how to become a pilot

747 pilots earn anywhere from $33 to more than $200 per hour.

A number of factors contribute to the salary of a 747 pilot, including who his employer is, his years of service with the airline and whether he's a captain or a lower-raking first officer. In the U.S., there are only two passenger airlines — Delta and United — that operate Boeing 747 aircraft. Outside of the major airlines, there are a number of cargo airlines that fly the 747; their salaries are comparable to those of the major airlines.

Background

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There are two types of pilots: captains and first officers.

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In the aviation market, there are two types of pilots: captains and first officers. A captain is the commander-in-chief of the aircraft and has the final authority over the aircraft and its safety while it's in operation. The first officer is an aviator who's the captain's co-pilot. She flies under the guidance and direction of the captain.

Captain's Salary

The captain of a 747 can start out earning $177 per hour at United in his first year.

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According to AirlinePilotCentral.com, the captain of a 747 can start out earning $177 per hour at United in his first year; by his 12th year, the captain maxes out at $190 per hour. Similarly, captains can earn $199 to $217 per hour at Delta. Keep in mind, however, that flying the 747 within an airline context is largely determined based on seniority. Generally, only the most senior pilots are able to fly the large 747 aircraft. At cargo airline UPS, 747 captains top out at $252 per hour.

First Officer's Salary

A first officer starts out on the 747 at United at $33 per hour.

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A first officer starts out on the 747 at United at $33 per hour. That hourly rate increases and tops out after 12 years at $148 per hour. At Delta, the rates start out a bit more competitively, with first-year first officers earning $56 per hour; like their counterparts at United, however, the first officers top out at in the 12th year at $148. UPS first officers earn about $178 per hour after 15 years on the job.

Additional Compensation

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In addition to a salary, airline pilots and their immediate family can fly to all destinations serviced by the airline for free.

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In addition to a salary, airline pilots who work for a major airline are often entitled to flight benefits with the carrier. The compensation, although not part of the pilot's direct salary, permits him to fly, if the space is available, to all destinations serviced by the airline. This flight perk, known as passes, is extended to the pilot and his immediate family.