# A senior Boeing 787 captain at United Airlines can earn more than half a million dollars annually in 2026.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-06 · Simple Flying*

## Key points

- A senior United Airlines Boeing 787 captain can earn over $558,000 annually by 2026 before benefits.
- Widebody pilots at US legacy airlines now exceed $465 per flight hour, excluding 18% retirement contributions.
- Dreamliner pay illustrates a widening pay gap between US and European widebody pilots, with US pilots earning nearly double.
- Only senior captains at top US legacy carriers receive these high compensation packages; most 787 pilots earn far less.
- Aggressive new pilot contracts at United and Delta are further raising pay, especially for senior widebody captains.

**Companies:** United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Simple Flying](https://simpleflying.com/flying-dreamliner-pays-dreamliner-money-2026-only-right-airline/)

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