American Airlines (AA) is the world’s largest airline and flies to more than 350 destinations in over 60 countries. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, AA operates its hubs in major US cities such as Dallas–Fort Worth, Miami, and Charlotte. If you want to work for American Airlines in 2025, you’ll need to understand the company’s hiring process and explore the wide range of AA careers that are currently available.
In 2024, American Airlines flew more than 2.1 million flights and covered 1.8 billion miles.1 This big of a scale requires a massive team, leading to thousands of job opportunities and openings each year across customer service, flight operations, IT, and management.
This guide will explain how to get a job at American Airlines in 2025, what the hiring process looks like, and what it’s actually like to work there. American Airlines is known for competitive pay, strong employee benefits, and clear career growth opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about the steps you can take to successfully land a role with American Airlines.
American Airlines Company Background: History, Hubs, and Workforce
American Airlines traces its history back to 1930, when 82 small airlines were consolidated into a single network.2 Robertson Aircraft Corporation and Colonial Air Transport were among the earliest foundations of the new airline.3 The company is currently headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
AA is the largest global airline in the world in terms of fleet size and passenger volume.4 In 2024, the airline flew more than 275 million passengers across 350+ destinations in over 60 countries.1 It operates 10 major hubs, including Dallas–Fort Worth, Miami, Chicago O’Hare, and Philadelphia. Job openings in 2025 span roles like customer service, cabin crew, operations, maintenance, IT, and corporate positions.
As of 2025, American Airlines operates a fleet of more than 1000 aircrafts, which makes it the largest commercial fleet in the world.5
American Airlines Hiring Process: Timeline and Difficulty Explained
It typically takes between about three and six weeks to complete the American Airlines hiring process, and this is everything from submitting an application to actually receiving an offer. The process is generally straightforward but can be extensive depending on the role you are looking at.
How to Apply for American Airlines Jobs Online
To apply for a job at American Airlines in 2025, you have to visit the company’s official careers site and create a candidate profile. You will then be asked to enter your personal details, upload a resume, and provide supporting documents such as any certifications (if the position requires). The online application typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
After setting up your profile, you can search for open roles by department, location, or keyword on the American Airlines careers page. Each job listing includes a detailed description and requirement for the specific position. When you click “Apply,” the system will redirect you to your profile to confirm or update missing details before the final submission.
American Airlines Job Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Job Application. To get a job at American Airlines, candidates must apply through the official careers website. Most applications will require a resume and may also request a cover letter or additional outside certification depending on the role.
The American Airlines Assessment. Qualified applicants are invited to complete assessments, which may include personality, situational judgment, or cognitive tests. Flight attendant applicants will often have to complete a video interview, while pilot candidates must pass role-specific assessments and simulator evaluations.
Interviews. Selected candidates are invited to interviews, which may begin with a virtual group session and then progress to one-on-one or in-person interviews. Depending on the role, applicants may be asked to demonstrate teamwork, communication skills, and technical knowledge to prove they are a good fit for the role.
Training. Nearly all roles at American Airlines include some kind of mandatory training. For example, new flight attendants have to complete a rigorous six-week training program in Dallas–Fort Worth, which covers safety, customer service, and emergency procedures. Other roles may require shorter or more specialized training depending on what the duties entail.
Offer and Onboarding. After completing the required training, successful applicants will receive an official job offer that outlines the salary, benefits, and employment terms of their role. They then can move into onboarding, which includes orientation and additional role-specific preparation.
Common American Airlines Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
American Airlines’ interview questions are designed to assess prospective employees’s teamwork, communication, and customer service skills, as well as your ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. Below are some of the common questions that you might be asked in your interviews.
- Tell us about yourself and why you’re interested in working at American Airlines.
- Describe a time that you faced a challenging situation at work or school and how you overcame it.
- What qualities do you value most in an employer?
- How would you respond to an angry customer while maintaining your professionalism and empathy?
- If you and several customers were in a potentially unsafe situation, how would you handle it to ensure everyone’s safety?
Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when they answer the behavioral questions because this structured approach is commonly expected in airline interviews (as well as many other corporate sector interviews).
Working at American Airlines: Pay, Benefits, and Work Environment in 2025
To succeed at American Airlines, you will need strong communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to adapt in fast-paced environments. Like any large employer, working for American Airlines has both advantages and challenges.
As of 2025, American Airlines has a rating of 3.6 stars out of 5 on Glassdoor, with many employees highlighting the travel benefits and career growth opportunities at the airline. In terms of challenges, some employees note the irregular hours as being difficult to adjust to.6
Taking all of this into consideration, below we explore the work environment, growth opportunities, pay, and benefits to give you a clearer picture of what it’s actually like to work at American Airlines in 2025.
American Airlines Work Environment and Company Culture
Working at American Airlines will give employees the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The company maintains a formal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy, which supports an inclusive workplace across race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities.
Career Growth Opportunities at American Airlines
American Airlines offers clear opportunities for career advancement for their employees. Employees who demonstrate strong performance and complete the required training can move into higher-level roles over time. The company also provides tuition assistance and professional development programs that will support your long-term career growth.
American Airlines Salaries: Average Pay for Employees in 2025
According to Glassdoor data, the estimated average salary for American Airlines employees in 2025 varies based on individual roles and experience. Flight attendants report median salaries of roughly $67,000 annually, with total compensation having the potential to reach higher levels depending on seniority and experience.9 Airline pilots are among the highest earners, with median annual salaries of $239,000.8
For comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for US airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $219,140 in 2025.10
American Airlines Employee Benefits and Perks in 2025
One of the most valued benefits at American Airlines is employee travel privileges, which allows workers and their eligible family members to fly at little to no cost across the airline’s global network. Below are some of the additional benefits that are offered by American Airlines in 2025.
- Travel privileges. Employees and eligible family members can fly at little to no cost on American Airlines flights, with additional access to discounted fares on partner airlines.
- Health coverage. Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits begin on the first day of your employment.
- Retirement plans. Most employees can participate in a 401(k) with company matching contributions.
- Learning and development. American Airlines provides professional development resources and tuition assistance for eligible employees.
- Scholarships for dependents. Dependents of employees may apply for scholarships and educational grants through their company-supported programs.
In addition to traditional benefits, American Airlines offers wellness programs such as fitness resources, employee assistance programs (EAP), and mental health support.
American Airlines Careers: Job Descriptions, Salaries, and Requirements in 2025
American Airlines hires across more than 30 departments, which range from customer service to IT and operations. Below are 10 career paths at American Airlines, with updated salary data and minimum qualifications as of 2025.
These roles represent a mix of IT, operations, and customer service jobs at American Airlines, with salaries ranging from about $33,000 for entry-level positions to more than $190,000 for senior technical and management roles.
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1. Senior Developer, IT Applications
Average salary: ranges from $118,000–$140,000 per year.11
Requirements: 3+ years of software development experience; master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
Role: Developers design, analyze, and implement software solutions for AA’s IT systems.
2. Engineer/Senior Engineer, IT Infrastructure
Average salary: ranges from $112,000–$150,000 per year.12
Requirements: 3+ years of airline or IT infrastructure experience; master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
Role: Engineers manage cloud-based and traditional IT infrastructure to support airline operations.
3. Project Manager/Senior Project Manager, IT
Average salary: ranges from $110,000–$140,000 per year.13
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field; 3+ years of IT project management experience.
Role: Oversees multiple high-priority IT projects, ensuring delivery and alignment with company goals.
4. Analyst, Contact Center – Continuous Improvement
Average salary: ranges from $74,000–$96,000 per year.14
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; 3+ years in industrial engineering, marketing, sales, or operations.
Role: Supports contact center leadership and operations to improve customer experience.
5. Senior Analyst, Regional Strategy and Business Planning
Average salary: ranges from $92,000–$121,000 per year.15
Requirements: Undergraduate degree in aviation, economics, business, or finance; 3+ years of operational or commercial experience.
Role: Analyzes data to support strategic business initiatives.
6. Plant Maintenance Mechanic
Median salary: ranges from $31–$40 per hour.16
Requirements: Valid FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or equivalent; 3+ years mechanical experience.
Role: Performs repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems in airport facilities.
7. Associate Analyst/IT Operations Help Desk
Average salary: ranges from $48,000–$66,000 per year.17
Requirements: Technical degree plus A+ or Apple certifications.
Role: Provides first-level IT troubleshooting and technical support.
8. Coordinator, Customer Experience Product Support
Average salary: ranges from $40,000–$54,000 per year.18
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, or related field; 3+ years airline service experience.
Role: Supports customer experience product teams through data analysis and project coordination.
9. Specialist, Flight Operations Technician
Average salary: ranges from $43,000–$60,000 per year.19
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; 3+ years flight operations and safety experience.
Role: Maintains quality assurance and compliance across flight operations.
10. Cabin Crew
Average salary: ranges from $10 to $24 per hour.20
Requirements: High school diploma/GED; 1+ years of service work experience.
Role: Ensures aircraft cabins are cleaned, stocked, and prepared for passengers.
Skills and Qualifications Needed to Work at American Airlines in 2025
To work at American Airlines in 2025, you’ll need strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively in teams, and the capacity to remain calm in high-pressure situations. Success in landing a role with the airline also depends on tailoring your application to highlight your relevant skills and making sure that you emphasize your alignment with the company’s service-oriented culture.
Employees may sometimes work overtime due to flight delays or operational needs, but American Airlines offsets these challenges with comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Make sure that you are okay with this overtime requirement before applying for the role.
For flight attendants, American Airlines typically requires applicants to be at least 20 years old, hold a valid passport, and meet the physical requirements such as reaching storage bins and passing safety training.option.
American Airlines Jobs FAQ: Requirements, Training, Pay, and Work Environment
To work for American Airlines, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States and have a valid passport for international travel. Specific requirements will vary by role: for example, flight attendants must be at least 20 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and complete the required company training. Applicants for technical or corporate roles may need higher education or specific certifications (depending on the roles requirements).
American Airlines provides in-house training for many of its roles, so you won’t necessarily need to pay for external training. Flight attendant training is unpaid, but the airline covers housing and meals during the six-week program in Dallas–Fort Worth. Other positions may have shorter, role-specific training with different compensation structures.
Yes, the airline does pay well. According to Glassdoor, salary can range anywhere from in the $30,000s to well over $300,000, depending on your role. Customer service representatives earn a median salary of $43,000 per year, while airline pilots earn a median salary of $239,000 total.7-8
Working at American Airlines can be challenging because of its fast-paced environment, irregular schedules, and customer-facing responsibilities. However, many employees highlight the travel perks, pay, and career advancement opportunities as key benefits that balance out the demands.
The hiring process typically takes anywhere from three to six weeks from application to job offer, depending on the role.
Reference
- https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2024/By-the-numbers-American-Airlines-wraps-up-2024-MKG-OTH-12/default.aspx
- https://www.businessinsider.com/questions-about-the-american-us-airways-merger-2013-2
- https://www.britannica.com/money/American-Airlines
- https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/largest-airlines-april
- https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/09/02/american-airlines-reaches-1000-aircraft-fleet/#google_vignette
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-American-Airlines-EI_IE8.11,28.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Customer-Service-Representative-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,49.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Airline-Pilot-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,31.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Flight-Attendant-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,34.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes532011.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Salaries-E8.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Senior-IT-Infrastructure-Engineer-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,51.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Senior-Project-Manager-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,40.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Continuous-Improvement-Analyst-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,48.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Senior-Business-Analyst-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,41.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Hourly-Pay/American-Airlines-Plant-Maintenance-Mechanic-Hourly-Pay-E8_D_KO18,44.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-IT-Help-Desk-Analyst-United-States-of-America-Salaries-EJI_IE8.0,17_KO18,38_IL.39,63_IN1.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Customer-Service-Coordinator-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,46.htm
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Airlines-Operations-Support-Specialist-Salaries-E8_D_KO18,47.htm
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/American-Airlines-Cabin-Crew-Salary#:~:text=As%20of%20Aug%2026%2C%202025,States%20is%20%2417.84%20an%20hour.
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