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Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Delta Air Lines (DL) and United Airlines (UA) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
DL
UA
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$95,000 - $210,000
$90,000 - $200,000
Captain Salary
$260,000 - $420,000+
$250,000 - $400,000+
Fleet
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, Airbus A220/320/321/330/350
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, 787, Airbus A319/320/321
Requirements Comparison
Delta Air Lines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 4-year degree preferred
- Strong leadership and CRM skills
United Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 1,000+ hours PIC preferred
- 4-year degree preferred
Pros & Cons
Delta Air Lines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Large domestic route network
United Airlines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Diverse fleet with many type rating opportunities
- +Large domestic route network
Cons
- –Longer wait for specific type ratings due to fleet size
About Each Airline
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is consistently ranked as a top employer among US airlines, known for its strong company culture and competitive compensation.
Full Delta Air Lines career guide →United Airlines
United Airlines operates a massive global network from its hubs in Newark, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington.
Full United Airlines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Delta Air Lines or United Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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