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Hawaiian Airlines 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.

Now part of Alaska Air Group. Living and flying in Hawaii is the ultimate lifestyle perk. Slower seniority progression due to low attrition.

First Officer (entry)$75,000 /yr
First Officer (mid-career)$140,000 /yr
Captain (year 1)$200,000 /yr
Captain (top of scale)$320,000 /yr
CurrencyUSD · United States
Minimum hours1,500 total time
Type ratingProvided by airline
Hiring statusActively hiring
Fleet you will flyB717, B787, A321

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 Hawaiian Airlines.

Most pilots get to Hawaiian Airlines 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$75,000$140,000$170,000
Captain$200,000$270,000$320,000

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

How Hawaiian Airlines Pay Compares

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

AirlineFO Year 1FO Year 10Captain Year 1Captain top
Hawaiian Airlines (this page)$75,000$170,000$200,000$320,000
Qatar Airways$100,000$140,000$195,000$320,000
Kalitta Air$90,000$175,000$220,000$320,000
Western Global Airlines$85,000$165,000$210,000$305,000

Salary Progression

First Officer

Year 1
$75,000
Year 5
$140,000
Year 10
$170,000

Captain

Year 1
$200,000
Year 5
$270,000
Year 10
$320,000

Benefits & Total Compensation

Base pay is only the floor. Hawaiian Airlines also includes the following package items, which can lift total comp by 20–40% above advertised base.

Free travel (standby)
Health insurance
401k match
Life in Hawaii

Fleet Types

B717B787A321

2 pilot bases worldwide

Requirements & Career

Minimum Flight Hours

1,500

Type Rating Provided

Yes

Career Progression

Slow

Unionized

Yes

Quality of Life Rating

5/5

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Hawaiian Airlines pilot make?

A First Officer at Hawaiian Airlines earns $75,000 in year 1, rising to $170,000 by year 10. Captains earn $200,000 initially, reaching $320,000 at year 10.

Is Hawaiian Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 1,500.

What are the minimum hours to fly for Hawaiian Airlines?

Hawaiian Airlines requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. Type rating training is provided by the airline.

Does Hawaiian Airlines provide type rating training?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines provides type rating training for new hires on their fleet types: B717, B787, A321.

What is the career progression like at Hawaiian Airlines?

Career progression at Hawaiian Airlines is rated as "Slow". Pilots are unionized, which provides structured seniority-based advancement. Quality of life is rated 5/5.

Compare With Other North America Airlines

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