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Delta Air Lines vs Southwest Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Delta Air Lines (DL) and Southwest Airlines (WN) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Delta Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
DL
WN
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$95,000 - $210,000
$85,000 - $180,000
Captain Salary
$260,000 - $420,000+
$220,000 - $360,000
Fleet
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, Airbus A220/320/321/330/350
Boeing 737 (all variants)
Requirements Comparison
Delta Air Lines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 4-year degree preferred
- Strong leadership and CRM skills
Southwest Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 2,500+ hours total time
- 1,000+ hours turbine PIC
- FAA Class 1 medical
- No degree requirement
Pros & Cons
Delta Air Lines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Large domestic route network
Southwest Airlines
Pros
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
- +Large domestic route network
- +No degree requirement
About Each Airline
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is consistently ranked as a top employer among US airlines, known for its strong company culture and competitive compensation.
Full Delta Air Lines career guide →Southwest Airlines
Southwest's single-type fleet (Boeing 737) and point-to-point model create a unique operational environment. Known for great company culture and work-life balance.
Full Southwest Airlines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Delta Air Lines or Southwest Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator