Pilot Salary at Southwest Airlines

Upgrade timelines at Southwest are driven almost entirely by seniority and fleet demand, not a fixed calendar. Historically, first officers have waited anywhere from 5 to 12 years for a captain vacancy, though during Southwest's aggressive post-pandemic expansion phases, some pilots upgraded in closer to 4 to 6 years. The ATP certificate with 1,500 hours is the FAA floor, but Southwest's internal upgrade requirements include a minimum number of hours as a Southwest FO before a pilot is eligible to bid a captain vacancy at their base.

Southwest does not offer a traditional defined-benefit pension. Instead, pilots participate in a 401(k) plan with a company match of dollar-for-dollar up to 9.3% of eligible compensation — one of the more competitive 401(k) match structures in U.S. mainline aviation. Additionally, Southwest's profit-sharing plan has paid out meaningful contributions in profitable years, sometimes exceeding 10% of annual pay. Pilots also receive a Retirement Savings Plan. Total retirement benefit depends heavily on profit-sharing performance and investment decisions over a career.

Southwest historically has not operated a cadet or ab initio pipeline and requires candidates to meet ATP minimums of 1,500 total flight hours, with competitive applicants typically presenting 3,500 or more hours and a substantial turbine-in-command background. As of 2025 and into 2026, Southwest has moderated its hiring pace from the aggressive post-pandemic surge, making a well-rounded application with Part 121 turbine time significantly more competitive than a minimum-hours candidate. Southwest does not currently have a formal low-time cadet program.

A First Officer at Southwest Airlines earns $82,000 in year 1, rising to $185,000 by year 10. Captains earn $225,000 initially, reaching $365,000 at year 10.

Yes, Southwest Airlines is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 2,500.

Southwest Airlines requires a minimum of 2,500 total flight hours. Type rating training is provided by the airline.

Yes, Southwest Airlines provides type rating training for new hires on their fleet types: B737.

Career progression at Southwest Airlines is rated as "Average". Pilots are unionized, which provides structured seniority-based advancement. Quality of life is rated 5/5.