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Student LoginAn airline pilot is a professional who flies airplanes that carry passengers or cargo. They are responsible for safe take off, smooth flying and safe landing. Pilots also guide the plane on the right route and make sure everyone on board is safe and comfortable. It is one of the most respected and exciting jobs in the aviation field.
Pilot career salary is very high as compared to many other jobs. In India a new pilot (First Officer) can earn around 3 lakh per month and with experience a Captain can earn more than 15 lakh per month. In other countries like the USA and UAE pilots earn even more. Knowing the salary before investing in a pilot course is a smart step as it helps plan future expenses and understand the true value of this career.
Airline Pilot Salary per Month: India
Pilot salaries also vary based on rank, experience and the type of airline in India. Domestic airlines pay well, whereas international airlines are far higher in their monthly pay packages. The pay scale between the position of trainee and senior captain is as given in the table below:
| Rank | Experience | Domestic Airlines (INR/PM) | International Airlines (INR/PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Pilot | 0 – 1 year | 1.5 L – 3 L | 3 L – 4.5 L |
| Junior First Officer | 1 – 3 years | 4 L – 5.5 L | 6 L – 7.5 L |
| Senior First Officer | 3 – 6 years | 6 L – 8 L | 8.3 L – 10.8 L |
| Captain (Narrow-body) | 6 – 10 years | 12.5 L – 15 L | 18.3 L – 23.3 L |
| Captain (Wide-body) | 8 – 12 years | 15 L – 18.3 L | 25 L – 33.3 L |
| Training / Check Captain | 12+ years | 16.6 L – 20.8 L | 33.3 L – 41.6 L+ |
As pilots gain experience, their monthly income grows rapidly. Becoming a trainee to a captain can increase earnings many times with international airlines as it offers the highest pay and extra perks too.
Airline Pilot Salary per Month: Abroad
Aviation salary per month changes depending on the country, airline and experience level. While India offers good pay but countries like the USA, UAE and Europe provide much higher salaries especially for Captains and specialized roles like cargo pilots. The table below shows a comparison of monthly salaries for different pilot positions in India and abroad:
| Post | India (INR) (Monthly) | USA (INR) (Monthly) | UAE (INR) (Monthly) | Europe (INR) (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Pilot | 1.5 – 4 Lakh | 6 – 8 Lakh | 4 – 6 Lakh | 5–6 Lakh |
| First Officer | 4– 6 Lakh | 9 – 12 Lakh | 6 – 8 Lakh | 6– 8 Lakh |
| Senior First Officer | 6 – 10 Lakh | 13 – 16 Lakh | 8 – 9 Lakh | 8– 12 Lakh |
| Captain | 10– 15 Lakh | 18 – 20 Lakh | 11–14 Lakh | 15 –18 Lakh |
| Type Rated Captain | 16– 18 Lakh | 20.– 22 Lakh | 13 – 15 Lakh | 14 – 18 Lakh |
| Cargo Pilot | 18 – 20 Lakh | 22 – 25 Lakh | 15L – 18 Lakh | 15–16 Lakh |
Additional Benefits with Salary
Pilots not only earn a salary but also receive various perks and benefits through airlines. These include travel allowances, housing, insurance and performance bonuses which add significantly to their overall income.
Housing, Food & Insurance:
- Many airlines provide housing or housing allowances, especially for international postings.
- Meals or food allowances may be included during training or layovers.
- Health, life, and accident insurance coverage are commonly offered.
Performance Bonuses:
- Incentives based on flight hours, safety record, or airline performance.
- Some airlines offer annual or quarterly bonuses in addition to base salary.
Travel Benefits and Allowances:
- Free or discounted flight tickets for pilots and sometimes family members.
- Per diem allowances for meals, accommodation and travel during layovers.
Pilot Jobs Salary: Airlines
Airline pilot salary in India varies on the basis of the airline, experience level and aircraft type etc. Below is an estimated average monthly salary for first officer & captain pilots who works in the major airlines:
| Airline | First Officer (INR/month) | Captain (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | 2.5 – 3.5 Lakh | 7 – 12 Lakh (wide-body up to 15 L) |
| IndiGo | 2 – 3 Lakh | 6 – 9 Lakh (senior up to 11 L) |
| SpiceJet | 1.5 – 2.5 Lakh | 4.5 – 7 Lakh |
| Akasa Air | 1.8 – 2.5 Lakh | 5 – 7.5 Lakh |
| Go First | 1.5 – 2 Lakh (approx) | 3 – 4.5 Lakh |
| Alliance Air | 1.5 – 2 Lakh | 3.5 – 5 Lakh |
| Star Air | 1.2 – 1.8 Lakh | 3 – 4.5 Lakh |
| TruJet | 1.2 – 1.8 Lakh | 3 – 4 Lakh |
| Qatar Airways | 4 – 5 Lakh | 13 – 16 Lakh |
| Emirates | 4.5 – 5.5 Lakh | 15 – 18 Lakh |
| Singapore Airlines | 4 – 5 Lakh | 14 – 17 Lakh |
| Lufthansa (Europe) | 4 – 5.5 Lakh | 15 – 18 Lakh |
On behalf of the above given table we can say that the Air India and IndiGo generally offer higher salaries as compared to low cost carriers like SpiceJet or Go First etc. Salaries can increase with experience, international routes and type ratings on advanced aircraft.
Factors Affecting Pilot salary
- Type of License: Commercial Pilot License holders earn less than Airline Transport Pilot License holders. ATPL allows senior roles like captain which come with higher pay.
- Aircraft Type: Pilots flying wide-body or long-haul aircraft earn more than those flying narrow-body or short domestic routes.
- Experience and Flying Hours: More experience and higher flying hours increase salary and promotion opportunities.
- Airline Type: Pilots in commercial airlines or international carriers earn more than those in charter flights, cargo airlines or private jets.
- Route Type: International long-haul flights pay more than domestic short-haul routes.
- Airline Reputation: Top rated airlines or premium carriers often offer higher salaries and better perks.
- Bonuses and Allowances: Perks like fuel allowances, accommodation, per diem, and performance bonuses can significantly boost total income.
- Location: Pilots working in countries with high living costs or in demand markets often earn more.
- Seniority: Promotions from first officer to captain or senior captain increase income substantially.
- Special Ratings: Additional certifications like instrument rating (IFR) or type rating for specific aircraft can increase earning potential.
Pursuing a pilot career is a smart choice as it offers one of the highest salaries in aviation. From trainees to captains, pay grows rapidly and with perks like travel, bonuses and global opportunities becoming an airline pilot is both rewarding and secure.
