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Commercial pilots for Delta Air Lines, Minnesota's biggest airline, are set to make a lot more money, thanks to a new contract that includes a historic raise.

It's probably safe to say that many employees across Minnesota and the country haven't had much of a raise recently. And even if they *did* get a raise, it probably wasn't as much as pilots for Delta Air Lines will be getting over the next several years.

How Big a Raise Are Delta Air Line Pilots Getting?

That's because Delta, the largest commercial airline here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, offered its pilots a new contract earlier this year that includes a 34% raise over the next four years! That's not a typo, (not 3.4%, for example) it is, in fact, a pay increase that will be at least 34%!

READ MORE: Delta Air Lines Just Ended This Direct Flight from MN

According to the Associated Press and this Aero Explorer story, 78% of Delta's 15,000 pilots-- a decent number of whom are based here in the North Star State-- approved that new back in early Mach. The contract went into effect on March 2nd and means all Delta pilots are earning an 18% raise this year, with another 5% raise in 2024, 4% in 2025, and another 4% in 2026.

So how much money do pilots for Delta Air Lines make per year?

This Flying story says Delta pilots already earn a pretty hefty salary, depending upon their experience and the aircraft they fly.

Pilot pay at Delta Air Lines ranges from $64,000 per year for a new first officer up to $257,000 per year for a senior captain.

And, in addition to great pay, Flying says Delta pilots also get some decent benefits, too, including:

  • Profit-sharing
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Competitive life insurance
  • Comprehensive medical insurance, including dental and optometry
  • Paid leave benefits
  • Free and discounted flights

Becoming a commercial pilot isn't cheap

If you'd like to earn your wings and become a pilot, it's going to cost you. Flying says tuition at a flight school can run anywhere from $80,000 to a whopping $400,000 depending on what type of school you attend. So, you'll need some of those salaries just to pay off the debt you incurred while in flight school!

Both stories noted that the massive raise Delta offered its pilots is a result of the company's attempts to retain pilots in the wake of a continuing shortage caused by the pandemic, and has been duplicated at several other airlines, as well.

Now while pilots DO make a pretty good living, they're likely NOT among the richest people in America. Keep scrolling to see WHO are the richest-- and how they did it!

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25 richest people in America and how they did it

Stacker compiled a list of the 25 wealthiest people in the country and how they've maintained their fortune.