First Officer

There’s never been a more exciting time to fly for United Airlines. We’re on a path towards becoming the best airline in the history of aviation and our commitment to hiring the most talented and diverse group of pilots is at the forefront of our efforts. Apply today for the career of a lifetime.

What United has to offer

Unprecedented growth at United means unprecedented opportunity for our pilots. United is the career destination for pilots, offering a world of possibilities unmatched by any other airline.

• Historic growth – With over 800 narrowbody and widebody aircraft orders in recent years, United is on the most ambitious growth trajectory ever. Growth means opportunity for pilots and United offers more and faster upgrade opportunities than any other carrier.
• Unmatched fleet – United has the largest widebody fleet in North America, offering more of the highest paying pilot jobs with flights to iconic destinations around the globe.
• Most comprehensive global network – United has the most comprehensive global network of any U.S. carrier. We have nonstop or one-stop service from almost anywhere in the U.S., and our network grows each year. Plus, our participation in Star Alliance provides access to an even bigger, growing global network with 26 member carriers. 
• Base flexibility – With hubs and crew bases in great cities across the U.S., and the ability to explore new opportunities for yourself and your future, you’ll find more ways to live the life you want at United. This includes flexibility for various flying and support of lifestyle priorities.
• World’s largest flight training facility – Our Flight Training Center (FTC) in Denver is the world’s largest and the industry’s leading airline training facility, with cutting-edge technology and next-level training.
• Industry-leading sustainability initiatives – United is continuing its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. From our investments in carbon sequestration to sustainable aviation fuel to electric aircraft, United pursues innovative and industry-leading approaches to a sustainable future for aviation.
• Diverse and inclusive culture – As a global company, we are driving meaningful change in the places where we fly by creating exciting, rewarding and long-term careers for tens of thousands of people.

United First Officer Requirements

We are looking for talented pilot candidates who:

• Reflect our leadership qualities, including the ability to model character, think creatively, deliver results and foster teamwork
• Share our commitment to the principles of core4 service behaviors: Safe, Caring, Dependable and Efficient
• Demonstrate a passion for the industry and a lifelong dedication to excellence and achievement

Certification requirements:

• Unrestricted FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with airplane multiengine class rating
• Current FAA first-class medical certificate
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR)

Flight time:

• Require a minimum of 1,500 hours of total time
• Prefer 1,000 hours of fixed wing turbine time
• Prefer a minimum of 100 hours of flight time within the last 12 months

General requirements:

• Current passport with at least six-months of validity remaining at time of employment.
• Legal right to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Must be able to travel freely within the United States and without restriction to all countries United serves
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university is preferred
  • All foreign transcripts need to be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. degrees by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and overall authenticity
• International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever (Yellow Card) must be presented to United Airlines on the first day of employment at United Airlines.
  • If you are unable to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever due to a medical restriction or sincerely held religious belief, you will need to participate in United’s Reasonable Accommodation Process (RAP) before the first day of employment. We are unable to consider you for employment until this process is complete.
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position. Additionally, we require availability without any planned absences during the first twelve weeks of employment with United Airlines.

In 2026, the starting hourly rate for all new hire United First Officers is $125.52 per flight hour.

At United, we offer a competitive compensation package with benefits including, but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance, employee assistance, paid holidays, defined contribution plan, and travel privileges. Benefits and compensation are governed by the United Pilot Agreement between United and the Air Line Pilots Association.