Originally Posted by FL180

There are lots of variables but to give you a ballpark idea, I worked 9 months in 2014 as a new hire. A month and a half of that was training so no extra. Three and a half months as a commuter without picking up extra and four months living in base picking up a couple times a month at second year pay. I grossed roughly $45,000 in those nine months or an average of $5,000/month. Those first three months are typically lighter than the rest of the year so take that into consideration.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by e6bpilot

I must be the exception. Living in OKC, PM reserve in Houston is usually commutable on both ends, at least 70 percent of the time.

I pick up extra quite often. Sometimes it is commutable, sometimes I have to shell out for the hotel. I only do it if it is worth the struggle. In my first six months, I grossed around 35. I will probably finish out my first year at around 75K.
Living in a city that is an easy jog to 3 bases helps.

Originally Posted by Thunder1

Your average of 1300 Trips for Pay (TFP) per year is close -- SWAPA says it is closer to 1260 TFP per year. However, that is average. From my experience the real differential lies in whether you live in domicile or commute. I've done both.
Living in domicile, 20 minutes from the airport is an entirely different ball game financially at Southwest.
Last year I flew around 1575 TFP at 3rd year pay of $94.25. That sounds like a lot of flying or TFPs but in actuality as a non-commuter it was pretty easy in my opinion. I only flew 168 days and had a bunch of other days sitting at home on reserve by the pool not getting called in.
If there is ANY WAY you can swing it move to a domicile. Best of luck to all those applying and to those hired -- Welcome Aboard!