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Horizon Air (Alaska) Pilot Salary 2026

First Officer & Captain pay scales · Updated May 2026

Renzo Madueño, CPL
Renzo Madueño
Former Airbus A320 First Officer · FAA Commercial Pilot · Founder, Rotate Pilot
Ex-airline pilot, 1,400+ flight hours. Writes from real cockpit and checkride experience — not a content farm.

Alaska Air Group's regional carrier with guaranteed flow-through to Alaska Airlines mainline. Pacific Northwest bases.

First Officer (entry)$55,000 /yr
First Officer (mid-career)$82,000 /yr
Captain (year 1)$110,000 /yr
Captain (top of scale)$170,000 /yr
CurrencyUSD · United States
Minimum hours1,500 total time
Type ratingProvided by airline
Hiring statusActively hiring
Fleet you will flyE175

Cross-check these numbers against the broader 2026 pilot pay benchmarks before you commit, and if you are still building hours, see how a sponsored seat at a 2026 airline cadet program shortcuts the path to Horizon Air (Alaska).

Most pilots get to Horizon Air (Alaska) the long way: a regional first. Compare these scales against the 2026 regional airline pay scales to see what your first 3–5 years actually look like, or the cargo pilot salary guide if FedEx or UPS is on your shortlist. Aiming for a US legacy seat? The step-by-step how to get hired at Delta playbook breaks down what the majors interview panels actually weigh.

Salary by Seat × Year

PositionYear 1Year 5Year 10
First Officer$55,000$82,000$98,000
Captain$110,000$145,000$170,000

All figures in USD. Base pay only — does not include per diem, profit sharing or 401k/pension match where applicable.

How Horizon Air (Alaska) Pay Compares

Same currency (USD), captain top-of-scale ranked. Helps you sanity-check whether Horizon Air (Alaska) pays above or below market for its peer group.

AirlineFO Year 1FO Year 10Captain Year 1Captain top
Endeavor Air$56,000$98,000$112,000$172,000
Horizon Air (Alaska) (this page)$55,000$98,000$110,000$170,000
Republic Airways$55,000$100,000$110,000$170,000
Vietnam Airlines$48,000$80,000$110,000$170,000

Salary Progression

First Officer

Year 1
$55,000
Year 5
$82,000
Year 10
$98,000

Captain

Year 1
$110,000
Year 5
$145,000
Year 10
$170,000

Benefits & Total Compensation

Base pay is only the floor. Horizon Air (Alaska) also includes the following package items, which can lift total comp by 20–40% above advertised base.

Free travel (Alaska standby)
Health insurance
401k match
Flow to Alaska Airlines

Fleet Types

E175

3 pilot bases worldwide

Requirements & Career

Minimum Flight Hours

1,500

Type Rating Provided

Yes

Career Progression

Fast

Unionized

Yes

Quality of Life Rating

4/5

Based on schedule flexibility, base locations, commutability, travel benefits, and overall pilot satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Horizon Air (Alaska) pilot make?

A First Officer at Horizon Air (Alaska) earns $55,000 in year 1, rising to $98,000 by year 10. Captains earn $110,000 initially, reaching $170,000 at year 10.

Is Horizon Air (Alaska) hiring pilots in 2026?

Yes, Horizon Air (Alaska) is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 1,500.

What are the minimum hours to fly for Horizon Air (Alaska)?

Horizon Air (Alaska) requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. Type rating training is provided by the airline.

Does Horizon Air (Alaska) provide type rating training?

Yes, Horizon Air (Alaska) provides type rating training for new hires on their fleet types: E175.

What is the career progression like at Horizon Air (Alaska)?

Career progression at Horizon Air (Alaska) is rated as "Fast". Pilots are unionized, which provides structured seniority-based advancement. Quality of life is rated 4/5.

Compare With Other North America Airlines

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