Delta Air Lines Aircrew Training Center in Georgia, as well as about 9 other facilities around the U.S. The training is airline-focused to prepare pilots for a career at Delta.
So in summary, Delta’s Propel program provides a clear path for aspiring pilots to earn their wings and transition to flying for Delta through their preferred training partners. The program supports candidates with mentorship and leave of absence to make the journey to becoming a Delta pilot more attainable.
How does Delta Airlines pilot Compensation work?
Delta Air Lines pilot compensation is structured based on various factors, including the pilot’s role (First Officer or Captain), years of experience, and the type of aircraft flown. Here are the key components of how compensation works for Delta pilots:
Salary Structure of Delta Airlines Pilots :
First Officer Compensation :
- Starting Salary: First Officers typically start at around $109,209 annually after their first year.
- Experience-Based Pay: Compensation increases with experience. For example, a First Officer with five years of service can earn approximately $205,219, while those with ten years may earn around $226,598.
- Total Pay Range: The total pay for First Officers at Delta ranges from about $102,384 to $250,925, depending on experience and flight hours.
Captain Compensation :
- Starting Salary: Captains start with a significantly higher salary, estimated at around $313,000 in their first year.
- Experience-Based Pay: A Captain’s pay can increase to approximately $341,000 by their twelfth year of service.
- Total Pay Range: The total pay for Delta Captains ranges from $290,763 to $367,373, reflecting their higher responsibilities and experience levels.
Additional Compensation Elements :
- Per Diem: Pilots receive a per diem allowance for expenses incurred while on duty, which can further enhance their overall earnings.
- Profit Sharing: Delta pilots are eligible for profit-sharing bonuses, which can significantly increase their total compensation based on the airline’s performance.
- 401(k) Contributions: Delta provides a 401(k) plan with company matching, adding to the overall compensation package.
Flight Hour Guarantees :
Delta pilots have a monthly flight hour guarantee, typically around 74 hours for First Officers and 65 hours for Captains, ensuring a minimum level of pay regardless of flight schedules.
Do Delta pilots need a 4-year degree?
Delta Air Lines has recently modified its pilot hiring requirements regarding educational qualifications. While a four-year degree was previously mandatory, it is now considered “preferred” rather than required for first officer candidates. This change allows Delta to attract a broader pool of applicants, including those with significant life and leadership experience who may not have a formal college education.
- Preferred Qualification: A four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is preferred but not mandatory for first officer positions.
- Other Requirements: Candidates must still meet several other criteria, including holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification, a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate, and a minimum of 1,500 flight hours, among others.
Delta Airlines Pilot Salary – FAQs
Airlines pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans.
The average Delta Airlines salary ranges from approximately $48,500 per year for agents and $165,250 per year for First Officers.
Delta Airlines offers pilot lifestyle flexibility with domicile locations across the United States. Delta offers pilot an industry-leading total compensation and benefits package including high base pay rates and the industry-best profit-sharing program and 401(K) contributions.
Delta pilots live on bases in Atlanta, Ga, Detroit, Mich, Los Angeles, California, Minneapolis -st. Paul, New York City, NY, Salt Lake City, Utah and Seattle.
Delta Airlines active pilots are now covered by a defined contribution pension plan previously negotiated with the Airlines Pilots Association, the union is representing Delta’s more than 6,000+ active pilots. Delta reconfirmed that it will preserve the Delta Retirement Plan which covers ground employees and flight attendants.
New pilots receive company-funded accommodation during initial training and a provided uniform before operational experience. Additional expenses fall under the new pilot’s responsibility.
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