American Airlines pilots are among the highest-paid aviation professionals in the world. Following the landmark 2023 contract ratification, pay scales have seen significant increases. This guide breaks down the full compensation structure for 2026.
First Officer Pay Scale
New hire first officers at American Airlines start at $91 per hour in Year 1, climbing to $189 per hour by Year 12. With a standard 1,000 hours flown annually, a senior first officer can earn over $189,000 in base pay before bonuses.
Captain Pay Scale
Captains at American Airlines earn between $198 and $349 per hour depending on aircraft type and seniority. Narrowbody captains on the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 earn up to $271/hr, while widebody captains on the 777 or 787 earn the top rate of $349/hr.
Per Diem and Bonuses
Pilots receive a per diem of $2.22/hr while away from base, adding approximately $15,000–$25,000 in annual tax-advantaged income. Sign-on bonuses for new hires were $7,500 in 2025.
Total Compensation
A senior 777 captain at American Airlines can earn total compensation exceeding $500,000 annually when bonuses, profit sharing, and per diem are included.