Breeze Airways Pilot Salary in 2026: What Captains and First Officers Earn
Breeze Airways pilots flying the Airbus A220-300 can earn up to USD 235,200 per year as captains in 2026.
By The Aviation Hub
4 min read
Breeze Airways pilot salary figures for 2026 show first officers earning between USD 105 and USD 158 per flight hour on the Airbus A220-300, while captains can command between USD 215 and USD 280 per flight hour. On a 70-hour monthly flying assumption, that translates to annual earnings of roughly USD 88,200 to USD 235,200, depending on rank and seniority.
Breeze Airways is a Utah-based low-cost carrier founded by David Neeleman, with operations beginning in May 2021. The airline has built its business around nonstop services connecting underserved American cities, offering an alternative to the major hub networks. As it grows, pilot recruitment has become an increasingly important part of its story.
What the Airline Flies in 2026
Aviation A2Z reports that Breeze completed its transition to an all-Airbus A220 fleet in September 2026, retiring its remaining Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft. The airline now operates 55 Airbus A220-300s and has a further 35 on order, making the type the sole aircraft Breeze pilots will fly.
Readers wanting to explore the A220-300 and the wider Breeze fleet in more detail can use our Aircraft Search tool.
Breeze Airways Pilot Salary: First Officer Pay Scale
According to Aviation A2Z, first officer hourly rates on the A220-300 start at USD 105 in year one, rising to USD 132 in year two and USD 137 in year three. The highest published first officer rate reaches USD 158 per flight hour for the most experienced co-pilots on the scale.
Using the 70-hour monthly flying assumption, that range produces annual earnings of approximately USD 88,200 at the entry level and USD 132,720 at the top of the first officer scale. Actual pay depends on the applicable monthly guarantee, credited hours, seniority and any additional assignments or premium payments, so some pilots will earn more than those figures suggest.
What Captains Earn at Breeze
Captain pay starts considerably higher, reflecting command responsibilities and the experience required to hold that rank. Aviation A2Z reports that first-year captains receive USD 215 per flight hour, increasing to USD 237 in year two and USD 241 in year three. The scale peaks at USD 280 per hour in the twelfth year of command.
On the same 70-hour monthly basis, that equates to approximately USD 180,600 per year for a newly upgraded captain and USD 235,200 for a captain at the top of the seniority ladder. As with first officer pay, actual earnings can exceed those figures depending on monthly flying activity and additional assignments.
How Pilots Qualify for Each Role
The requirements differ significantly between the two ranks. Aviation A2Z states that first officer applicants generally need at least 1,500 total flight hours, or eligibility under the applicable FAA Restricted ATP provisions. Direct-entry captain applicants must hold at least 3,000 fixed-wing flight hours, including 2,000 hours on qualifying large transport-category jets, alongside the specified pilot-in-command experience.
Upgrades from first officer to captain depend on seniority, operational requirements and available vacancies, so the timeline to command varies by individual circumstance.
Benefits Beyond the Basic Pay Rate
Pay rates are only part of the picture. According to Aviation A2Z, Breeze pilots receive health insurance, retirement savings provisions, travel privileges, paid time off and professional training as part of their employment package.
The airline's growing route network and fleet expansion also mean that opportunities for progression are likely to increase as more A220-300 deliveries arrive. For pilots seeking experience on a modern narrowbody, the all-A220 operation is a practical draw in itself.
How Breeze Fits into the Broader US Pilot Market
Low-cost carriers across the United States have been competing aggressively for qualified pilots over the past several years. Breeze, as a younger carrier still in a growth phase, is positioned to attract pilots who want early experience on a modern type and a relatively clear path toward upgrade.
We have been following the competitive dynamics across US aviation closely. Our recent analysis of Southwest Airlines and the Boeing 787 illustrates how American carriers are making significant strategic bets that reshape pilot requirements and career opportunities across the industry.
The Bottom Line
Aviation A2Z's published figures show that Breeze Airways offers a clearly structured, seniority-based pay scale that is competitive for a US low-cost carrier at this stage of its development. First officers can expect USD 88,200 to USD 132,720 per year on the 70-hour assumption, while experienced captains can reach USD 235,200.
The completion of the all-A220 fleet transition in September 2026 simplifies type-rating requirements and gives the airline a modern, consistent platform from which to recruit and develop pilots. With 35 further A220-300s on order, the growth trajectory suggests demand for qualified crew will remain firm in the near term.
Continue to follow The Aviation Hub for more analysis and insight.
Advertise with us Your brand, in front of an aviation audience Home page and in-article placements, sold directly, one advertiser per slot. From £250 a year. See the rates
