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United Airlines vs Southwest Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at United Airlines (UA) and Southwest Airlines (WN) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
United Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Country
United States
United States
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
UA
WN
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
$90,000 - $200,000
$85,000 - $180,000
Captain Salary
$250,000 - $400,000+
$220,000 - $360,000
Fleet
Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, 787, Airbus A319/320/321
Boeing 737 (all variants)
Requirements Comparison
United Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 1,500+ hours total time
- FAA Class 1 medical
- 1,000+ hours PIC preferred
- 4-year degree preferred
Southwest Airlines
- ATP certificate
- 2,500+ hours total time
- 1,000+ hours turbine PIC
- FAA Class 1 medical
- No degree requirement
Pros & Cons
United Airlines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Diverse fleet with many type rating opportunities
- +Large domestic route network
Cons
- –Longer wait for specific type ratings due to fleet size
Southwest Airlines
Pros
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
- +Large domestic route network
- +No degree requirement
About Each Airline
United Airlines
United Airlines operates a massive global network from its hubs in Newark, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington.
Full United Airlines 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 United Airlines or Southwest Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
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