United Airlines, Inc. operates as a major airline in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United actively manages a vast domestic and international route network, spanning the U.S. and all six inhabited continents.
How much can I earn as a United Airlines pilot?
The average pay for a pilot at United Airlines in 2025 is $248,118 per year. Read on to learn more!
Hiring Requirements & Pay: United Airlines determines wages for both captain and first officer by skills, experience, and the number of flight hours logged. As an applicant, it’s beneficial to compare the entry-level pilot salary with the industry average to grasp the full potential of a United Airlines career.
What is the pilot pay for United Airlines in 2025?
Here is a sampling of United pilot hourly wages. Pilot pay changes based on various factors, such as type of plane, years of experience, etc. For instance, this is for the Airbus 320.
United Airlines First OfficerPay
United Airlines CaptainPay
Starting: $91
Starting: $260
Average: $176
Average: $270
Top: $193
Top: $283
Current as of January 2025
Watch Our 6-Minute United Airlines Pilot Salary & Hiring Requirements Video!
How are the benefits at United Airlines?
Benefits Beyond Salary: Many ask, “How much do United pilots earn?” While the salary is highly competitive, United also offers a wealth of other benefits. From flexible schedules to paid time off, the advantages extend well beyond mere compensation. United Airlines offers a competitive compensation package with benefits. These include, but are not limited to:
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Accident insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance
Paid holidays
Defined contribution plan
Travel privileges
How your dream takes flight: Becoming a pilot for United Airlines
Understanding United Airlines Careers: United, a premier carrier based in Chicago, IL, offers pilot careers with industry-leading benefits. When considering a position with United Airlines, understanding the hiring criteria, salary scales, and additional perks is key. Best of all, United Airlines is a partner airline with Epic. You can go from training at Epic to United through theAviate Program.
Preparing for Your Application: Beyond just salary inquiries, researching all facets of the job, from requirements to additional perks, is crucial. Consider attending United Airlines job fairs or career expos for deeper insights. Before your interview, a review of the United Airlines company website can provide valuable context.
United Airlines Hiring Requirements Overview
Type of airline: U.S. Passenger
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Hubs:
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD)
Denver (DEN)
Guam (GUM)
Houston (IAH)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Newark/New York (EWR)
San Francisco (SFO)
Washington-Dulles (IAD)
Service to 342 destinations
Fleet: Currently, United Airlines has 854 aircraft, which includes the Boeing 737 MAX 10, B737 MAX 8, and Airbus A321
Origin: The company started in 1926 as Varney Air Lines.
Values: Safe, caring, dependable, and efficient (core4 service behaviors)
What are the hiring requirements for United Airlines careers?
First Officer Job Requirements:
United Airlines is looking for talented pilots who:
Reflect the company’s leadership qualities – These include your ability to model character, think creatively, get results, and model teamwork.
Share United’s commitment to core values
Demonstrate a passion for aviation and an ongoing commitment to excellence and achievement
Certification Requirements:
Unrestricted FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) (with airplane multiengine rating)
A minimum of 100 hours of flight time within the last 12 months is preferred
General Requirements:
Passport – Current with a minimum of 6 months remaining at time of hire
Legally able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Able to travel freely with the U.S. and without restrictions to all countries where United flies
High school graduate or GED
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school (preferred, not required for FO position). Note: All foreign transcripts need to be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. degrees by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and overall authenticity
International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever (Yellow Card)
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 must be presented to interview and again on the first day of employment.
Punctual and reliable attendance. Availability without any planned absences during the first 12 weeks of employment.
We have tried to provide the most accurate information here regarding hiring requirements for commercial airlines, we encourage you to contact the airline you’re interested in working for directly to verify employment requirements. Learn how much you can earn as a pilot, and learn exactly how to become a pilot. We wish you great success as an airline pilot and hope you land your dream job! Before you fill out that job application, you will need flight training. If you are interested in pursuing a flying career with United Airlines and are interested in receiving your training at our flight school in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, please contact us today!
United Airlines is a newsmaker in the aviation industry. If you are interested in flying for United, we encourage you to keep up with current events at the company.
Dear Epic, I hope you are well and that the skies are clear for flying and the airstrip is fit for landing. My name is Vivek Bhavesh Gohil. I am a 17-year-old student from Tanzania, currently finishing my PPL in South Africa in December 2023. I will have obtained an ICOA PPL license before the end of 2023 and currently hold 35 hours of dual flight hours and 10 hours of solo. I also attend the United World College East Africa, Arusha Campus, and am currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate system. I am outgoing and adventurous. I have been passionate about flying since the time I was pointing and shouting at airplanes in the sky in the hope that they’d hear me and getting fed airplanes in my high chair. I also play golf for the Tanzanian national team and love the sport. As a young pilot in training, I am writing to explore opportunities within your College of Aviation to further my ongoing ambition to become a commercial pilot. I am halfway through the Diploma program and just started my 2nd semester in Diploma 2. I am currently finishing my PPL in South Africa and looking ahead to develop my training in aviation through your college. I understand that your institution can provide me with the training I need to become a commercial airline pilot and a rated instructor. After looking through your website there are a few questions that I would like to ask. Could you please outline the post-graduation requirements and job opportunities available for international students, such as myself, at your college? What various scholarship opportunities and financial aid options are offered for international students attending your institution? Can you elaborate on your approach to facilitating financial aid for international students, and what steps should one take to avail these resources? Is a recommendation letter necessary as part of the application process for international students? Could you provide insights into the enrollment requirements for international students at your college? What are your deadlines for applications for international students if any? Are there specific exams, like the SAT, Common App, or essays, that international students need to take to fulfill the prerequisites for enrollment at your college or university?
Where and how do I get to your application in order for me to enroll in your college and what is required? I am interested in pursuing the following aviation courses:
Instrument Rating
Night Rating
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Multi-Engine Ratings
Instructor's Rating
Potentially, an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) as well. I have several additional inquiries and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to engage in a more detailed conversation with one of your institution's representatives. A potential Zoom meeting would be highly beneficial, allowing us to delve into the available opportunities, discuss associated costs, and gain a clearer understanding of the application process. Your assistance in providing comprehensive information will be pivotal in guiding my decisions and ensuring a well-informed approach to any potential involvement with your institution. I look forward to your reply and thank you for your time and consideration. Have a good day. Kind regards, Vivek Bhavesh Gohil.
I am a graduate of Theatre Arts from Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria, with a deep passion for aviation and a strong desire to pursue a career as a pilot. Despite my academic background in the arts, I am determined to transition into the aviation field and fully commit to the rigorous training and discipline the profession demands. Currently residing in Nigeria, I am fortunate to have a dedicated sponsor based in Florida, USA, who is financially capable and fully willing to support me throughout the entire duration of my flight training program in the United States. I would also like to inquire if, as a Nigerian graduate from an English-speaking university, I will still be required to provide proof of English proficiency, such as the TOEFL or SAT, as part of the application or enrollment process. Though my university degree is in a non-science field, I am confident in my ability to meet the academic and technical demands of flight training. I am eager to know if I still stand a chance of being admitted into a reputable flight school in the U.S. and what additional steps I might need to take to strengthen my application.
I am writing to inquire about the availability of your institution's programs in Nigeria. As a resident of Lagos, I am interested in exploring opportunities for training and education with your esteemed organization. However, upon reviewing your website, I noticed that your campus locations appear to be situated in the United States. I was wondering if you have any affiliate campuses or partnerships with institutions in Nigeria, specifically in Lagos, that would enable me to pursue my educational goals with your organization. I would appreciate any information you can provide regarding this matter, including details about potential programs, admission requirements, and campus locations in Nigeria. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Since I am not a citizen of the United States and I am very much interested in this opportunity, can I get assistance financially to make the best of this chance?
Subject: Inquiry About Study Opportunities for International Students from Denmark Dear Epic Flight Academy My name is Lukas, and I am from Denmark. I am very interested in pursuing flight training at your school and would like to learn more about the opportunities available for international students like myself. Specifically, I would like to inquire about: 1. The admission requirements for students from Denmark.
2. Visa and immigration processes related to studying in the United States.
3. The structure of your training programs and any prerequisites.
4. Accommodation options and living arrangements near your school. I am eager to explore the possibility of training at your esteemed institution and would greatly appreciate any guidance or resources you can provide to help me better understand the steps required to apply. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response. Best regards, Lukas Malik Waagstein Rasmussen [email protected] +45 20 94 56 15
I am from the Philippines and have graduated as an aircraft mechanic. I am eager to start my career in aviation and ready to seize any opportunities that come my way. Could you please assist me with the necessary documents for enrolling in a program in the United States? I am open to working part-time if needed, but I’m unsure where to begin.
1. My goal is to build 1,500 flight hours to get a job with an FSC (such as United Airlines) and become a great asset to your school. I would appreciate it if you could let me know what I need to prepare to achieve this goal. 2. I understand that obtaining an F-1 visa is possible. Is this correct? Additionally, I aim to prepare for a career with an FSC (such as United Airlines). Although I am a foreigner, I want to overcome this limitation. If you can assist me, I will repay you with passion and effort. Thank you.
Tony Perna is an expert in the aviation industry with a long history of achievements around the globe. He became both an FAA-certified commercial pilot and FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician early in his career. Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (1973) and a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science & Aviation Safety, also from ERAU (2003).
He has worked in aviation his entire life holding the following positions:
Cessna Aircraft Company 1974-1979:
Field Service Manager, European Marketing Center, Brussels
Cessna Flight Crew Instructor (Former Cessna Training Academy)
Supervisor of Cessna Technical Training (Former Cessna Training Academy)
Manager Africa and Middle East Aircraft Sales and Support: Single/Multi-Engine aircraft and Citation Business Jet Sales and Support
Sr. VP Marketing Cessna Distributor, Central Africa, 1979-1986
CEO Cessna Aircraft Co. International Dist. Propeller and Citation, Caribbean Region, 1986-2000
Advisor and Ground School Instructor, Epic Flight Academy, 2000-2011
Logistics Manager, R2, North Star Aviation, Abu Dhabi, UAE 2011-2014
Epic Flight Academy Advisory Board, 2014-Present
Tony Perna's experience as a pilot provided a strong foundation for a lifelong career in aviation.
Tony's expertise includes work as an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic, which he shares regularly with Epic Flight Academy students.