Saturday, March 22, 2025 Southwest Airlines offers competitive compensation for its pilots, with pay determined by experience and flight segments flown. In 2024, First Officers at Southwest start with an annual salary ranging from $127,680 to $240,960, while Captains earn between $320,640 and $343,680. On an hourly basis, First Officers start at approximately $110 per hour, increasing to over $200 per hour after 12 years, while Captains start at $291 per hour, reaching up to $317 per hour after a decade of service.
If you’re curious about what Southwest Airlines pays its pilots and the requirements to become one in 2024, this guide will provide all the details you need, including salary breakdowns, job requirements, and steps to apply to become a pilot at Southwest. Table of Contents First Officer Salary Overview Captain Salary Overview Hourly Pay Breakdown for Pilots Where Southwest Airlines Pilots are Based Aircraft in Southwest’s Fleet Hiring Requirements for Southwest Pilots Steps to Apply for a Southwest Pilot Position About Southwest Airlines Pilot Benefits at Southwest Recent Contract Changes Training Opportunities at Southwest Legal Dispute Involving Pilot Union First Officer Salary Overview for Southwest Airlines in 2024 First Officers at Southwest Airlines earn competitive pay based on their experience and the number of flight segments completed. In the first year, a First Officer is paid $75.
77 per segment, which increases each year. By year three, it rises to .
