SkyWest Airlines Pilot Salary for 2024

SkyWest Airlines (OO) is a small US airline with its headquarters in St. George, Utah. The carrier provides and maintains aircraft, schedules, and marketing a limited number of domestic routes operated by its partner airlines in the country. SKW represents four carriers under the following regional names:

1. Alaska Airlines (Alaska SkyWest)
2. American Airlines (American Eagle)
3. Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection)
4. United Airlines (United Express)

SkyWest Airlines covers nearly 300 destinations across the United States, flying from the bases of the clients to which it is contracted. The air provider’s fleet includes around 500 planes, making it America’s largest regional aviation service.

SKW conducts around 1,850 flights per day among its four carriers. The airline’s flawless operations are attributed to roughly 5,000 pilots, who are paid a competitive pay by regional aviation standards.

SkyWest Airlines Pilot Salary

SkyWest offers its pilots a minimum of 75 hours of flight time per month. There is no basic income, as with other airlines throughout the world, but hourly rates plus a minimum commitment convert into a competitive compensation package for pilots.

A first officer at SkyWest works no more than three years and is paid the amount listed below based on experience.

• Up to one year of experience: $90.90 per flight hour, $6,817.50 per month, or $81,810 per year.
• 1 to 3 years of experience: $96.15 per flight hour, $7,211.25 per month, or $86,535 per year.

A captain at SkyWest earns the following commensurate with the experience.

• Up to 1 year of experience – $141.40 per flight hour; $10,605 per month or $127,260 per year.
• 1 to 3 years of experience – $150.88 per flight hour; $11,316 per month or $135,792 per year.
• 3 to 12 years of experience – $194.02 per flight hour; $14,551.50 per month or $174,618 per year.
• Over 12 years of experience – $218.16 per flight hour; $16,362 per month or $196,344.

SkyWest Airlines Pilot Benefits

SkyWest Airlines provides its pilots with benefits that are comparable to the American aviation sector. Some of the advantages include.

1. MINIMUM GUARANTEE – Every pilot is promised a minimum of 75 flying hours per month and is compensated accordingly, even if the airline fails to schedule them on a suitable number of flights. This assures that each pilot receives a reasonable salary.
2. RETIREMENT PLANS – The airline provides all of its employees with a 401 (k) scheme to ensure their financial security after retirement. Pilots approaching retirement are also given a session on financial management and investment.
3. HEALTH BENEFITS – Pilots and their families are eligible for health insurance that covers any expense or incident in the United States. As part of their employment agreements, SkyWest provides life insurance to all of its pilots.
4. TRAVEL BENEFITS – SkyWest Airlines pilots can travel at discounted or complimentary fares (subject to availability). Customers can choose to fly with any of the carrier’s partners, including Alaska (AS), American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), or United Airlines (UA).

What aircraft do SkyWest pilots fly?

SkyWest has a mixed fleet of Bombardier and Embraer airplanes, which is as below:

• Bombardier CRJ200 – 89
• Bombardier CRJ550 – 6
• Bombardier CRJ700 – 108
• Bombardier CRJ900 – 41
• Embraer 175 – 200

SkyWest also has the following planes on order:

• Bombardier CRJ550 – 13
• Embraer 175 – 36

Where are SkyWest Pilots based?

SkyWest Airlines has a huge number of operational bases across the United States, each of which is classified according to the kind of aircraft and the contracted airline’s hub. Here are the locations where SkyWest pilots are stationed:

• Austin
• Atlanta
• Boise
• Chicago
• Colorado Springs
• Dallas
• Denver
• Detroit
• Fresno
• Los Angeles
• Houston
• Minneapolis
• Palm Springs
• Portland
• Phoenix
• Salt Lake City
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Tuscan

How to become a Pilot at SkyWest Airlines?

A pilot at SkyWest Airlines must meet the following requirements:

Regulatory Requirements:

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
• Current First Class Medical Certificate
• Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit
• Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge eligibility
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug test
• Successful completion of the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) evaluation
• 1500 hours fixed wing flight time

SkyWest Air Lines Pilot Job Requirements:

• At least 21 years of age
• Have a current passport
• Be a U.S. Citizen or show proof of right to work in the U.S.
• English Proficiency Endorsement (EPE)
• Be at least instrument current
• Hod an FCC Radio License
• Possess a current first-class medical
• Hold a Commercial License
• Be willing to rescind seniority with current carrier

SKW follows the below hiring process for pilots:

1. APPLICATION –An online application is submitted through the SkyWest careers portal. SkyWest, along with Alaska and Delta Air Lines, participates in the Guaranteed Pilot Interview Program, which means that every applicant will be contacted at some point for an interview with the airline.
2. INTERVIEW –An interview with SkyWest involves the following scenarios:

• CRM Scenario: A CRM scenario interview evaluates a candidate’s ability to perform in an airline-based environment.
• Behavioral Interview – In this phase, behavioral patterns such as leadership abilities, ground talks, professionalism, and so on are assessed. This includes inspecting and verifying all documentation, such as pilot licenses and medical certificates.
• Technical Interview – This interview round assesses an individual’s understanding of aviation systems, Jeppesen charts, and other related topics, and a simulator test may also be administered.

3. OFFER –SkyWest offers a contract to a successful applicant.

SkyWest Pilot Salary FAQ