← All airlines
FedEx Express vs UPS Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at FedEx Express (FX) and UPS Airlines (5X) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
FedEx Express
UPS Airlines
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Cargo Airline
Cargo Airline
IATA Code
FX
5X
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$100,000 - $220,000
$100,000 - $220,000
Captain Salary
$280,000 - $400,000+
$280,000 - $400,000+
Fleet
Boeing 757, 767, 777, MD-11, Airbus A300
Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777, MD-11, Airbus A300
Requirements Comparison
FedEx Express
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- 500+ hours turbine PIC
- FAA Class 1 medical
- Excellent safety record
UPS Airlines
- ATP certificate
- Turbine PIC experience
- FAA Class 1 medical
- Clean record
Pros & Cons
FedEx Express
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Daytime flexibility with cargo schedule
- +Large domestic route network
Cons
- –Primarily night flying operations
UPS Airlines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Daytime flexibility with cargo schedule
- +Diverse fleet with many type rating opportunities
- +Large domestic route network
Cons
- –Primarily night flying operations
- –Longer wait for specific type ratings due to fleet size
About Each Airline
FedEx Express
FedEx Express is one of the highest-paying airlines in the world. Cargo operations mean primarily night flying but excellent compensation and schedules.
Full FedEx Express career guide →UPS Airlines
UPS Airlines offers top-tier pilot compensation with cargo operations. Night flying schedule allows for daytime flexibility.
Full UPS Airlines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at FedEx Express or UPS Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator