Spirit is North America’s largest ultra-low-cost carrier. The Florida-based company serves 83 destinations in the US, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Here’s a look at the airline and how to get a job flying for them.
This article is part of our ongoing series on commercial pilot salaries.
Spirit Airlines Pilot Salary
Spirit offers a line and reserve monthly guarantee of 72 hours. Pay scales depend on the equipment flown and time at the company.
So, how much do Spirit pilots make? Let’s take a look.
How Did We Get These Numbers
All data used below is pulled from the latest contract between Spirit Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing Spirit Airlines pilots. These numbers were updated for 2024.
All pay estimates below don’t include any per diem, profit sharing, override pay, or 401k contributions which will increase overall compensation considerably.
Spirit Airlines First Officer Pay
FO pay starts at $93.35 for the A319/320 during year one. By year three, it’s up to $153.22, and $193.71 by year 12. Here’s a look at the details when calculated as an annual salary.
| Year | A319/A320 | A321 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $93.35 hr/$80,654 yr | $95.40 hr/$82,425 yr |
| 3 | $153.22 hr/$132,382 yr | $156.59 hr/$135,294 yr |
| 8 | $177.57 hr/$153,420 yr | $181.48 hr/$156,799 yr |
| 12 | $193.71 hr/$167,365 yr | $197.97 hr/$171,046 yr |
Spirit Airlines Captain Pay
Captain’s pay starts at $251.59 per hour and goes up. Here’s a look at the hourly and annual take-home numbers.
| Year | A319/A320 | A321 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $251.59 hr/$217,374 yr | $256.52 hr/$221,633 yr |
| 3 | $257.95 hr/$222,869 yr | $263.11 hr/$227,327 yr |
| 8 | $275.16 hr/$237,738 yr | $280.67 hr/$242,499 yr |
| 12 | $300.00 hr/$259,200 yr | $306.00 hr/$264,384 yr |
Calculate Your Potential Spirit Pilot Earnings
We’ve put together this simple calculator to give you an estimate of how much you could earn as a Spirit pilot. This was put together using the 2024 pay scale from the Air Line Pilots Association, the group that represents Spirit pilots.
Where are Spirit’s Pilot Bases?
The company is headquartered in Miramar, Florida. Crew bases are located in:
- Atlanta, GA
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
- Detroit, MI
- Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, FL
- Houston, TX
- Las Vegas, NV
- Orlando, FL
What Airplanes are in the Spirit Airlines Fleet?
Spirit operates Airbus aircraft, including A319s, A320s, and A321s, plus newer A320neo and A321neo planes. In all, they fly 201 aircraft and have orders for an additional 101 aircraft.
What are the Hiring Requirements for Spirit Pilots?
When Spirit opens hiring, they usually seek out high-time pilots with at least multiengine ATP certificates and 1,500 hours of total time.
However, if you are in their pathway program, they will mentor you with a Restricted ATP.
To be competitive for a slot at Spirit, applying with 2,000 to 5,000 hours total time, 750 hours or more in turbine or multiengine planes, and an A320 type rating is usually recommended. Previous Part 121 or military experience is always a plus, too.
Is a Job at Spirit Right For You?
Spirit’s stated company mission is to provide the best value in the sky. The company gives to communities they work with through the Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation.
The company is dedicated to diversity in the workplace and has been recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Company in the travel and hospitality industry.
In addition to your base salary at Spirit, you’ll enjoy health and travel benefits for you and your family.
How Do I Apply for a Spirit Airlines Pilot Job?
Spirit is not presently accepting applications for pilot positions, but it never hurts to check out the Spirit Careers webpage for details. https://careers.spirit.com/
One way to get a job with Spirit is through their Pilot Cadet Pathway program. Thrust Flight is one of Spirit Airlines partner flight schools.
Pilots enrolled at one of the company’s selected flight schools or university programs may have a direct path to an Airbus flight deck with the company.
To apply, you will need 500 hours of total time from a participating Part 61 or 141 flight school or have completed your sophomore year in an accredited aviation degree program.
Spirit also maintains a pathway program for pilots at Cape Air.
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Brian is an experienced digital marketer who joined Thrust Flight in 2022 as the Chief Marketing Officer. He discovered a passion for aviation at 10 when he went for his first flight in a Piper Cherokee and enjoys helping others discover a career path as a professional pilot. He is an experienced marketing consultant helping brands with a variety of marketing initiatives. Brian received a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Brigham Young University.
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