WestJet (WS) is a major Canadian airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, operating a comprehensive domestic and international network.
Founded as a low-fare carrier, WestJet has steadily grown into a full-service airline with a diversified fleet that covers regional, domestic, and long-haul flights. The airline’s operations stretch from coast to coast within Canada and extend into the United States, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, offering pilots a mix of short, medium, and long-haul flying.
In 2026, WestJet continues to be regarded as one of Canada’s most desirable pilot employers. Pilot pay reflects both the airline’s growth trajectory and its collective bargaining agreements, resulting in structured progression, competitive base salaries, and additional pay for flying hours, allowances, and seniority.
While WestJet may not match the highest pay scales of some global legacy carriers, its compensation is highly competitive within the North American market, especially when combined with strong benefits, travel perks, and long-term career pathways.
WestJet Pilot Salary in 2026
WestJet First Officer Salary
First officers at WestJet in 2026 receive a base annual salary that typically starts around CAD 120,000 per year for newer pilots on narrow-body operations.
This base compensation rises incrementally with experience, seniority, and the number of flight hours flown. For pilots flying predominantly domestic and short-haul routes, this starting range provides a solid foundation as they build hours and progress through the airline’s seniority list.
As first officers gain additional experience and move into more demanding schedules, including opportunities on the Boeing 787-9 long-haul fleet, total annual compensation often increases.
Many first officers with several years of service earn in the range of CAD 150,000 to CAD 190,000 per year, depending on roster patterns, flying allowances, and the amount of time spent on international sectors.
Unit pay for flying hours combined with layover allowances on long-haul flights adds to the overall earnings, making the upper end of this range attainable for well-scheduled first officers.
WestJet Captain Salary
Captains at WestJet carry significant operational responsibility and are compensated accordingly. In 2026, newly promoted captains typically earn base annual salaries in the range of CAD 220,000 to CAD 280,000 per year.
This range reflects command on the Boeing 737 MAX fleet as pilots adjust to the demands of broader operations and increased leadership responsibilities.
With additional seniority and experience, especially on long-haul Boeing 787-9 flights, captains regularly see total annual earnings between CAD 300,000 and CAD 380,000 per year. These totals include base salary, flying hour pay, layover payments, and international allowances.
Senior captains with extensive experience and premium line assignments often earn toward the higher end of this range, supported by the demands of long-haul sectors and accumulated seniority privileges.
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Benefits Enjoyed by WestJet Pilots
WestJet offers its pilots the following benefits in addition to their salaries.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots and their eligible family members enjoy discounted or standby travel on WestJet and its partner network, making personal travel more affordable across North America and international routes.
- Layover and Overnight Allowances – When rostered on flights that require overnight stays, pilots receive allowances to help cover accommodation, meals, and incidental costs associated with layovers away from their home base.
- Medical and Insurance Coverage – WestJet provides comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance coverage for pilots and their dependents, supporting overall well-being and financial protection.
- Retirement and Savings Plans – Pilots participate in employer-contributed retirement savings plans that help build long-term financial security beyond active flying careers.
- Training and Career Development Opportunities – WestJet offers recurrent training, simulator sessions and fleet transition programmes designed to support ongoing professional development and expertise on evolving aircraft types.
- Work-Life Balance and Leave Provisions – Pilots receive paid annual leave and rest periods in line with regulatory requirements, helping them balance personal life with demanding flying schedules.
- Performance-Linked Incentives – In addition to base salary and flying pay, WestJet provides performance-linked incentives, including bonuses tied to operational performance and seniority.
- Well-Being and Support Resources – Pilots have access to wellness programmes and support services focused on physical and mental health, ensuring they can manage stress and wellbeing alongside professional demands.
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Aircraft Flown by WestJet Pilots
WestJet’s fleet of aircraft includes the following.
- Boeing 737-700 – 35
- Boeing 737-800 – 55
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 58
- Boeing 787-9 – 7
In addition to its existing set of aircraft, WestJet has the following planes on order.
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 – 14
- Boeing 737 MAX 10 – 102
- Boeing 787-9 – 7
Requirements To Become A Pilot for WestJet
All WestJet pilot candidates must fulfil the following requirements to be considered for a role, whereas the minimum hours flown are advertised based on the level of seniority the carrier needs to fill.
- Applicants must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence or equivalent recognised under Canadian civil aviation regulations.
- Pilots must possess a current Class 1 medical certificate confirming full physical and mental fitness for commercial flight operations.
- Strong proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential for safe communication with air traffic control and crew members.
- First officer candidates must meet minimum flight hour requirements, including multi-engine turbine experience as specified by WestJet.
- Captain applicants must have substantial flight hours and previous command experience, often with airline or multi-crew jet experience.
- Applicants must demonstrate excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and leadership skills under operational pressures.
- Effective teamwork and communication skills are required to operate safely in a multi-crew cockpit environment.
- Pilots must have legal authorisation to live and work in Canada and meet any jurisdictional licensing requirements.
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Hiring Process
WestJet’s hiring process comprises the following six steps.
- Application – Prospective pilots submit an online application through the WestJet careers portal, including licences, logbook summaries, a medical certificate, and a detailed résumé.
- Eligibility Screening – WestJet’s recruitment team reviews submissions to confirm minimum requirements such as medical fitness, total flight hours and licence validity.
- Online Assessment – Short-listed candidates complete technical and cognitive assessments that evaluate aviation knowledge, reasoning skills and operational understanding.
- Simulator Evaluation – Candidates advancing past assessments are invited to a simulator session where aircraft handling, decision-making and crew coordination are evaluated.
- Interview Stage – Applicants meet with senior pilots and human resources representatives for technical and behavioural interviews focused on communication, operational mindset and cultural fit.
- Medical & Background Checks – Final selected candidates undergo a detailed Class 1 medical re-examination, background screening and verification before receiving a formal offer.
Bottom Line
WestJet offers a competitive pilot compensation package in 2026 that balances a stable base salary, additional flying allowances, and strong benefits. First officers progress steadily with experience, while captains earn significant command pay that reflects responsibility and operational demands.
With its mixed fleet and evolving international network, WestJet remains a strong choice for pilots pursuing long-term careers in both domestic and international aviation.
WestJet Pilot Salary FAQs
In 2026, first officers at WestJet typically earn between CAD 120,000 and CAD 190,000 per year, depending on experience and flight schedules.
Captains generally earn between CAD 220,000 and CAD 380,000 per year, with higher totals available on long-haul sectors and with seniority.
Yes, pilots and their eligible family members have access to discounted and standby travel on WestJet and partner flights, making travel more affordable.
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