Simple Flying's compensation analysis says senior Southwest captains can exceed USD450,000 in annual total remuneration when premium flying, retirement contributions and profit sharing are included. The figure is a possible package under particular seniority and work arrangements, rather than a fixed salary guaranteed to every Boeing 737 captain.
Southwest's Trip For Pay system credits flying by distance, unlike conventional block-hour pay based on the time between leaving and reaching a gate. Comparing airlines therefore requires attention to credit conversion, schedules and additional benefits, not just headline hourly rates. The article analyzes the existing compensation structure; it does not announce a universal new pay rise or predict an individual pilot's take-home earnings.
