UAL
🇺🇸 USAActively HiringTop PayStar Alliance

United Airlines

One of the US big-3. Widebody captain salary among the world's highest.

~¥84M
Capt. Max (widebody)
~¥45M
F/O Year 12
$465/h
Capt. Max Hourly
Star Alliance
Alliance
Overview

About United Airlines

United Airlines, founded 1926, is a US major carrier. With hubs at Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD), and Los Angeles (LAX), it serves six continents as a Star Alliance core member.

Widebody captain pay is among the highest in the industry. Year 12+ captains on the B777 can earn $558,000/year (~¥84M). Recent contract revisions significantly improved the pay structure.

HQ
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1926
Alliance
Star Alliance
Main Hubs
ORD/DEN/IAH/EWR+
Fleet Size
~800 aircraft
Ret. Age
65 (federal)
Salary Data

Pilot Salary (as of March 2026)

* Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks. Verify actual compensation with each airline's official recruitment information.

PositionSalary RangeAvg / ReferenceNotes
Captain Year 1
Narrowbody
$323,000–$374/h
~¥48M High from Day 1
Captain Year 12 (B777)
Widebody peak
$558,156 ($465/h)
~¥84M Industry-leading
First Officer Year 1
$91,000–$120/h
~¥14M Domestic start
First Officer Year 12
$240,000–$300,000
~¥45M Int'l F/O

💡 USD/JPY=150. Federal income tax (up to 37%) applies, but 401(k)/HSA tax advantages can maximize take-home. Routes include Japan (NRT/HND/OSA).

Operations

Routes & Fleet

Routes

Global 6-continent network. Japan routes (NRT/HND/OSA). 7 major US hubs. Pacific routes to Japan, China, HK, Sydney. Domestic narrowbody, international widebody.

Fleet

B777-200/300, B787-8/9/10, B767-300ER, B737 MAX

Training

Training & Checkrides

New F/O Training

Ground → simulator (Denver Training Center) → IOE. Fully paid training.

Bidding System (Seniority)

Seniority-based aircraft/route/base selection. More senior = more preferred choices.

Captain Upgrade

Typically 7–12 years. Depends on fleet demand and seniority. Check ride required before line ops.

Advanced Qualification Program

FAA-certified training program. Customized to individual competencies.

United Aviate Academy

Proprietary pilot pipeline. Military, university, and feeder school pathways.

Recurrent Checks

Proficiency checks 1–2x per year. Support training available if needed.

Benefits

Benefits & Perks

🏦
401(k) Retirement Plan

Company matching contributions available. Key tax-advantaged retirement tool.

💰
Profit Sharing

Company performance-based distribution. Can add 10%+ of annual salary in good years.

✈️
Travel Privileges

Free/discounted tickets for self, family, and pass riders. Star Alliance partners included.

🏥
Medical/Dental/Vision

Comprehensive family health insurance. Company HSA contributions included.

📋
Loss of License Insurance

Income replacement for work and non-work loss of license.

🎓
Education Support

Continuing education support. Children's scholarship program.

Job Openings

Recruitment Info (as of March 2026)

Hiring status: Actively Hiring

First Officer — All Aircraft
B737/B757/B767/B777/B787
Actively Hiring
License: ATP Certificate (R-ATP accepted)
Min. Hours: 1,500h (R-ATP: 1,000h)
Work Auth.: US Green Card or citizenship required

* US work authorization required. United Aviate Academy pipeline also available. Thousands of hires planned in recent years.