Ever wondered, ‘How much do Southwest Airline pilots make?’ First officers start at around $79,104 per year and captains at $320,640 per year.

A Southwest Airlines captain starts with a first year pay of approximately $241,920, with increases over the years based on experience and flight segments, leading to annual earnings of up to $320,640 for senior captains. This article will break down their pay structure and other factors that impact their pay.

Key Takeaways

• Southwest Pilots get big raises, first officers start at $79,104 per year and captains at $320,640 in their first year.

• Recent contract updates got pilots a 29.15% raise, with annual increases through 2028, overall.

• The application process is structured and detailed on the Southwest Airlines careers page. It includes multiple paths, such as the Destination 225º Pathway Program, to help qualified candidates become Southwest Pilots.

Understanding Southwest Airlines Pilot Pay

Southwest Airlines pilot pay is determined by several factors including tenure, rank and the aircraft they fly. A first officer at Southwest can expect to earn around $75.77 per flight segment in their first year on the job, up to $121.98 by their third year.

This is an entry level annual salary of around $79,104 if they only do the minimum reserve requirements. To apply for a Southwest Airlines pilot job, check eligibility on their careers website and submit an application.

Captains at Southwest start at a higher rate. They might earn around $216.49 per flight segment in their first year as captain up to $320,640 per year based on an 80 hour month schedule. The big difference in pay between first officers and captains shows how pay scales with both position and experience.

Seniority plays a big role in Southwest’s pay scale. Longer service equals higher pay for pilots as they get pay for dedication and experience over time. Other factors like aircraft type, region, and route type also impact individual pay.

Southwest pilots have seen big pay increases from the recent contract changes resulting in 29% total pay increases. With these changes in place pay will continue to increase every year until 2028.

Southwest First Officer Pay Scale

So you want to be a first officer at Southwest Airlines? Well, you get a pretty sweet deal. Initial annual pay is around $127,680 in 2024. And the hourly rate is around $110 in your first year.

As you continue on with Southwest Airlines, first officers get paid more. After 3 years, pay per flight segment is around $121.98. A clear path to pay increases. After 10 years, you can expect to make around $240,960 and after 12 years, you can expect to make over $200 an hour.

The pay structure ensures pay for experience and time in service for Southwest’s first officers. Not only is the base pay attractive but there’s a lot of room for economic growth over time. That’s why this is a popular job for those looking to have a career as a pilot.

Preference is given to candidates who have been actively flying and logged flight hours in the past two years, underlining the competitive nature of pilot recruitment.

Southwest Captain Pay Scale

Becoming a captain at Southwest is a big pay raise. First year captains make around $320,640 per year and $291 per hour.

As captains gain time, their pay grows a lot. By their 10th year they can make up to $343,680 per year for their experience and leadership skills. At 12 years with Southwest, captains can make nearly $317 an hour, that’s a lot of money for long term commitment to an airline career.

This pay scale shows how good it is to be a captain at Southwest. The job has a big first year salary and great pay growth over time two things that makes it a financially smart and a mark of being a professional in the airline industry.

The pilot landscape at major and regional airlines in the US highlights the differences in pilot salaries and hiring requirements, major airlines adjust their requirements to attract pilots from regional airlines.

Factors Affecting Pilot Salary at Southwest Airlines

The salary of a Southwest Airlines pilot is determined by various elements beyond the length of their service. A key component is the payment scheme, which operates on a per flight segment basis with each segment comprising 243 miles. Captains receive compensation tied to these segments instead of solely being paid hourly.

Earnings are Influenced by the specific routes that pilots fly, as there’s an additional remuneration increase of 10 percent for every extra 40 miles traveled past the conventional segment length. Pilots’ total income can be impacted by the monthly reserve guarantee a system that assures pay for at least a certain number of flights segments every month.

When comparing Air Wisconsin pilot pay to Southwest's, the structures show significant differences in compensation, with Air Wisconsin's regional pilots often seeing lower starting salaries than Southwest pilots, which reflects the distinction between regional and major airline pay scales.

The pay for a 737 pilot salary can vary significantly depending on the length of the flight and the pilot’s rank. For example, a captain flying longer segments could see an increase in overall earnings compared to shorter routes.

Southwest employs a trip-for-pay structure wherein one trip equates to 1.16 block hours. This model is designed to provide equitable reimbursement reflecting both time and effort invested by pilots.

Benefits and Perks for Southwest Pilots

In addition to competitive pay, Southwest Airlines pilots get a bunch of other benefits that add to their overall compensation. From day one of employment they have access to health insurance that covers a bunch of programs for physical and mental health.

Southwest provides employees with adoption assistance, paid time off after parental leave and pet health insurance.

Pilots can participate in a profit sharing plan that adds to their retirement savings based on the airlines success. We match 9.3% of your 401(k) up to 9.3% of your income.

A big perk for Southwest pilots is unlimited free flights for themselves and eligible family members—big financial relief and personal enjoyment with free travel on Southwest airplanes.

Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring Requirements

To be considered for a pilot job with Southwest Airlines you must meet the following criteria to ensure we hire top talent. Pilots must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 2,500 hours total time or 1,500 hours in a turbine aircraft.

To that experience, you must have an up-to-date FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate and a U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

English proficiency is required as well as a valid U.S. driver’s license and U.S. passport. It’s important to keep your flying skills current with activity within the last 5 years.

A 4 year college degree is not required to be considered by Southwest Airlines but it does help during the hiring process just like prior military service helps when translating your flight time into civilian aviation terms.

Pathways to Becoming a Southwest Airlines Pilot

There are several ways to become a pilot with Southwest Airlines, each with its own benefits. The Destination 225° Pathway Program is a great option for new pilots to become part of the Southwest team. This program teaches students the skills to fly the Boeing 737 according to Southwest’s operations.

If you have no prior flying experience you can expedite your way to an airline pilot position through the Zero Time to Airline program which can get you to an airline pilot in 2 years. If you already have the skills, Part 121 experience or were a military pilot you may have less time building hours in fixed wing turbine aircraft due to your background.

More information on these pilot training programs can be found on the Southwest Airlines website. This is a great resource for those looking to become a pilot with this airline.

The Application Process for Southwest Airlines Pilots

Becoming a pilot with Southwest Airlines is a long process to find the right person. When openings are available applicants can submit their application on the Southwest Careers website.

The process has 3 parts: logbook review, situational questions and an interview with HR. applicants need to review their logbooks before this part of the interview process. Candidates may get a Conditional Job Offer (CJO) or be put on hold for the pilot assessment committee to review.

For faster processing in Southwest’s application system applicants need to upload their resume online this pre fills personal information.

By following this systematic and precise process throughout their hiring process Southwest only hires pilots that meet high standards of proficiency and readiness.

Southwest Airlines Pilot Bases

Southwest Airlines has established several pilot bases throughout the United States, providing pilots with a range of choices for their home base location. These include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando and Phoenix. This array of locations contributes to the attractiveness of being a Southwest Airlines pilot.

There are 11 total Southwest pilot bases as per the year 2024. Each one is key in maintaining the efficiency of Southwest’s widespread flight network and plays an essential role in positioning pilots for assignments across these operations.

Southwest Airlines Fleet Overview

Utilizing a strong and consistent fleet solely comprised of Boeing 737 aircraft, Southwest Airlines stands out as the premier operator globally of this model. The airline demonstrates a dedicated preference for the Boeing 737.

In celebrating an impressive milestone during October 2023, Southwest Airlines marked the addition of its 1,000th Boeing 737 to their expanding fleet.

This noteworthy event showcases both their ongoing growth and commitment to diversifying within various versions of the aircraft specifically, models like -700, -800, MAX7, and MAX8 to meet distinct operational requirements.

Recent Developments in Southwest Airlines Pilot Contracts

After over 3 years of negotiations, Southwest Airlines pilots voted in favor of a new contract with 92.73% yes. A big win for the union for these pilots, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.

The new contract has pay and work environment upgrades, so overall compensation and benefits for flying with Southwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a first officer at Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines offers a competitive starting annual salary of approximately $127,680 for the position of first officer. This reflects the company’s appreciation and value for proficient pilots.

How much does a first-year captain earn at Southwest Airlines?

A first-year captain at Southwest Airlines can expect to earn approximately $320,640 per year. This competitive salary reflects the airline’s commitment to rewarding its pilots.

What benefits do Southwest Airlines pilots receive?

Southwest Airlines pilots benefit from immediate health insurance, profit-sharing, and unlimited free travel, among other perks.

These comprehensive advantages contribute to a competitive compensation package.

What are the hiring requirements for pilots at Southwest Airlines?

To secure a pilot position with Southwest Airlines, an individual must have reached the age of 23, accrued at least 2,500 total hours of flight time, maintain possession of an up-to-date FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate, and exhibit proficiency in English.

It is crucial to satisfy these requirements to be taken into account for employment.

Where are Southwest Airlines' pilot bases located?

Southwest Airlines’ pilot bases are located in cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, and Phoenix.