5 Highest-Paying Airlines for Pilots in the US

4.  Southwest Airlines

Average Pilot Salary: $259,000

Southwest Airlines Co, a prominent American carrier based in Dallas, Texas, follows a low-cost model, serving 121 destinations in the US and 10 countries. Recognized for its domestic passenger volume, Southwest ranks as North America’s third-largest airline. Founded in 1967 as Air Southwest Co. by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, it commenced intrastate operations before expanding nationally in 1979. Emphasizing a point-to-point network and free checked bags, Southwest exclusively operates Boeing 737s. With approximately 66,100 employees, it executes about 4,000 daily departures in peak seasons, sustaining its unique position in the competitive aviation market.