The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program trains and empowers future Southwest Pilots on how to fly The Southwest Way.
If you've ever dreamed of a career at 35,000 feet, set your course for 225°.
If you've ever dreamed of a career at 35,000 feet, set your course for 225°.
We're proud to be recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
We're proud to be recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
"I dreamed of being a pilot since I was very young. As an early teenager growing up in the UK, I wrote to a number of airlines at age 13 (email wasn't a thing back then) to learn what I needed to do to become a pilot... When the Destination 225° program was launched, I jumped on it and applied a few months later having discussed the major career change with my husband.
My experience with Southwest has gone far beyond my expectations. They've truly made me feel like an ambassador for the program. The time, energy, and personal investment the whole Team puts into us, especially the mentors, have made me feel like I'm part of the Southwest Family from the very outset."
My experience with Southwest has gone far beyond my expectations. They've truly made me feel like an ambassador for the program. The time, energy, and personal investment the whole Team puts into us, especially the mentors, have made me feel like I'm part of the Southwest Family from the very outset."
"Through my training so far I've found a high level of acceptance, both at the flight school, through the interactions and support from Southwest, and at Advanced Air, one of the Part135 partners in the program.
I've seen many changes since my flight attendant days, and there has been a greater acceptance among airlines of LGBTQIA+ individuals, as our rights have been acknowledged. I do still feel there is a great deal of work ahead, where we can hopefully get to a stage where sexuality doesn't need to define who we are, as being gay is only one small facet of who I am as a person."
I've seen many changes since my flight attendant days, and there has been a greater acceptance among airlines of LGBTQIA+ individuals, as our rights have been acknowledged. I do still feel there is a great deal of work ahead, where we can hopefully get to a stage where sexuality doesn't need to define who we are, as being gay is only one small facet of who I am as a person."
"A career with Heart for me is not only about having a career that you love and enjoy, but also how you can help, support, and lift up others along the way.
I'm so grateful to everyone who has supported me in my personal journey, from my husband and family, to Southwest, fellow cadets and NGPA. My goal is to look at any and all ways that I can give back to our community, through mentoring, coaching, or answering questions. It feels surreal that I've come this far and I'm excited for the road (or airway) that lies ahead!"
I'm so grateful to everyone who has supported me in my personal journey, from my husband and family, to Southwest, fellow cadets and NGPA. My goal is to look at any and all ways that I can give back to our community, through mentoring, coaching, or answering questions. It feels surreal that I've come this far and I'm excited for the road (or airway) that lies ahead!"
Why fly for Southwest Airlines
We're excited to share what's new–and what it means for you!
Family begins with Heart
Spend time with the people who matter most. Enjoy our newest Southwest-paid parental and maternity leave, with an additional option for extended bonding leave.
Caring for your financial freedom
Your time is valuable, and we know it! Fly confidently with industry-leading narrowbody rates and First Officer pay scales to fit the goals–and lifestyle–you want.
Flexibility for the moments that matter
Enjoy unbeatable schedule flexibility and the most guaranteed days off for lineholders and reserves, with options to trade or pick up trips up to FAA limits. The choice is yours—fly when and as much as you want!
Protecting your present and future
We support our Employees for the long haul. Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including 18% retirement contributions (increasing to 20% in 2026), excellent medical coverage at industry-leading rates, and Company-provided disability coverage, protecting up to 100% of your income when it’s most needed.
Minimum qualifications for First Officer
Minimum qualifications for First Officer
Certificates/Ratings
- "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings
- "English Proficient" limitation
USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon.
Flight experience
- Preferred: 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine aircraft or successfully completed all aspects of a Destination 225° pathway program
- Preferred: Actively flying for two of the last five years
- Note: PIC time is defined as Captain or Aircraft Commander of record or pilot signing for the aircraft (not sole manipulator of the controls)
- Note: Only time in a fixed-wing aircraft is counted, which excludes simulator, helicopter, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO, and UAV specifically
Our starting pay rates are taking off.
We've increased the starting wage rate for various Tech Ops positions across all locations.
Aircraft Appearance Technician - $18.35/hr
Aircraft Appearance Technicians clean the hangars and refresh the aircraft and its equipment. They provide a safe environment for our Maintenance Technicians and Customers.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician - $41.24/hr*
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) service and maintain Southwest's all-Boeing fleet to ensure the airworthiness of each aircraft. AMTs work at 1 of 24 locations across our network and in seven strategically-located hangars.
Ground Support Equipment Technician - $32.74/hr
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technicians perform mechanical maintenance work. They maintain our automotive, ramp, provisioning, and deicing equipment through duties such as dismantling, repairing, fabricating, welding, altering, and painting.
Material Specialist - $19.00/hr
Material Specialists work within the hangar and warehouse to maintain Company storeroom logs and records, deliver aircraft parts to various Technical Operations Teams with Southwest Hospitality, and multitask effectively to meet required deadlines.
*Pay includes a $32.74/hr base pay plus $8.50/hr for an A&P license.
Aircraft Appearance Technician - $18.35/hr
Aircraft Appearance Technicians clean the hangars and refresh the aircraft and its equipment. They provide a safe environment for our Maintenance Technicians and Customers.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician - $41.24/hr*
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) service and maintain Southwest's all-Boeing fleet to ensure the airworthiness of each aircraft. AMTs work at 1 of 24 locations across our network and in seven strategically-located hangars.
Ground Support Equipment Technician - $32.74/hr
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technicians perform mechanical maintenance work. They maintain our automotive, ramp, provisioning, and deicing equipment through duties such as dismantling, repairing, fabricating, welding, altering, and painting.
Material Specialist - $19.00/hr
Material Specialists work within the hangar and warehouse to maintain Company storeroom logs and records, deliver aircraft parts to various Technical Operations Teams with Southwest Hospitality, and multitask effectively to meet required deadlines.
*Pay includes a $32.74/hr base pay plus $8.50/hr for an A&P license.
Bring your whole self to work.
Bring your whole self to work.
"Southwest Airlines strives to foster a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable and valued regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."
Steven T.
Southwest Captain and Former NGPA Board Chair
"Go after what you actually want to do in your life because most of our life we're at our jobs. So make it a passion. Don't settle because somebody else thinks that's where you belong. Figure out where you belong and go for that. Make it happen because you're worth it."
Jennifer M.
Southwest Aircraft QC Inspector
Why Southwest?
Why Southwest?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We’re committed to a work environment where everyone can be themselves and recognized for the unique perspectives they each bring forward. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re woven into how we run our business, and they’re reflected in our world-famous Culture.
Culture
Our unique Southwest Culture is woven into all aspects of our business, from how we treat each other to how we provide Next-Level Hospitality to our Customers. All Employees are responsible for preserving and invigorating our Culture, regardless of position or tenure, which strengthens our Culture of caring. It’s a source of pride among Employees and at the Heart of who we are.
Military
We’re proud to have more than 10,200 veterans and 1,800 military spouses in our Southwest Family. Our colors are red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for red, white, and blue.
Benefits
More than just a paycheck, a career at Southwest Airlines comes with several benefits, from our legendary Culture to travel privileges for Employees and their eligible dependents.