Alaska Airlines Pilot Salary & Career Guide: 2025-2026
Alaska Airlines (AS), headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a leading US carrier renowned for its strong West Coast presence, extensive operations in Hawaii and Alaska, and commitment to exceptional service. For aspiring and current pilots, Alaska Airlines presents a compelling career path, bolstered by a recently negotiated contract delivering significant pay improvements. This guide provides a detailed look at the Alaska Airlines pilot salary, benefits, and career progression opportunities for 2025 and beyond.
Alaska Airlines Pilot Pay: A Detailed Breakdown
Alaska Airlines is committed to attracting and retaining top piloting talent. The airline’s compensation packages are highly competitive, particularly within the regional and legacy carrier market. Here’s a breakdown of the expected earnings for First Officers and Captains:
First Officer Salary
- Starting Hourly Rate (2025): Approximately $119.92 per hour
- Estimated Annual Base Pay (Year 1, 75 flight hours/month): Roughly $107,900
- Experienced First Officer Hourly Rate: Up to $171 per hour
- Estimated Annual Base Pay (Experienced, 75 flight hours/month): Approximately $153,000 (before allowances and bonuses)
Captain Salary
- Top-of-Scale Hourly Rate (2025): Around $361.29 per hour
- Estimated Annual Base Pay (75 flight hours/month): Approximately $324,000
- Total Compensation (Including Allowances & Profit Sharing): Often exceeds $350,000, with some senior Captains earning over $400,000 annually.
It’s important to note that these figures represent base pay. Additional earnings can come from layover pay, premium segments, instructor/examiner duties, and profit-sharing programs.
Benefits of Flying with Alaska Airlines
Beyond competitive salaries, Alaska Airlines pilots enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Flight benefits for personal travel
- Paid time off
- Career development opportunities
Alaska Airlines Fleet
Alaska Airlines currently operates a modern and expanding fleet, including:
- Boeing 737 Series (737-700, 737-800, 737-900ER, 737 MAX 9)
- Airbus A320neo Family
- Embraer E175
The airline is also actively expanding its fleet with new aircraft on order, creating further opportunities for pilots.
Pilot Requirements & Hiring Process
Alaska Airlines has specific requirements for pilot candidates, typically including:
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
- Total flight hours (requirements vary based on position)
- Type ratings for relevant aircraft
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
The hiring process generally involves:
- Online Application
- Initial Screening
- Pilot Assessment
- Interview
- Background Check & Medical Evaluation
Is Alaska Airlines Still Hiring Pilots in 2026?
Yes! Alaska Airlines continues to actively recruit pilots in 2026 to support its fleet renewal, expansion of operations, and natural attrition due to senior pilot retirements. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Alaska Airlines careers website for current openings and eligibility requirements.
Resources for Aspiring Pilots
For more information on pilot careers, consider exploring these resources:
- Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) – Represents pilots at Alaska Airlines and other carriers.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Information on pilot certification and regulations.
- Airline Pilot Central – A community forum and resource for pilots.
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Source: Aviation A2Z
