Spirit Airlines Pilot Salary: Careers & Hiring Requirements

Spirit Airlines, headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida, is a leading low-fare carrier that operates an all-Airbus fleet. It serves destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S.
How much can I earn as a Spirit Airlines pilot?
The average pay for a pilot at Spirit Airlines in 2025 is $233,000 per year. Read on to learn more!
Hiring Requirements & Pay: Spirit Airlines determines wages for both captain and first officer by skills, experience, and the number of flight hours logged. As an applicant, it’s beneficial to compare the entry-level pilot salary with the industry average to grasp the full potential of a Spirit Airlines career.
What is the pilot pay for Spirit Airlines in 2025?
Here is a sampling of Spirit pilot hourly wages. Pilot pay changes based on various factors, such as type of plane, years of experience, etc. For instance, this is for the Airbus 319, A320, or A321.
Spirit Airlines First Officer Pay | Spirit Airlines Captain Pay |
Starting: $97.15/hr (A319, A320); $99.29 (A321) | Starting: $270.17/hr (A319, A320); $275.58 (A321) |
Average: $178.21/hr (A319, A320); $182.13 (A321) | Average: $288.44/hr (A319, A320); $294.21 (A321) |
Top: $201.46/hr (A319, A320); $205.89 (A321) | Top: $312/hr (A319, A320); $318.24 (A321) |

Watch Our 4-Minute Spirit Airlines Pilot Salary & Hiring Requirements Video!
How are the benefits at Spirit Airlines?
Benefits Beyond Salary: The question of “How much do pilots earn?” is often at the forefront of applicants’ minds. Delving into the specifics of pilot compensation at Spirit Airlines is an essential part of your research process. Beyond the monetary aspect, pilot positions offer a range of benefits that contribute to the overall allure of pursuing a career with Spirit Airlines. Benefits include:
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Voluntary products (e.g., Aflac)
- Flex spending accounts
- Short & long term disability
- Life insurage
- AD&D insurance
- 24/7 employee assistance program
- Vacation time
- Sick time
- Unlimited travel
- Buddy passes
- 401(k)
- Spirit U training and development
- Better Spirits Fund to support team members
- Perks (e.g., car rentals, meal plans)
How your dream takes flight: Becoming a pilot for Spirit Airlines
- Understanding Spirit Airlines Career Opportunities: If you’re considering applying for job openings at Spirit Airlines, taking the time to understand the airline’s hiring requirements and compensation structure is important. With this knowledge, you will be able to make informed decisions and optimize your career trajectory within the aviation industry.
- Comprehensive Research for Informed Choices: When considering a career with Spirit Airlines, it’s not just about the paycheck. Thoroughly researching everything from hiring requirements to income is essential. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the perks and opportunities associated with these aviation roles, you can make well-informed decisions that align with your professional goals. Spirit Airlines careers extend beyond mere job openings, offering a comprehensive and rewarding experience for aspiring pilots.

Spirit Airlines Hiring Requirements Overview
Type of airline: U.S. Passenger
Headquarters: Miramar, Florida
Hubs:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Chicago-O’Hare (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (IAH)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Miami (MIA)
- Newark (EWR)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Service to 80+ destinations
Origin: The company started in 1980 as Charter One.
Values: Mission: Deliver the Best Value in the Sky and Be the Most Successful Airlie On Earth!

What are the hiring requirements for Spirit Airlines careers?
General Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
- 1,500 hours total time
- Current Unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License with multi-engine land
- Current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
- FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit
- Valid passport/documents with at least six (6) months of validity that grants you the ability to travel in and out of the USA and all cities/countries served by Spirit Airlines now and in the future
- Legal right to work in the United States
Preferred Requirements:
- 2,500 hours total time in fixed wing aircraft
- 750 hours in multi-engine, turboprop or jet aircraft
- A320 Type Rating
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university
- Experience in 121 airlines or turbojet aircraft
- Experience in aircraft equipped with EFIS and/or FMS
- Instructor/Check Airman experience
Contact:
Homepage: Spirit Airlines
Contact Information
Phone: 1-954-447-7828
Spirit Careers: Overview
We have tried to provide the most accurate information here regarding hiring requirements for commercial airlines, we encourage you to contact the airline you’re interested in working for directly to verify employment requirements. Learn how much you can earn as a pilot, and learn exactly how to become a pilot. We wish you great success as an airline pilot and hope you land your dream job! Before you fill out that job application, you will need flight training. If you are interested in pursuing a flying career with Spirit Airlines and are interested in receiving your training at our flight school in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, please contact us today!
Spirit Airlines in the News
Spirit Airlines is a newsmaker in the aviation industry. If you are interested in flying for United, we encourage you to keep up with current events at the company.
- February 10, 2025 – PR Newswire: Spirit Airlines Reveals Most Searched 2025 Spring Break Destinations on Spirit.com
- August 30, 2024 – Trib Live: Spirit adds flight out of Arnold Palmer Airport through October
- August 27, 2024 – Stock Titan: Spirit Celebrates Launch of Newly Transformed Guest Experience with ‘Fly More’ Giveaway
- August 15, 2024 – Business Insider: Pleasant Surprise Flying Spirit Airlines for the First Time
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