Pilot Careers
Direct-entry captains, near-entry captains and pilots with Part 121 experience are now eligible for additional bonuses at Piedmont. Stabilize your career with top pay and a guaranteed seat at American Airlines.
Not enough hours to apply? Get paid to build time with Piedmont’s flexible Cadet Program.
Piedmont offers the Fastest Path to American Airlines
With a guaranteed job at American Airlines waiting, no regional airline gets pilots to a major airline faster. In about five years, Piedmont pilots transition to the world’s largest airline, all while taking home the industry-leading pay rate for first officers. Talk to a recruiter to learn how you can guarantee your seat at American.
Earn your Stripes Quickly
At Piedmont, you may start as a first officer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll stay in the right seat longer than you need to. Before your guaranteed job at American, Piedmont pilots have the opportunity to become captains in 12-15 months, which increases your pay. It’s even sooner for pilots with Part 121 experience.
Pay & Benefits
First Officer Compensation
$50.50/hour (April 1, 2020)
First year pay for First Officers
75 hours/month
Guaranteed
$18,000 Signing Bonus +
Additional Bonus for Current Part 121 Experience
Ask a recruiter for more information
Upgrade to Captain
$76.76/hour
Year one Captain
$79.41/hour
Year two Captain
- Upgrade in 12-15 months, sooner with Part 121 experience
- After 2,500 total hours and 1,000 Part 121 hours, bid for captain
$5,000 – $15,000 additional bonus
Near-entry and direct entry captains
Time off
11 days off per month guaranteed minimum
42 hours paid sick leave per year
5 paid vacation days in your first year
10 paid vacation days in your second year
Travel for Free
Ready to explore the world? You, your immediate family and your friends can reach 365 destinations on more than 6,800 daily flights across the American Airlines global network.
Insurance and Retirement
High quality health insurance is best in the industry
PPO covers doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions and vision
Dental coverage includes no-cost preventative care
Life and disability insurance provided at no cost to you
401(k) plan through Fidelity, with a company match
Additional Benefits
Commuters receive two free hotel rooms per month
Training at the American Airlines Training Center in CLT
100 percent trip cancellation and dead head pay
Triple premium pay available for flying on scheduled days off
Bid on crew base assignments based on vacancies and seniority
Hub bases: Philadelphia (PHL) or Charlotte (CLT)
Crew Bases
Charlotte, NC
Two hours from the mountains, three to the coast, Charlotte has it all. Hiking, biking, rafting and the mild year-round climate to enjoy it. Fly Embraer jets from CLT, American’s largest East Coast hub, and build your career in a vibrant city that’s growing but still small enough to retain its Southern charm that always says hello.
Philadelphia, PA
Piedmont’s prime location and growing Philadelphia hub offer pilots another great situation. You’ll challenge your skills with East Coast takeoffs and landings. You’ll live where everything’s within reach. Operate within easy distance of all that makes the East great – dynamic cities, rich culture, live sports, top dining, the beach and mighty Atlantic. Position your career, your life – in the center of it all.
Paths to the Cockpit
Military Pilot Transition Program
Are you a veteran? Turn your military service into a rewarding civilian career with Piedmont’s Military Pilot Transition Program.
$10,000 Employee Referral Bonus
All Piedmont team members are eligible for a $10,000 bonus per successful referral. Train, study and work with a buddy and put some cash in your pocket.