Here's what Alaska Airlines pilots earn after their latest pay increase

Pilots at Alaska Airlines are seeing substantially higher earnings following the ratification of a new contract that places them among the best-compensated in the industry. The agreement reflects a broader trend of rising pilot pay across the United States, driven by strong travel demand and successful union negotiations.

Under the new terms, top-of-scale captains can earn a base pay of around $324,000 annually, based on an hourly rate of $361.29, according to figures from AviationA2Z. With additional compensation from layovers, profit sharing, and instructor duties, many senior captains can see their total earnings exceed $350,000, with some reaching over $400,000 per year.

First officers also received significant raises. A first-year co-pilot now starts at an hourly rate of just under $120, equating to an annual salary of approximately $107,900. More senior first officers can earn around $153,000 per year.

Contract Details and Ratification

The pay increases are part of a two-year contract extension ratified in September 2024. The deal was overwhelmingly approved by the pilots, who are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). According to Alaska Airlines, more than 88% of the airline's 3,400 pilots participated in the vote, with 97% voting in favor of the new agreement.

This follows a previous contract from October 2022 that provided immediate wage increases of up to 23% for pilots, depending on their years of service. Beyond salary, the compensation package includes robust benefits such as:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance
• Strong retirement and profit-sharing plans
• Travel privileges for pilots and their families
• Compensation for layover expenses like hotels and meals

Industry Context and Hawaiian Airlines Merger

The contract extension was strategically timed as Alaska Air Group finalized its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which was completed on September 18, 2024. Securing the pilot contract provides stability as the two airlines begin the complex process of integrating their operations and workforces.

A key next step will be negotiating a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) to bring both pilot groups under a single contract. Dave Mets, Alaska's Vice President of flight operations, noted that the agreement positions the airline well for the future success of the combination with Hawaiian.

While labor relations at Alaska appear stable, other carriers face challenges. At American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 16,000 pilots, recently backed a vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom, citing concerns over the airline's performance and strategy. This highlights the active role unions are playing in shaping the post-pandemic aviation landscape.

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