What is a realistic airline pilot salary per month starting point?

A realistic starting salary for a newly licensed commercial pilot particularly a First Officer depends on factors like the type of airline (budget vs. full service), experience, aircraft complexity, and additional allowances.

India (Domestic Carriers)

Budget/Regional Airlines: Freshly qualified pilots can expect around INR 1.2 lakh to INR 1.8 lakh per month.
Full Service Carriers (e.g. Air India, Vistara): Starting salaries are more competitive usually between INR 2 lakh and INR 3 lakh per month.
Short-term trainees or junior FO stipends can be lower roughly INR 75,000 to INR 1.1 lakh per month before line release.

Progression Over Time

With 2–5 years and increased flight hours monthly pay moves into the INR 3 lakh – INR 5 lakh range.
Commanding a domestic narrow body jet as Captain typically pays around INR 5 lakh – INR 7 lakh per month.
Senior Captains flying widebody or international routes can earn INR 7.5 lakh – INR 12 lakh+ per month.

Additional Perks & Allowances

Pilots especially those flying international routes commonly receive per diems layover allowances, housing subsidies, insurance, and travel benefits. These can significantly enhance the take-home pay, especially during long haul flights.

For aspiring airline pilots in India a realistic starting monthly salary typically ranges:

INR 1.2 lakh – INR 1.8 lakh for budget/regional airlines, or lower during training.
INR 2 lakh – INR 3 lakh for full-service carriers like Air India or Vistara.

As pilots gain experience and become eligible for command positions their monthly earnings can escalate significantly:

INR 3 lakh – INR 5 lakh for more experienced First Officers.
INR 5 lakh – INR 7 lakh for Captains on domestic operations.
INR 7.5 lakh – INR 12 lakh+ for senior Captains handling wide body and international flights.

These figures often exclude allowances and perks which can meaningfully boost overall compensation. The salary growth correlates with accrued flight hours rank aircraft type and routes flown.

What is a realistic airline pilot salary per month starting point?

India (Domestic Carriers)

Progression Over Time

Additional Perks & Allowances

For aspiring airline pilots in India a realistic starting monthly salary typically ranges:

Category

Commercial Pilot License (4)

Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (2)

Private Helicopter Pilot License (3)

pilot (399)

PPL (1)

SPL (4)

CPL (1)

Tags

Dear ,

Thank you for your query. We will connect with you soon.

PILOT CET Helpdesk Number:- 7065 006 006