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Southwest Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Southwest Airlines (WN) and Delta Air Lines (DL) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Southwest Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
WN
DL
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$85,000 - $180,000
$95,000 - $210,000
Captain Salary
$220,000 - $360,000
$260,000 - $420,000+
Fleet
Boeing 737 (all variants)
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, Airbus A220/320/321/330/350
Requirements Comparison
Southwest Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 2,500+ hours total time
- 1,000+ hours turbine PIC
- FAA Class 1 medical
- No degree requirement
Delta Air Lines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 4-year degree preferred
- Strong leadership and CRM skills
Pros & Cons
Southwest Airlines
Pros
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
- +Large domestic route network
- +No degree requirement
Delta Air Lines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Large domestic route network
About Each Airline
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 →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 →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Southwest Airlines or Delta Air Lines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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