What hourly rates does SkyWest publish?

SkyWest's pilot career guide, archived on 6 September 2026, lists first officer pay of $92.73 per flight hour in year one and $98.08 in year three, and captain pay of $144.24 in year one, $153.91 in year three, $197.92 in year 12 and $222.54 in year 20. In December 2024 the same page showed $90.90 and $96.15 for first officers, and $141.40, $150.88, $194.02 and $218.16 for captains.12

What guarantees and bonuses come with the pay?

SkyWest lists a guarantee of 75 hours per month after Initial Operating Experience, a 4.2-hour minimum daily guarantee, six paid holidays per year and 100% deadhead pay, alongside a profit sharing bonus and 401(k) match. Pilots already type-rated on the CL65 or ERJ 170/190 are offered a $7,500 bonus, and experience at one previous FAR Part 121 carrier is credited year for year for pay up to a 10-year rate.1

How many pilots does SkyWest employ and how is pay agreed?

At 31 December 2025 SkyWest employed 5,354 pilots; about 89.6% of employees were represented by in-house labour associations with collective agreements on pay and work rules, and none by an outside union. The airline reported high captain and first officer attrition in 2022 and 2023, easing for captains from 2024.3

How do pilots join and move on from SkyWest?

SkyWest hires first officers with a full ATP at 1,500 hours or a restricted ATP from 1,250, 1,000 or 750 hours, flies for United, Delta, American and Alaska from 20 domiciles, and offers the United Aviate pathway plus an interview programme with Delta and Alaska Airlines for captains with at least 24 months in the left seat who opt in. Students holding private, instrument and commercial ratings can join the Pilot Pathway Program, which offers mentoring and, for those who meet the hiring requirements, an interview for a first officer position.14