
Southwest Airlines Pilot Hiring Information

Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost United States air carrier. Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft serving destinations throughout North America.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PILOT HIRING REQUIREMENTS
Accepting Applications: Yes
Minimum Flight Time Requirements:
Multi-engine ATP certificate
Competitive Flight Time:
4,000 - 9,000 hours total time
1,000+ hours turbine PIC
500+ hours fixed wing turbine
Previous 121 or military
Pilot Career Services:
Application Link:
COMPANY INFORMATION
Fleet Type & Count:
AIRCRAFT | TOTAL | ORDERS |
---|---|---|
B-737-700 | 430 | - |
B-737-800 | 207 | - |
B-737-MAX-8 | 145 | 54 |
B-737-MAX-7 | - | 250 |
Total | 782 | 304 |
Number of Pilots:
10,164
Estimated Age 65 Retirements:
2023-2033: 3,134
Pilot Bases:
ATL, BWI, DAL, DEN, HOU, LAS, LAX, MCO, MDW, OAK, PHX

Pilot Pathway Program:
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CAPTAIN PAY SCALES (Per Flight)
Southwest pilots get paid by the flight segment (TFP). If the flight segment exceeds 243 miles, they earn 10% for every additional 40 miles.
Ex: MDW-MSP (303 NM) would pay: $245.64 + 0.1 x 245.64 = $270.20
Monthly Reserve Guarantee: 89.0 TFP (31 day bid), 87.0 TFP (30 day bid), 85.0 TFP (28/29 day bid)
Ex: 12+ Year Captain Minimum Reserve Compensation (30 day bid): $245.64 x 87 TFP x 12 months = $256,448
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FIRST OFFICER PAY SCALES (Per Flight)
Southwest pilots get paid by the flight segment (TFP). If the flight segment exceeds 243 miles, they earn 10% for every additional 40 miles.
Monthly Reserve Guarantee: 89.0 TFP (31 day bid), 87.0 TFP (30 day bid), 85.0 TFP (28/29 day bid)
Ex: 12+ Year First Officer Minimum Reserve Compensation (30 day bid): $171.95 x 87 TFP x 12 months = $179,516
First Year First Officer Minimum Reserve Compensation (30 day bid): $79,104