The compensation for pilots at low-cost airlines in the United States varies significantly compared to major carriers. While senior pilots at Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit can earn up to $270,000 annually, their salaries generally fall below those of their counterparts at Delta, American, and United Airlines. Labor unions are actively negotiating for better pay packages to bridge this gap. Pilots at these budget airlines can still achieve substantial six-figure incomes, especially as they gain experience. Additional earnings from extra flying hours, holidays, and premium pay trips further enhance their annual income.

Compensation Structure at Budget Carriers

Budget airlines like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit offer competitive base salaries that increase with experience. Entry-level first officers start with hourly rates ranging from approximately $58 to $100, while senior captains can earn up to $312 per hour. The annual base pay for first officers ranges from about $48,500 to $174,000, and for captains, it spans from around $137,000 to $270,000. These figures are based on contractual monthly guarantees and seniority levels, which rise over a period of up to 12 years of service.

For instance, a first-year first officer at Allegiant earns about $57.67 per hour, equating to an annual salary of roughly $48,500. Meanwhile, a 12-year captain at Spirit can make $312 per hour, translating to an annual income of approximately $270,000. Each airline has specific minimum monthly flight hours, such as 70 hours for line pilots at Allegiant and 75 hours for those at Frontier. Reserve pilots, who are assigned as needed, have slightly different requirements. Pilots can also boost their earnings by exceeding these minimums, working holidays, or taking on premium pay flights.

Negotiations and Pay Disparities

The disparity in pilot compensation between low-cost and major airlines is a significant concern for labor unions. Pilots at Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit are advocating for higher pay to align more closely with industry standards set by Delta, American, and United. Despite being among the highest-paid workers in the country, budget airline pilots feel undercompensated given their responsibilities and expertise. Contract negotiations are ongoing, with some airlines facing challenges such as bankruptcy proceedings.

For example, Frontier has been in bargaining talks for over a year, while Allegiant has been negotiating since 2021. Spirit's contract negotiations are currently stalled due to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. In contrast, major airlines have seen substantial pay increases during the post-pandemic travel recovery, partly due to a pilot shortage. A spokesperson for Frontier’s pilot union highlighted that their pilots operate the same Airbus A320 family narrowbody planes as those at the Big 3 but receive lower pay. To address these concerns, Allegiant has proposed a "competitive" pay package, including raising first-year first-officer pay to about $114 per hour and increasing 12-year captain pay to $340 per hour. Additionally, retention bonuses could provide thousands of dollars in extra pay for senior captains, potentially reaching over $100,000. These efforts aim to ensure fair compensation while maintaining the financial health of the airlines.