Gary Kelly Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Gary Kelly, born in 1960, kicked off his career in the airline industry at a young age. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Accounting, Kelly joined Southwest Airlines in 1986. He started as a corporate accountant, but his passion for the business and his strong work ethic quickly propelled him up the ranks.

Gary Kelly’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Gary Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is a testament to his successful career in the aviation industry.

Gary Kelly’s Career

Gary Kelly, born in 1960, is an American businessman known for his role as the former Chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines. He joined the company in 1986 and held various positions before becoming CEO in 2004. Under his leadership, Southwest Airlines became one of the most profitable and well-respected airlines in the world.

Gary Kelly’s Other Ventures

Beyond his work at Southwest Airlines, Kelly has been involved in various other ventures. He serves on the boards of several companies, including Air Lease Corporation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. He has also been a significant philanthropist, contributing to various educational and community initiatives.

Gary Kelly’s Assets

Kelly’s assets primarily consist of his stakes in Southwest Airlines and other companies. He also owns several properties, including a home in Dallas, Texas, valued at around $3 million. His collection of art and classic cars is also notable, though the exact value is not publicly disclosed.

Gary Kelly’s Annual Income

While Kelly’s exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, it’s estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. In 2020, his total compensation from Southwest Airlines was reported to be around $15 million, including salary, stock awards, and other compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Gary Kelly

Gary Kelly Net Worth

Gary Kelly, the former CEO of Southwest Airlines, has an estimated net worth of $2 billion.

How did Gary Kelly make his money?

Gary Kelly made his fortune primarily through his career at Southwest Airlines. He joined the company in 1986 and served as CEO from 2008 until 2022. Under his leadership, Southwest grew to become one of the largest airlines in the world.

What is Gary Kelly’s annual salary?

As of 2022, Gary Kelly’s annual salary was $1.2 million. However, this figure is subject to change and may not reflect his earnings during his tenure as CEO.

What other businesses is Gary Kelly involved in?

Gary Kelly is not publicly known to be involved in any other businesses besides his role at Southwest Airlines. He has, however, served on the boards of several other companies, including 7-Eleven and the Air Transport Association.

Does Gary Kelly have any philanthropic endeavors?

Yes, Gary Kelly is involved in several philanthropic endeavors. He has served on the board of the Dallas-based nonprofit The Family Place, which aims to help victims of family violence. He also supports various educational initiatives and has been recognized for his contributions to the community.

What is Gary Kelly’s political affiliation?

Gary Kelly’s political affiliation is not publicly known. He has not made any public statements about his political leanings.

What is Gary Kelly’s educational background?

Gary Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also has a Master of Business Administration degree from the same institution.

What are some of Gary Kelly’s awards and recognitions?

Gary Kelly has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. Some of these include being named “CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive magazine in 2013 and being inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2018. He has also been recognized for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Gary Kelly’s leadership style?

Gary Kelly is known for his hands-on and approachable leadership style. He is often seen on the flight line, interacting with employees and customers, and is known for his emphasis on customer service and employee engagement.

What is Gary Kelly’s successor as CEO of Southwest Airlines?

Robert Jordan, who previously served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, succeeded Gary Kelly as CEO of Southwest Airlines in February 2022.