By aircraft · 2026
Large Narrowbody Captain Pay 2026
Typical large narrowbody captain base salary by experience across US airlines.
Representative base salary by year
| Year | Base salary | Est. take-home (TX) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $236,934 | $184,659 |
| Year 5 | $274,964 | $209,957 |
| Year 10 | $341,573 | $253,253 |
| Year 12 | $275,557 | $210,343 |
Averaged across reporting airlines. Take-home assumes Texas domicile, federal tax only.
Large Narrowbody Captains fly stretched single-aisle jets like the Boeing 737-900 and 737 MAX 9. Across US carriers, reported base salary for this role and fleet ranges from roughly $57,000 to $343,680 for 2026, with aircraft size being one of the clearest drivers of the difference between fleets.
Aircraft category matters because most airline contracts pay a premium for larger, heavier aircraft. A Captain who upgrades from a narrowbody to a large narrowbody fleet typically sees a pay increase on the same seniority step — one reason fleet choice is a strategic career decision, not just a lifestyle one.
These figures show base salary aggregated across airlines for the large narrowbody captain role. Individual carriers vary, and total compensation adds profit sharing, retirement contributions, and per diem on top. Use the explorer to see airline-specific numbers and model your own state's taxes.