Southwest Airlines Pilot Pay 2026: Rates by Aircraft and Seat
The highest captain rate in the Southwest Airlines agreement is US$343.14 per credit hour, on the Fleet scale, about US$345,885 a year at the 84-hour monthly guarantee. Rates below are the full scale, by aircraft type, seat and year of service.
In force since January 1, 2026
Next scheduled increase January 1, 2027
Top of scale by aircraft
The agreement sets a rate for every aircraft category it covers. That can include types the carrier does not currently operate, so a rate here is the scale for that type rather than proof it is flown.
| Aircraft | Captain | First Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet | US$343.14 | US$240.20 |
Full scale by year of service
Hourly rates in USD. Year of service is the pilot's year on the seniority list.
Fleet
| Year | Captain | First Officer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$314.76 | US$125.90 |
| 2 | US$317.24 | US$174.48 |
| 3 | US$319.73 | US$207.82 |
| 4 | US$322.31 | US$212.72 |
| 5 | US$324.94 | US$217.71 |
| 6 | US$327.54 | US$222.73 |
| 7 | US$330.12 | US$224.48 |
| 8 | US$332.70 | US$229.56 |
| 9 | US$335.34 | US$234.74 |
| 10 | US$337.84 | US$236.49 |
| 11 | US$340.49 | US$238.34 |
| 12 | US$343.14 | US$240.20 |
Scheduled increases
The agreement sets further rates effective January 1, 2027, January 1, 2028. The tables above show the rates in force today, not these future scales.
Monthly guarantee
Southwest Airlines guarantees 84 credit hours a month. 84-89 TFP by bid period length (28-31 days). Annual figures on this page multiply the hourly rate by that guarantee, which is the floor rather than typical earnings.
Use the pay calculator to model take-home pay, or compare carriers on the pilot pay index.