Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the largest and most successful low-cost airlines in the United States. Working in this airline as a Pilot will give you a chance to earn an estimated average total pay of $147,889 per year or $12,324 per month. While the base pay lies at $137,604 per year or $11,467 per month. This is according to the published data of Glassdoor, a well-trusted salary and job review site.
Also Read: Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements
Southwest Airlines was founded by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King in 1967. The airline’s first flight took place on June 18, 1971, operating between Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby Airport. From the beginning, Southwest adopted a unique business model that focused on offering low fares, short-haul routes, and point-to-point service rather than the hub-and-spoke model used by traditional carriers. This allowed the airline to offer cost-effective and convenient travel options for passengers. Southwest Airlines rapidly expanded its route network in the 1970s and 1980s, adding new destinations and serving an increasing number of cities. The airline’s emphasis on customer service and a friendly corporate culture became well-known and contributed to its success. Working in this airline as a Pilot can give you a lot of perks and high-quality benefits.
Contents
Cash Salary Breakdown
- Basic Salary – Pilots working at Southwest Airlines can earn an average monthly base pay of $11,467. This data is based on the published estimated annual pay rates of glassdoor.com.
- Flying Pay – According to glassdoor.com’s available data, a Pilot working in this airline can earn an estimated flying pay rate of $70 per hour. The rate per hour offer is usually indicated in the job description of most airlines, if not, it will be discussed during the orientation and contract signing process.
- Layover Allowance – Currently, there are no provided per diem pay rates data for Pilots at Southwest Airlines. The specific details of layover allowances, including per diem rates and conditions, are usually outlined in the pilot’s collective bargaining agreement or labor contract with the airline.
Also Read: Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Salary and Benefits
Benefits
- Health and Medical Insurance – Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for the pilot and the eligible family members are available for Southwest Airlines Pilots.
- Retirement Plans – Southwest offers a 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, allowing pilots to save for the future. This will let you contribute pre-tax or Roth after-tax money toward retirement savings. Employee contributions are matched dollar for dollar by Southwest up to a maximum of 9.3% of qualified earnings. Workers can roll over any qualified funds from a prior job and select from a wide range of investment options.
- Travel – Employees of Southwest Airlines are entitled to free, unrestricted travel for themselves and any qualifying dependents. Parents, eligible dependent children under the age of 19 (or up to 24 if a full-time student), and spouses or committed/registered partners are all considered eligible dependents. Additionally, you will have the freedom to choose your own trip thanks to pass agreements from other airlines and discounts at hotels, theme parks, rental car agencies, and more.
- Plan for Employee Stock Purchases – After six months of continuous service, employees may purchase Southwest common shares at a 10% discount through payroll deductions under the Employee Shares Purchase scheme.
- Points for Southwest Airlines Gratitude (SWAG) – The airline’s culture is based on recognition. With the help of its SWAG platform and by commemorating various turning points in an Employee’s Southwest journey. Employees can nominate a peer for an award that entails SWAG Points or write a brief letter of appreciation (we all call them Kick TailsTM) using the SWAG platform. Employees can use SWAG Points to exchange for Rapid Rewards points, goods, gift cards, and experiences.
Also Read: How to Apply Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Jobs
Video: What it’s like to be a Southwest Pilot | Southwest Airlines
This video will give you a hint as to why Southwest is one of the best airlines for aspiring Pilots. Find out why it’s a terrific career overall and at Southwest Airlines in particular from its own pilots. This requires its pilots to meet rigorous training and qualification standards. One must have a commercial pilot’s license, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, and a minimum number of flight hours. High-standard hiring for pilots, means high-quality service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do Southwest Airlines pilots make?
Pilots at Southwest Airlines earn an estimated average total pay of $147,889 per year or $12,324 per month. While the base pay lies at $137,604 per year or $11,467 per month.
2. Do Southwest Airlines pilots receive bonuses?
Southwest Airlines offers profit-sharing as a form of bonus to its employees, including pilots. Other bonus can vary based on the company’s financial performance.
3. What are the travel benefits for Southwest Airlines pilots?
Southwest Airlines provides travel privileges that allow pilots and their immediate family members to travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost on Southwest flights, subject to availability and company policies.
4. What about Pilots’ Experience and Seniority in this airline?
Like many airlines, Southwest Airlines uses a seniority-based system for its pilots. More experienced pilots often have priority in terms of aircraft choice, schedules, and base assignments. Seniority can be crucial in determining a pilot’s quality of life and schedule.
5. How’s the Pilot Schedule in this company?
Southwest Airlines pilots work on a rotating schedule, which includes a mix of day and night flights, weekends, and holidays. The airline values work-life balance and strives to provide predictable and flexible schedules for its pilots.
Summary
Pilots at Southwest Airlines can earn approximately $11,467 per month, based on the provided annual base pay of Glassdoo. Southwest Airlines offers competitive salaries, flying pay, and per diem pay to its pilots. In addition to financial compensation, pilots can take advantage of a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, profit-sharing, travel privileges, and more. Keep in mind that the specific details of salary and benefits can vary based on a pilot’s experience and position within the airline.