Well, let's see...

First year pilot can easily make 6 figures, especially if he/she lives in domicile in which case it can slide closer to mid-100's.

It's not uncommon to see more senior FO's making 250-300k... or even some junior guys who choose to live in the crew lounge. It's also not uncommon to see captains currently making 400-500k. By our contract amenable date, you will see senior FO's breaking 400k and captains over 600k. These figures assume playing the OT game.

Don't wanna work hard or play the OT game? You don't have to. 17-18 days off once you're off reserve or 15-16 days off if you're on reserve... and you'll still make a pretty darn good living. Plenty of guys do just that. BTW... this is the only occasion that APC calculators will be reasonably accurate. Bear in mind, we don't pay per hour, and the figures on APC calculators do not include your non-elective contribution money from the company (B-plan).

Aside from money... 9 domiciles to choose from in your first year. You won't see the 10th (ATL) for a better part of the decade. Rumors abound of another domicile opening... heard LAX, FLL, STL and BNA... but those are just rumors that have been floating around for years.

Now... if you absolutely must be in the left seat ASAP, this place is not for you. Unlike at some other airlines where captain upgrade goes as junior as somewhere in the mid to high-90's % seniority for certain fleet, at Southwest, our junior captain is at 60% system seniority. While I don't think it'll take you 15 years to upgrade here as some doom-and-gloomers predict, I think 8-10 is more appropriate.

All in all, this place was a no-brainer for me as it was tied for my number 1 pick simply on account of domicile. I don't really care about flying heavies international. Spent the better part of last decade overseas and got to see pretty much any place a legacy would take me. I also only realized how much money one can make here after I hit the line. The best part about it - it's purely up to you. There's absolutely no pressure to pick up - only incentives. If you don't pick up, you may get JA'd from time to time, but that's about it. Some guys frown on it for QOL reasons, but they make it worth your while. If you tell your missus how much you'll bring home for that JA, chances are she'll be on the phone with Scheduling to keep you JA'd every time you go to work...

Is it all perfect? Not at all... but my family and I are very happy here.