Top Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA (2025 Ultimate Ranking)
In 2025, pilot hiring is at an all-time high—but not all jobs are created equal. The top pilot hiring airlines in the USA offer more than just a paycheck. They provide faster upgrades, structured career paths, and long-term stability for both new and experienced aviators.
Legacy airlines like Delta and United are expanding training classes, while regionals and ULCCs are offering bonuses and direct-entry captain roles to meet demand. For flight students and CFIs, knowing which carriers are hiring—and what they offer—can save years of uncertainty.
This guide ranks the top pilot hiring airlines in the USA based on real-world criteria: hiring volume, pilot pay, upgrade timelines, and flow-through opportunities. If you’re serious about landing your first airline job or making your next move, this is your 2025 roadmap.
Why Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA Are Expanding in 2025
The demand for qualified pilots has never been higher—and the trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. The top pilot hiring airlines in the USA are expanding rapidly to fill critical staffing gaps caused by a combination of retirements, route growth, and industry recovery.
One of the biggest drivers is the wave of mandatory retirements. Under FAA regulations, airline pilots must retire at age 65. With thousands of baby boomer-era pilots reaching that age between 2023 and 2027, airlines are scrambling to replenish their ranks. According to the FAA’s most recent Aerospace Forecast, over 14,500 pilots are expected to retire from major airlines between 2024 and 2026.
At the same time, fleet expansion is back on track. Boeing’s 2024 Pilot Outlook predicts a need for over 130,000 new pilots in North America alone over the next 20 years. Airlines are responding by restoring pre-pandemic routes, adding new international destinations, and taking delivery of next-gen aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321XLR.
ULCCs (Ultra Low-Cost Carriers) like Spirit and Frontier are also driving the hiring surge, aggressively growing their fleets to meet demand for affordable domestic travel. These carriers, along with regional airlines feeding the majors, have become key entry points for newly minted commercial pilots.
The result? Record hiring pipelines, faster-than-average upgrade timelines, and increasing incentives like signing bonuses, housing stipends, and direct entry captain opportunities—especially for pilots willing to fly high-demand routes or accept commuter bases.
How We Ranked the Top Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
Ranking the top pilot hiring airlines in the USA isn’t just about headcount—it’s about long-term career value. To create this list, we evaluated airlines using a multi-point methodology designed to reflect what matters most to student pilots, CFIs, and job-seeking ATPs.
1. Yearly Pilot Intake Volume: We analyzed public hiring reports, airline press releases, job boards, and third-party data from pilot hiring platforms to assess how many pilots each airline hired in the past 12 months. Carriers with consistent hiring momentum were rated higher.
2. Pay Scales and Upgrade Speed: Pilot salary ranges were compared across regionals, ULCCs, and legacy airlines, with special attention to first-year pay, bonus structures, and the average time to captain upgrade. Data was sourced from airline contracts, pilot union statements, and crowd-verified sites like AirlinePilotCentral.
3. Fleet Growth and Financial Stability: Airlines with ongoing aircraft orders, strong financial performance, and post-pandemic recovery plans received higher scores. A growing fleet often translates to faster seniority movement and more promotion opportunities.
4. Cadet and Flow-Through Programs: We prioritized airlines that invest in structured pilot pathways, such as partnerships with flight schools, internal cadet programs, and flow-through agreements with regional partners. These programs give low-time pilots a clear route to the majors.
5. Career Progression and Job Security: Lastly, we evaluated each airline’s long-term career trajectory—how easy it is to build time, upgrade, and eventually transition to a major airline or stay with a carrier long-term. We considered recent layoffs, merger activity, and pilot satisfaction data.
This ranking aims to give aspiring pilots more than just a list—it’s a strategic map to help you land not just a job, but a career.
United Airlines: One of the Top Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
United Airlines is consistently ranked among the top pilot hiring airlines in the USA, thanks to its aggressive growth strategy and structured pilot development program, United Aviate.
In 2024 alone, United hired over 2,300 new pilots, according to their corporate hiring updates—making it one of the largest pilot intakes among U.S. major carriers. Through the Aviate program, student pilots and CFIs can join a defined career track that leads directly to a United flight deck within 5–7 years. The pathway includes partnerships with over 30 flight schools and universities nationwide.
United’s pay scale is also highly competitive. First officers start at over $100 per hour, with captains earning up to $290 per hour, depending on aircraft type and years of service. When combined with generous per diem, bonuses, and benefits, total compensation for senior captains easily exceeds $250,000 annually.
With a massive fleet expansion underway—including over 800 aircraft on order—upgrade timelines are accelerating, particularly on narrowbody routes. For aspiring airline pilots looking for pay, progression, and prestige, United remains a top-tier employer.
Delta Air Lines: High Pay Among Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
Delta Air Lines holds the crown for the highest pilot pay in the USA airline industry, making it a standout among the top pilot hiring airlines in the USA for 2025. The carrier’s pilot contract, ratified in early 2023, pushed industry compensation standards to new highs.
Delta captains on widebody aircraft now earn over $475,000 per year in total compensation, including bonuses and overrides. Even narrowbody captains earn upwards of $300,000, and first officers in their first year start at nearly $110 per hour. Delta’s scope clause also protects its pilots from outsourcing, ensuring job security and base stability.
As part of its post-pandemic growth strategy, Delta plans to hire over 2,500 pilots through the end of 2025, backed by growing demand for both domestic and international travel. Its fleet modernization includes additional A321neos and A350s, allowing younger pilots to bid premium equipment and faster upgrades than in previous decades.
Delta is also known for its seniority-driven culture, long-term career stability, and premium benefits package, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for pilots seeking not just a job, but a lifelong career.
American Airlines: Career Flow Leader Among Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
When it comes to career flow and structured pathways, American Airlines stands out as one of the most strategic pilot hiring airlines in the USA. Its Cadet Academy, launched in partnership with flight schools like CAE and Skyborne, gives low-hour pilots a defined track into the cockpit via regional subsidiaries—Envoy, PSA, and Piedmont.
Once cadets join one of these regionals, they become eligible for American’s flow-through program, which offers a non-competitive transition to the mainline after meeting time and performance requirements—typically in 5–6 years. No additional interview is required, giving cadets peace of mind and a direct route to a major airline career.
In 2024 and 2025, American has ramped up hiring significantly, offering first-year sign-on bonuses exceeding $100,000 for direct-entry captains at its regional carriers and offering expedited upgrades due to projected retirements and expansion.
For student pilots looking for security, mentorship, and a guaranteed upgrade path, American’s flow program is unmatched in scope and reliability.
Southwest & Alaska: Lifestyle-Friendly Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
Not all pilots prioritize rapid upgrades or global travel—some want lifestyle, base flexibility, and long-term satisfaction. That’s where Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines stand out as two of the most lifestyle-friendly pilot hiring airlines in the USA.
Southwest Airlines, known for its simplified fleet and point-to-point network, offers pilots stability and high base pay without the complexity of hub-and-spoke operations. First officers start around $90–100 per hour, and captains earn $250K+ annually with seniority. Pilots enjoy predictable schedules, free checked bags, and a famously strong labor culture that emphasizes work-life balance.
Alaska Airlines, on the other hand, has become a West Coast powerhouse. With Seattle, Portland, and Anchorage as key bases, it offers regional pilots a path to fly for a major without relocating to hub-heavy cities. Alaska is currently hiring hundreds of pilots monthly, thanks to route growth, new aircraft deliveries, and a surge in leisure travel demand across the Pacific Northwest.
Both carriers are ideal for pilots who value regional roots, commuter-friendly bases, and companies known for culture, consistency, and career satisfaction.
Top Regional Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
Regional carriers continue to serve as the launchpad for most new airline careers, making them a critical part of any ranking of pilot hiring airlines in the USA. In 2025, regionals are hiring hundreds of new pilots per quarter, largely due to major airline partnerships and the need to replace captains lost to flow-through promotions.
Here are four regionals leading the pack:
| Regional Airline | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Envoy Air | American Airlines-owned; largest direct flow path to mainline. Offers retention bonuses, relocation packages, and upgrade opportunities as soon as 700–1,000 hours. |
| SkyWest | Independent regional with partnerships across Delta, United, Alaska, and American. Known for scheduling flexibility and strong training programs. |
| PSA Airlines | American Airlines subsidiary with one of the fastest upgrade times—some FO-to-captain transitions in under 2 years due to aggressive flow targets. |
| Republic Airways | Operates for American, Delta, and United. Offers competitive sign-on bonuses, modern E175 fleet, and a career pipeline via LIFT Academy. |
These regionals are ideal for flight instructors, newly rated CPL holders, and international students converting to FAA pathways. Many offer structured cadet programs, tuition reimbursement, and interview guarantees for students coming from affiliate flight schools.
Cargo & Charter Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA
For pilots looking beyond the passenger airline track, the cargo and charter sector offers high compensation, job stability, and less public-facing pressure. In 2025, many of these companies are emerging as some of the best pilot hiring airlines in the USA for experienced commercial pilots.
FedEx Express and UPS Airlines remain the gold standard in the cargo world. Pilots report top-tier pay (captains earning $300,000+ annually), strong union contracts, and predictable overnight schedules. However, hiring typically requires 1,500+ hours, a strong training background, and competitive experience.
Atlas Air, a major global cargo operator, continues to hire for both long-haul international and U.S.-based operations. Its fleet includes 747s, 767s, and 777s—ideal for pilots aiming for widebody experience early in their careers.
On the charter side, demand is rising for pilots at NetJets, XOJet, Wheels Up, and other fractional and private aviation companies. These roles offer flexible rotations, luxury clientele, and strong earning potential, especially for CPL + ME pilots with 1,200+ hours.
Cargo and charter work is especially attractive to pilots looking to avoid airline commuting or seeking a different kind of lifestyle—one that’s well-compensated and often more autonomous.
Pilot Hiring Airlines in the USA: FAQ
What are the top pilot hiring airlines in the U.S. right now?
In 2025, the top pilot hiring airlines in the USA include United, Delta, American, Southwest, and Alaska. Regionals like Envoy and PSA are also aggressively recruiting, along with cargo operators like FedEx and Atlas Air.
Which airline offers the fastest upgrade to Captain?
Regionals like PSA and Envoy offer some of the fastest upgrades, with pilots transitioning to captain in as little as 18–24 months due to flow-through movement to mainline carriers.
Are regional airlines a good place to start as a new pilot?
Yes. Regional airlines remain the most accessible starting point for commercial pilots with 1,500 hours. They offer valuable turbine time, fast progression, and direct pathways to major airlines.
Do cargo airlines hire new commercial pilots?
While most cargo airlines require more experience, some like Ameriflight or smaller Part 135 operators offer entry points for commercial pilots building time toward Part 121 jobs.
Which U.S. airline pays First Officers the most?
Delta currently offers the highest first-year pay for First Officers, starting at over $110 per hour, with total compensation rising quickly through widebody and international routes.
Conclusion
In 2025, pilot hiring is accelerating—and the decisions you make now can shape your entire aviation career. From regionals with fast upgrades to majors offering long-term stability, the top pilot hiring airlines in the USA are actively competing for new talent.
Whether you’re just building your hours or ready to transition into a jet cockpit, aligning yourself with the right airline early means faster promotions, better contracts, and a lifestyle that works for you—not just your logbook.
Florida Flyers Flight Academy helps student pilots reach 1,500 hours faster through structured FAA training, flight instructor opportunities, and airline-ready career tracks.
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.
