Yes there is significant growth in pilot salaries over time in India driven by factors such as experience rank progression and industry demand.
Upon obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), a trainee pilot in India typically earns between INR 1.5 lakh to INR 3 lakh per month. This phase involves accumulating flying hours and gaining experience under supervision. As pilots advance, their salaries increase substantially. For instance a First Officer (Co Pilot) can earn between INR 2.5 lakh to INR 4 lakh per month, while a Senior First Officer may earn between INR 3 lakh to INR 6 lakh per month.
The most significant salary increase occurs when a pilot becomes a Captain typically after accumulating over 3,000 flying hours. At this stage salaries range from INR 6 lakh to INR 10 lakh per month with potential for higher earnings depending on the airline and routes.
Senior Captains or Check Captains who have extensive experience and additional responsibilities can earn upwards of INR 10 lakh per month. In international airlines, these figures can be even higher often exceeding INR 15 lakh per month
Internationally pilot salaries also demonstrate significant growth. For example in the Middle East entry level First Officers can earn between INR 6 lakh to INR 10 lakh per month, with tax free income and additional benefits such as housing and travel perks .