Piloting a plane is an exciting job that many aspire to do, but how much do pilots for Southwest Airlines make? It depends on a variety of factors, such as the pilot’s experience, the type of aircraft they fly, and even the route they take. In this article, we’ll take a look at the pay scale of Southwest pilots and explore the factors that affect their salaries.
The Average Southwest Pilot Salary
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a Southwest Airlines pilot is $121,865. This is slightly higher than the national average for airline pilots, which is $116,672 per year. The range of salaries for Southwest pilots is between $44,000 and $220,000 per year. The median salary for a Southwest pilot is $140,000.
Factors That Affect a Southwest Pilot’s Salary
There are several factors that can affect the salary of a Southwest Airlines pilot. Here are some of the most important ones:
Experience Level
The more experience a Southwest pilot has, the more money they will make. Pilots who have been with the airline for a long time and have a lot of experience will make more than pilots who are just starting out.
Type of Aircraft
The type of aircraft a Southwest pilot flies will also affect their salary. Pilots who fly larger planes such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 will make more than pilots who fly smaller planes such as the Boeing 717 or Airbus A319.
Route
The route that a Southwest pilot takes will also affect their salary. Pilots who fly international routes or longer domestic routes will make more than pilots who fly shorter domestic routes.
Years of Service
The number of years a Southwest pilot has been with the airline will also affect their salary. Pilots who have been with the airline for a longer period of time will make more than pilots who are just starting out.
Benefits of Being a Southwest Pilot
In addition to a competitive salary, Southwest Airlines also offers its pilots a variety of other benefits. These include:
Travel Benefits
Southwest pilots are eligible for discounted travel on the airline, which can be a great perk for pilots who love to travel.
Health Benefits
Southwest pilots are eligible for a variety of health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement Benefits
Southwest pilots are eligible for a 401(k) plan and other retirement benefits.
Paid Time Off
Southwest pilots are eligible for a generous amount of paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and other paid time off.
How to Become a Southwest Pilot
Becoming a Southwest pilot requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Pilots must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass an FAA-approved physical examination. In addition, pilots must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience. After obtaining their ATP certificate, potential pilots must then pass an airline-specific training program, such as the one offered by Southwest Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Southwest Pilots Make?
The average salary for a Southwest Airlines pilot is $121,865 per year, with salaries ranging from $44,000 to $220,000. The median salary for a Southwest pilot is $140,000.
What Factors Affect a Southwest Pilot's Salary?
The factors that affect a Southwest pilot’s salary include experience level, type of aircraft, route, and years of service.
What Benefits Do Southwest Pilots Receive?
Southwest pilots receive a variety of benefits, including travel benefits, health benefits, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
What Is Required to Become a Southwest Pilot?
To become a Southwest pilot, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass an FAA-approved physical examination. You must also obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight experience, and pass an airline-specific training program.