Fly with Heart as a First Officer.

Pilot your own career.

For many, the sky is the limit. For you, it's home. Being a Southwest^® Pilot is more than a career—it’s a calling.

Life as a First Officer at Southwest Airlines^® is about more than flying an aircraft—it's about connecting People to what's important in their lives.

Southwest’s First Mother/Daughter Pilot Duo Takes Flight

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 Captain 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.

Southwest Airlines Pilot First Officer smiling in front of Southwest plane

Interested in flying with Southwest and ready to apply?

Our First Officer role is currently not posted. Stay in the loop by joining our newsletter and being the first to know when our Pilot – First Officer opportunity is available.

Stay updated on First Officer opportunities

Apply on Southwest Careers

During an open hiring window, please apply to the Pilot - First Officer role on Careers.Southwestair.com. You're required to apply for an open position for interview consideration.

Provide your required documents

We'll ask for additional information and files to be sent directly to the Southwest Pilot Hiring Team during the application journey. No action is required at this time, and we will contact you with additional guidance or requests for information as needed.

Minimum qualifications

Southwest Airlines Pilots walking on the jet bridge

Certificates/Ratings

USA DOT/FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate must display the following:

"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.

Southwest Airlines Pilots smiling in front of Southwest plane taking off

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

Photo of Southwest Airlines Pilot smiling in the flight deck

Leading future aviators with Captain Geoff B.

Learn from Captain Geoff B. about how he dedicates his time to help students discover their passions in aviation through the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy.

Wanna explore a new career path from 35,000 feet?

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°.

Discover Destination 225°^®

Our Heart starts with our People.

Southwest Airlines Captain smiling from the flight deck

Legacy that keeps flying on

"To look over and see your loved ones sitting right next to you is a great feeling. It feels like my son was five years old and running around days ago, and now he’s reading me the flight checklist!"

- Ruben F., Captain

Ruben's story