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
Currently Hiring: Yes
Minimum Flight Time Requirements:
Multi-engine ATP certificate
2,500 hours total time, or
1,500 hours fixed wing turbine
Competitive Flight Time:
5,000 - 9,000 hours total time
1,000+ hours turbine PIC
Previous 121 or military
Pilot Career Services:
Application Link:
COMPANY INFORMATION
Fleet Type & Count:
*Fleet information obtained from SEC Form 10-K
Number of Pilots:
9,145
Mandatory Age 65 Retirements:
2021: 168
2022: 126
2023: 173
2024: 275
2025: 297
2026: 359
2027: 379
2028: 375
2029: 373
2030: 371
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