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Viral Pay Stub Shows American Airlines Captain Nears $458,000 in 2025 Earnings

The eye‑popping figure reflects flight‑time pay supplemented by profit‑sharing and premium trips.

Overview

  • A screenshot attributed to a Miami‑based Boeing 737 captain lists about $457,894.51 in year‑to‑date pay and a base rate just over $360 per flight hour.
  • For the Nov. 16–Dec. 1 pay period, the statement shows $35,963.66, including roughly 95 flight hours worth $26,162.09 plus profit‑sharing and premium incentives.
  • The post originated on Reddit before being deleted and was reshared on X by Breaking Aviation News & Videos, where it drew more than 1.3 million views and wide reaction.
  • FAA rules cap pilots at 1,000 flight hours in any rolling year and limit duty periods, constraining how much of the headline hourly rate can be earned.
  • Pay varies by aircraft and seniority, with top wide‑body captains reported near $450 per hour, and becoming an airline pilot typically requires an ATP with at least 1,500 flight hours.