Boeing 787 Pilots' Salaries Reach New Heights

Pilots of Boeing 787 Dreamliners are among the highest paid in the industry, with experienced captains at major US carriers earning upwards of $400,000 per year. The pay is not fixed and varies depending on factors such as seniority, aircraft type, and annual flying hours.

According to collective bargaining agreements, pilots are compensated according to an hourly rate multiplied by 'credit hours' rather than a flat salary. This means that total pay can vary significantly based on the number of hours flown each month, which is influenced by the trips they bid for and their seniority within the airline.

For captains flying widebody aircraft like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350, hourly rates are significantly higher due to the complexity, range, and operational demands of these aircraft. Senior captains commanding these planes on international routes can earn annual pay exceeding $450,000 to $550,000.