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Air Wisconsin Pilot Pay: Comprehensive Salary Guide for 2025

commercial pilot ground school pilot salary Mar 14, 2025
Overview of Air Wisconsin pilot

Curious about Air Wisconsin pilot pay? This article breaks down how much First Officers and Captains earn, including hourly rates, annual pay, and additional financial benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Wisconsin pays competitive pilot salaries with First Officers making $83,000 to $125,000 per year and Captains making $153.75 to $221.25 per hour depending on experience.

  • They offer immediate captain upgrades and full benefits including a great 401(k) plan, bonuses and guaranteed pay for cancellations and deadhead flights so it’s a great employer.

  • Pilot candidates must meet strict qualifications including an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and minimum flight hour requirements, so you know you’ll be working with a highly experienced team.

Air Wisconsin Pilot Salary Overview

Pilot salaries at Air Wisconsin are based on experience, flight hours, and the number of hours flown during each bid period. They offer competitive and lucrative pay to attract and retain the best.

Salaries at Air Wisconsin are based on flight hours and position. This way everyone gets paid fairly for their experience and responsibilities. Below we’ll break down the pay for First Officers and Captains.

First Officer Pay Structure

At Air Wisconsin, new first officers are guaranteed $96 per hour and at least 75 hours a month. This is a solid income and a great foundation for someone new to the industry.

First officers can make $83,000 to $125,000 per year based on experience and flight hours.

This pay structure provides financial stability and encourages additional flight time and expertise, so you can grow professionally in the field.

Captain Pay Structure

At Air Wisconsin, captain pay is based on experience and tenure, with hourly rates starting at $153.75 and going up to $221.25. The higher pay reflects the added responsibilities and skills required for the captain position.

So, how much do Southwest airline pilots make? While Air Wisconsin offers competitive pay, Southwest Airlines pilots typically earn a higher salary due to their industry reputation and benefits. Captains at Southwest can expect salaries that reflect the high standards of one of the most recognized airlines in the U.S.

Captains have access to a 401(k) plan that offers up to 8% matching regardless of the employee contribution, with no cap on longevity pay for past Part 121 experience. So if you’re a first officer looking to advance, becoming a captain is both appealing and profitable.

Factors Affecting Pilot Pay at Air Wisconsin

First Officer Compensation at Air Wisconsin

At Air Wisconsin, a pilot’s salary is influenced by various elements. Both reserve staff and line holders are entitled to a specific number of guaranteed days off, which contributes to their overall work-life balance. The number of flight hours accumulated in each bidding cycle plays a crucial role in determining their pay, as pilots select flight schedules that influence the total flying hours and consequently their compensation.

Pilots have the chance to increase their earnings through additional flying opportunities, which could potentially grant them premiums up to 300% for hours flown beyond their regular schedule.

This incentivizes pilots at Air Wisconsin to undertake extra flights for substantial monetary rewards.

Air Wisconsin enhances its remuneration package with bonuses like a $5,000 bonus awarded after training completion.

These financial incentives significantly augment a pilot’s overall income and contribute to making employment with Air Wisconsin an economically attractive proposition.

Immediate Captain Upgrades

Air Wisconsin is giving First Officers the chance to become captains now and jump start their career and salary.

By streamlining the promotion process Air Wisconsin helps officers meet their goals faster and gets a strong lineup of experienced Captains.

This is a great opportunity for driven pilots.

Benefits and Compensation Package

Understanding the Financial Benefits for Air Wisconsin Pilots

Air Wisconsin has a solid compensation and benefits package so pilots have financial security with a 75 hour flight reserve guarantee each month which is consistent income.

Pilots have at least 12 days off each month which is a big factor in their pay and work/life balance. By utilizing trip touching, pilots can effectively extend one week of vacation into three weeks, maximizing their time off. Trip touching allows pilots to combine their vacation time with other time off policies, providing more substantial breaks.

They are fully compensated for any cancellations or repositioning flights they were scheduled to fly which adds to their overall pay. To cover health related needs they have medical, dental and vision coverage. To make Air Wisconsin an employer of choice they also have company paid ATP CTP courses, accrued vacation time and retirement savings options.

Pros and Cons of Flying for Air Wisconsin

Flying for Air Wisconsin can be a rewarding career choice for pilots, but like any job, it has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of flying for Air Wisconsin:

Air Wisconsin Captains: Leadership and Responsibilities

As a captain with Air Wisconsin, you will lead the flight crew and the aircraft. Here are the key responsibilities and leadership skills expected of Air Wisconsin captains:

  • Leadership: Air Wisconsin captains are the leaders of their flight crew. They make the calls on safety and the operation of the aircraft, and ensure all procedures are followed.

  • Communication: Communication is key in the cockpit. Captains must communicate clearly with their crew and air traffic control to ensure smooth and safe ops. This means giving clear instructions and listening to feedback from first officers and other crew members.

  • Decision-Making: Captains must be able to make quick decisions in high pressure situations. They must prioritize the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, often making split second decisions that have big consequences.

  • Training and Development: Captains are responsible for mentoring and training first officers and other crew members.

    By sharing their knowledge and experience, they help develop the skills of their team so all crew members are ready for their role and future career advancement.

Hiring Requirements for Air Wisconsin Pilots

To be a pilot at Air Wisconsin

To be a pilot at Air Wisconsin you must meet strict requirements which include FAA, TSA, DOT and FCC mandates. You must also have an active Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and a current First Class Medical Certificate.

Aspiring pilots must have a minimum of 1500 hours fixed wing flight time with 250 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).

If you have an aviation degree you may be eligible for reduced flight time requirements. Must be at least 21 years old and have passed the ATP written exam before starting training.

Additional requirements are a radiotelephone operator’s permit and be eligible to receive a Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.

These requirements ensure all pilots at the airline are highly skilled and ready to do the job.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Air Wisconsin has many opportunities for career growth so if you are looking to advance your career in aviation this is an attractive option. Their career progression program includes cross country flying which is key to getting future opportunities.

The company recommends gaining experience in multi engine aircraft so you can fly more complex airplanes. Pilots are given a clear path with consistent flying assignments and exposure to different types of flying which makes for a diverse and rewarding career.

These opportunities not only hone your skills but also increase your earning potential making Air Wisconsin a great choice for driven pilots looking to move up the ranks in the industry.

How to Apply for an Air Wisconsin Pilot Position

The application process is multi step. Interested individuals must first fill out an online application and attach their resume and cover letter.

If they pass the initial screen they may be invited to participate in a group interview which is why preparation is key. Interviews are a combination of HR and technical questions to make it a comfortable environment for applicants.

These interviews are done remotely and typically 30-40 minutes long. Make sure to gather all documents beforehand so everything is in order.

Through this process Air Wisconsin can weed out the best candidates for the pilot positions.

About Air Wisconsin

Overview of Air Wisconsin as a regional airline.

Air Wisconsin is a regional airline with American Airlines, providing links to major hubs and the network.

Based in Appleton, Wisconsin they're a big part of the regional flight business.

Conclusion

Flying for Air Wisconsin can be a great career for pilots, good pay and benefits, opportunities to advance and variety of routes.

There is some uncertainty about the future of the airline but Air Wisconsin’s focus on training and development and good work rules make it an attractive option for pilots.

Whether you’re a first officer looking to advance or a captain looking for a new challenge Air Wisconsin is worth a look. With immediate captain upgrades and a full benefits package Air Wisconsin is the top choice for pilots looking for a fulfilling and profitable career in aviation.

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