Alaska Airlines Pilots See Strong Pay and Benefits in 2025
Alaska Airlines pilots are positioned to earn competitive salaries and benefits in 2025, reflecting a recently negotiated contract with significant pay improvements, according to data released this month. The Seattle-based carrier, with a strong presence on the West Coast and extending into Hawaii and Alaska, prioritizes pilot recruitment and career development as it modernizes its fleet and integrates with other carriers.
First Officer Compensation
In 2025, first officers at Alaska Airlines begin with an hourly rate of approximately US$119.92. Based on a typical monthly flight credit of 75 hours, this translates to roughly US$107,900 in annual base pay. As first officers gain seniority, experience, and are assigned to larger aircraft, their hourly rates can increase to around US$171 per hour, resulting in an approximate annual base pay of US$153,000, excluding allowances, and bonuses.
Captain Earnings
Captains at Alaska Airlines currently receive top-of-scale hourly rates of approximately US$361.29, as stipulated in the latest contract. Flying 75 hours monthly at this rate yields a base annual pay of around US$324,000. Total compensation for captains can exceed US$350,000 annually, with highly senior captains potentially earning over US$400,000 per year when factoring in layover pay, premium segments, instructor/examiner duties, and profit sharing.
Benefits Package
Alaska Airlines offers its pilots a comprehensive benefits package that includes travel privileges for themselves and eligible family members, providing heavily discounted or standby travel on Alaska Airlines and affiliated carriers. Pilots also receive overnight and layover allowances to cover hotel, meals, and incidental expenses during trips away from their home base. Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance coverage is provided, alongside employer contributions to retirement plans and a profit-sharing element.
The airline also offers loss of license protection, providing income protection or reassignment options should a pilot become medically unfit to fly. Pilots have access to recurrent training, simulator upgrades, and clear career progression pathways from first officer to captain, including opportunities for instructor or examiner roles. Alaska Airlines emphasizes work-life balance, offering roster designs with rest-period protections and scheduling flexibility. Additional income opportunities are available through instructor duties, check-airman responsibilities, and flying premium sequences. The airline also provides wellness programs, peer-support networks, and mental health resources tailored to its pilot workforce.
Aircraft Fleet
Alaska Airlines’ current fleet includes Boeing 737-700s, 737-800s, 737-900ERs, 737 MAX 8s, 737 MAX 9s, and Boeing 787-9s. The airline is also expanding its fleet with orders for additional Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 10s, as well as Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft.
Hiring Process
The Alaska Airlines pilot hiring process involves an online application, initial screening of qualifications, online assessments of technical and aptitude skills, a simulator assessment to evaluate flying proficiency and decision-making, and interviews with senior pilots and human resources staff. Final candidates must pass a detailed FAA Class 1 medical examination and complete background and security checks.
Applicants are required to hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot License issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, meet Alaska Airlines’ minimum flight-hour and experience thresholds, and possess a valid Class 1 medical certificate. Strong English proficiency, legal authorization to work in the United States, and demonstrated skills in decision-making, leadership, and teamwork are also essential.
Bottom Line
In 2025, Alaska Airlines offers pilots competitive compensation that ranks among the strongest in the U.S. Airline market. With strong starting earnings for first officers, clear progression potential, and high hourly rates for captains, coupled with a comprehensive benefits package, Alaska Airlines presents a compelling career option for pilots seeking both financial reward and quality of life.
