FedEx, UPS Pilot Pay Rivals Top Passenger Airlines
Cargo pilots at FedEx Express and UPS Airlines can earn hourly rates comparable to or exceeding those at major US passenger carriers, with faster access to
The highest-paying pilot jobs in the United States are not exclusive to major passenger airlines. While American, Delta, and United Airlines offer top salaries, cargo carriers FedEx Express and UPS Airlines are also highly desirable employers for flight crews.
Pilots are typically paid an hourly rate for flight time, with annual earnings often estimated by multiplying that rate by 1,000. Pay scales vary significantly based on aircraft type, seniority, and whether the pilot is a captain or first officer.
Hourly Pay Rates Compared
The largest component of a pilot's pay is their hourly flight rate. Contracts at American, Delta, and United set starting salaries around $120 per hour, with rates increasing annually and for larger aircraft. Widebody captains at these airlines can earn approximately $460 per hour.
Cargo airline pay rates are governed by separate contracts. FedEx Express pilots, under a new 2026 agreement, have slightly higher hourly rates than their passenger airline counterparts. UPS Airlines pilots are still negotiating a new contract and currently earn less under an older agreement.
| Airline | New Hire (Narrowbody) | New Hire (Widebody) | Widebody Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| American/Delta/United | ~$120/hr | ~$120/hr | ~$460/hr |
| FedEx Express | ~$113/hr | ~$117/hr | ~$470/hr |
| UPS Airlines | Just under $60/hr | Not specified | Over $400/hr |
The Tax-Free Per Diem Advantage
Beyond the hourly rate, pilots receive a per diem payment to cover expenses while away from their home base. This payment is usually not taxable, except on day trips without an overnight layover, making it a significant boost to net income.
Per diem rates differ between domestic and international travel. The legacy passenger carriers pay between just under $3 and around $3.50 per hour. Under its new contract, FedEx pays $2.85 per hour for domestic trips and $3.85 for international trips. UPS has lower rates due to its older contract.
Faster Path to High-Paying Aircraft
Seniority dictates a pilot's domicile, aircraft assignment, and rank. Access to widebody aircraft, which command the highest pay rates, is a major differentiator between cargo and passenger airlines.
At passenger airlines, it can take nearly 30 years of seniority to become a widebody captain, though a first officer role may be attainable in a few years. This is because long-haul flights require more first officers than captains. "The passenger airlines generally require many more widebody first officers than captains, creating this discrepancy," the source notes.
At FedEx and UPS, widebodies like the Airbus A300 and Boeing 767 form the majority of the mainline fleets. New hires can be assigned to these aircraft quickly, and widebody captain positions require considerably less seniority because they represent a larger portion of the airline's pilot workforce.
Trip Structures and Flying Hours
Pilot schedules also affect earnings. Passenger airline pilots typically work multi-day trips lasting two to six days. Cargo pilots work different patterns: domestic trips often involve multiple 'out-and-back' legs over several days, while international trips can last from a few days to two weeks.
Freight crews also tend to fly fewer hours per month than passenger airline pilots, though this depends on individual preferences. All pilots have a minimum hours guarantee but are usually scheduled for more. Pilots can boost income by picking up 'premium trips,' which pay 150% of the normal rate when the airline needs to fill a vacancy.
Combining these factors, senior pilots can earn between $200,000 and $300,000 annually. Widebody captains, especially those who take on extra premium flying, can approach half a million dollars per year.
