Dwelling » TRAVEL NEWS » Southwest Airways Presents Aggressive Pay for Pilots in 2024 and the Wage Ranges for First Officers and Captains: Know Extra
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Southwest Airways affords aggressive compensation for its pilots, with pay decided by expertise and flight segments flown. In 2024, First Officers at Southwest begin with an annual wage starting from $127,680 to $240,960, whereas Captains earn between $320,640 and $343,680. On an hourly foundation, First Officers begin at roughly $110 per hour, rising to over $200 per hour after 12 years, whereas Captains begin at $291 per hour, reaching as much as $317 per hour after a decade of service.
In the event you’re inquisitive about what Southwest Airways pays its pilots and the necessities to change into one in 2024, this information will present all the small print you want, together with wage breakdowns, job necessities, and steps to use to change into a pilot at Southwest.
Desk of ContentsFirst Officer Wage OverviewCaptain Wage OverviewHourly Pay Breakdown for PilotsWhere Southwest Airways Pilots are BasedAircraft in Southwest’s FleetHiring Necessities for Southwest PilotsSteps to Apply for a Southwest Pilot PositionAbout Southwest AirlinesPilot Advantages at SouthwestRecent Contract ChangesTraining Alternatives at SouthwestLegal Dispute Involving Pilot UnionFirst Officer Wage Overview for Southwest Airways in 2024
First Officers at Southwest Airways earn aggressive pay based mostly on their expertise and the variety of flight segments accomplished. Within the first yr, a First Officer is paid $75.77 per phase, which will increase every year. By yr three, it rises to $121.98, and by yr 12, a First Officer can earn $171.95 per phase.
Here’s a abstract of annual wage expectations for First Officers:Years of ExperienceEstimated Annual Wage (80 hours/month)12 months 1$127,680Year 5$221,760Year 10$240,960
For pilots working the minimal reserve, the first-year wage will be round $79,104, whereas a 12-year First Officer might earn as much as $179,516 yearly.
Captain Wage Overview for Southwest Airways in 2024
Captains at Southwest Airways are compensated based mostly on their years of service and the variety of flight segments flown. A primary-year Captain can count on to earn $216.49 per phase, which will increase to $245.64 per phase by yr three. By yr 12, a Captain can earn as much as $317.25 per phase.
Here’s a breakdown of the annual wage for Captains:Years of ExperienceEstimated Annual Wage (80 hours/month)12 months 1$320,640Year 5$331,200Year 10$343,680
A senior Captain flying the minimal reserve may earn roughly $256,448 yearly.
Hourly Pay Breakdown for Southwest Airways Pilots in 2024
Southwest Airways pilots are paid on a flight-segment foundation relatively than strictly by the hour. Nevertheless, right here’s an estimate of the hourly pay for each First Officers and Captains based mostly on their flight segments and expertise ranges:
First Officer Hourly Pay:12 months 1: ~ $110/hourYear 2: ~ $115/hourYear 3: ~ $120/hourYear 4: ~ $125/hourYear 5: ~ $130/hourYear 6: ~ $135/hourTop Price (12 months 12): ~ $200/hourCaptain Hourly Pay:12 months 1: ~ $291/hourYear 2: ~ $295/hourYear 3: ~ $299/hourYear 4: ~ $303/hourYear 5: ~ $307/hourYear 6: ~ $311/hourTop Price (12 months 12): ~ $317/hourWhere are Southwest Airways Pilots Based mostly?
Southwest Airways has pilot bases throughout main U.S. cities. As of 2024, these embrace:
Atlanta (ATL)Baltimore (BWI)Chicago Halfway (MDW)Dallas Love Area (DAL)Denver (DEN)Houston Passion (HOU)Las Vegas (LAS)Los Angeles (LAX)Oakland (OAK)Orlando (MCO)Phoenix (PHX)
Moreover, Southwest plans to open a brand new base in Nashville (BNA) by 2025.
Plane in Southwest Airways Fleet
Southwest Airways completely operates a fleet of Boeing 737 plane. The next fashions are a part of the fleet:
Boeing 737-700 (143 passengers)Boeing 737-800 (175 passengers)Boeing 737 MAX 7 (150 passengers)Boeing 737 MAX 8 (175 passengers)
With over 800 plane, Southwest is the world’s largest operator of Boeing 737s. The airline can also be rising its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX planes to enhance gas effectivity and broaden capability.
What Are the Hiring Necessities for Southwest Airways Pilots?
To be thought-about for a pilot position at Southwest, candidates should meet a number of important {qualifications}:
Certificates/Rankings: A sound U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates.Age: Candidates have to be not less than 23 years previous.Flight Expertise: A minimal of two,500 flight hours, with not less than 1,000 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) of turbine plane.Further Necessities: A present FAA Class 1 Medical Certificates, legitimate U.S. driver’s license, and U.S. passport.
Candidates should additionally cross background checks and show sturdy communication talents.
Steps to Apply for a Southwest Pilot Place
To use for a pilot job with Southwest Airways:
Coaching: If chosen, you’ll endure coaching at Southwest’s LEAD Middle in Dallas.
Test Eligibility: Make sure you meet the expertise and certification necessities.
Go to the Careers Web page: Go to Southwest’s official profession web site to view open pilot positions.
Submit Utility: Full and submit the appliance, together with required documentation.
Put together for the Interview: In case your utility is shortlisted, put together for the interview by researching Southwest’s values and tradition.
Think about the Vacation spot 225° Pathway Program: In the event you’re constructing hours towards a business flying profession, this program helps aspiring pilots acquire the expertise wanted to qualify for Southwest positions.
