Sun Country Airlines Pilot Salary: Careers & Hiring Requirements

Sun Country Airlines is a low-cost passenger carrier that has been operating since 1983. It was acquired by Allegiant Air in 2026. The airline also flies charters and cargo flights for Amazon Air.

How much can I earn as a Sun Country Airlines pilot?

The average pay for a pilot at Sun Country Airlines in 2026 is $137,500 per year. Read on to learn more!

Hiring Requirements & Pay: Sun Country 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 Sun Country Airlines career.

What is the pilot pay for Sun Country Airlines in 2026?

Here is a sampling of Sun Country pilot hourly wages. Pilot pay changes based on various factors, such as type of plane, years of experience, etc. For example, this pay is based on flying the 737 NG/MAX.

How are the benefits at Sun Country 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 Sun Country 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 Sun Country 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

How your dream takes flight: Becoming a pilot for Sun Country Airlines

• Understanding Sun Country Airlines Career Opportunities: If you’re considering applying for job openings at Sun Country 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 Sun Country 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. Sun Country Airlines careers extend beyond mere job openings, offering a comprehensive and rewarding experience for aspiring pilots.

Sun Country Airlines Hiring Requirements Overview

Type of airline: U.S. Passenger

Headquarters/Hub: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun Country added a new pilot base at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in early 2026 to support expanding cargo operations.

Origin: The company incorporated in 1982 and began offering charter flights in 1983.

Mission: Connect people and places to create memories, operating as a low-cost, hybrid carrier providing safe, reliable, and friendly service.

What are the hiring requirements for Sun County Airlines careers?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Legal authorization to work in the United States
• Ability to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language
• Current FAA first class medical certificate
• FCC radio license
• Valid U.S. passport or valid passport with green card and the ability to travel to and from all cities and countries served by Sun Country
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, bachelor’s degree preferred
• Recent flight experience preferred

Requirements:

ATP Certificate Holder – 1500 Hours Minimum

• 1500 hours
• At least 23 years old
• 500 hours of cross-country
• 100 hours of night
• 75 hours of instrument
• 50 hours of multi-engine (25 actual and up to 25 hours of simulator time)

Preferred:

• FAR 121 Flight Time: 300-500 hours
• FAR 135 Flight Time: 300-500 hours or Military equivalent
• 2,000+ Total Flight hours

OR

Restricted ATP Eligible – 1500 Hours Minimum:

• 1500 hours
• 100 hours can be simulator time
• 250 hours PIC in an airplane
• At least 21 years old
• 200 hours cross-country (100 hours of which needs to be PIC cross-country in an airplane)
• 100 hours of night (25 hours of which needs to be PIC night in an airplane)
• 75 hours of instrument
• 25 hours of multi-engine
• Successful completion of ATP/CTP course and current ATP written

OR

Restricted ATP Eligible – 1250 Hours Minimum (Aviation College Background):

• 1250 total hours
• 100 hours can be simulator time
• 250 hours needs to be PIC in an airplane
• Graduated from an FAA Part 141 accredited school with an associate degree and at least 30 credit hours earned in an aviation major
• At least 21 years old
• 200 hours of cross-country (100 hours of which needs to be PIC cross-country in an airplane)
• 100 hours of night (25 hours of which needs to be PIC night in an airplane)
• 75 hours of instrument
• 25 hours of actual multi-engine
• Successful completion of ATP/CTP course and current ATP written. (Not applicable to Sun Country Airlines College Bridge Program)

OR

Restricted ATP Eligible – 1000 Hours Minimum (Aviation College Background):

• 1000 total hours
• 100 hours can be simulator time
• 250 hours needs to be PIC in an airplane
• Graduated from an FAA Part 141 accredited school with a bachelor’s degree and at least 60 credit hours earned in an aviation major
• At least 21 years old
• 200 hours of cross-country (100 hours of which needs to be PIC cross-country in an airplane)
• 100 hours of night (25 hours of which needs to be PIC night in an airplane)
• 75 hours of instrument
• 25 hours of multi-engine
• Successful completion of ATP/CTP course and current ATP written. (Not applicable to Sun Country Airlines College Bridge Program)

OR

Restricted ATP Eligible – 750 Hours Minimum (Military Background):

• 750 total hours
• 100 hours can be simulator time
• 250 hours needs to be PIC in an airplane
• Graduated from a U.S. Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school and received a rating qualification as a military pilot
• At least 21 years old
• 200 hours of cross-country (100 hours of which needs to be PIC cross-country in an airplane)
• 100 hours of night (25 hours of which needs to be PIC night in an airplane)
• 75 hours of instrument
• 25 hours of actual multi-engine
• Successful completion of ATP/CTP course and current ATP written

Compensation:

• Increased compensation to $83.28/hour for first-year first officers
• Hotel accommodations for initial training for new pilots living 50+ miles from Minneapolis, MN
• Health, dental, and vision plans
• Voluntary life insurance & AD&D
• Long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance & AD&D
• 401(k) contribution equal to 15% of eligible 2024 earnings, regardless of the​ pilot’s participation in the 401(k) plan
• Paid parking
• Average per diem pay – $2.80/hour
• Cockpit Access Security System (CASS) Database jump seat authorization
• Flight benefits for employees and their eligible travelers beginning on date of hire
• Mentorship first year of employment

Contact:

Homepage: Sun Country Airlines

Contact Information:
Sun Country 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 Sun Country Airlines and are interested in receiving your training at any of our campuses, please contact us today!

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