SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines is one of the largest U.S. regional carriers, operating flights for United, Delta, American and Alaska Airlines. The airline connects passengers with 261 destinations throughout North America through its extensive regional network.
Headquarters
St. George, UT
Pilot Bases
21
Aircraft Fleet
500
Hiring
Active
Aircraft Fleet & Notes
SkyWest continues expanding its dual-class fleet while reconfiguring older aircraft for new flying opportunities.
As of March 31, 2026, the airline had 500 aircraft in scheduled service or under contract.
Its fleet included 271 Embraer E175s, 38 CRJ900s, 78 CRJ700s, 46 CRJ550s and 67 CRJ200s.
SkyWest plans to operate more than 300 E175s by the end of 2028 and has purchase rights for 50 additional aircraft.
The airline also plans to convert approximately 50 CRJ200s into 41-seat CRJ450s by 2028, including seven first-class seats.
The first CRJ450 is expected to enter United Express service in fall 2026 with larger overhead bins, a dedicated luggage closet and Starlink Wi-Fi.
SkyWest’s fleet strategy is focused on expanding dual-class flying, adding more E175s and extending the useful life of existing CRJ aircraft.
Pilot Retirements
Hiring & Career Outlook
Current pilot hiring: SkyWest is actively accepting First Officer applications and promotes upgrade opportunities across its CRJ and E175 operations.
2026 hiring target: SkyWest has not published a specific pilot hiring target for 2026.
Minimum qualifications: Pilots generally need 1,500 total hours for an unrestricted ATP. Qualifying university graduates may be eligible at 1,000 or 1,250 hours, while qualifying military pilots may be eligible at 750 hours.
Fleet size: SkyWest had 500 aircraft in scheduled service or under contract as of March 31, 2026, including 271 Embraer E175s and 229 CRJ-series aircraft.
E175 growth: SkyWest expects eight additional E175 deliveries for United during 2026 and plans to operate more than 300 E175s by the end of 2028.
CRJ fleet development: SkyWest plans to add 18 CRJ550s for United by 2027 and convert approximately 50 CRJ200s into the new dual-class CRJ450 configuration by 2028. The first CRJ450 is expected to enter service by the end of 2026.
Pilot bases: SkyWest lists 21 crew domiciles, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle.
Career pathways: SkyWest offers a Pilot Pathway Program and Rotor Transition Program for pilots working toward airline qualifications.
Overall outlook: Positive, supported by continued First Officer recruitment, E175 deliveries, CRJ450 and CRJ550 growth, a large domicile network and flying agreements with United, Delta, American and Alaska.
Pay Notes
2026 hourly pay: First Officer pay starts at $92.73 per flight hour and increases to $108.18 by Year 8. Captain pay starts at $144.24, reaches $197.92 in Year 12 and tops out at $222.54 in Year 20. The same published scale applies across SkyWest aircraft types.
Monthly guarantee: Pilots receive a 75-hour monthly guarantee after completing Initial Operating Experience. At Year 1 rates, that equals approximately $83,457 annually for a First Officer or $129,816 for a Captain before additional credit, holiday pay and benefits.
Minimum daily guarantee: Each scheduled workday pays at least 4.2 credit hours. At Year 1 rates, that equals approximately $389 for a First Officer or $606 for a Captain.
Duty-time guarantee: Pilots receive at least one hour of pay for every two hours of duty worked, which can increase credit on long-duty days with limited block time.
High-credit premium: Awarded monthly credit above 87 hours pays at 130% of the pilot’s applicable hourly rate.
Deadhead pay: Required positioning travel is paid at 100% of the pilot’s hourly rate.
Holiday pay: Pilots receive pay for six holidays each year whether they work or not.
401(k) retirement: The reported pilot retirement structure provides a 4% dollar-for-dollar match during Years 1–4, a 6% match during Years 5–9 and a 12% non-elective company contribution beginning at 10 years of service. The 12% contribution does not require the pilot to contribute. Pilots should verify the current tiers and vesting rules in SkyWest’s official plan documents.
Per diem: Public pilot compensation information lists per diem at $2.25 per hour while away from base.
Medical and uniform benefits: SkyWest is reported to provide $70 toward each required medical certificate and a $200 annual uniform allowance.
Training support: Qualifying new hires receive an approved ATP-CTP course, hotel accommodations during flight training, transportation between the hotel and training facility and new-hire uniforms.
Potential pay increases: SkyWest may increase First Officer and Captain pay scales by up to an additional $30 per hour. Any increase must apply equally across all longevity years and cannot later be reversed.
Overall compensation: SkyWest’s package combines a 75-hour monthly guarantee, 4.2-hour daily minimum, duty-time protection, 130% pay above 87 hours, full deadhead pay, paid holidays and a longevity-based retirement program. Actual earnings depend on seat, longevity, schedule credit and additional flying.