PILOT CET 2025

In a pilot’s career salary tends to follow a clear upward trajectory aligned with experience license level and roles both in India and internationally.

Entry?Level (First Officer / Junior FO)
- In India, fresh CPL holders typically earn around INR 1.5–3?lakh per month as First Officers or trainee pilots.
- Several years in salaries rise to about INR 3–6?lakh/month for Senior First Officers.
Captain (Domestic)
- After earning an ATPL and gaining sufficient experience, pilots ascend to Captain roles. Their pay increases to roughly INR 6–10?lakh/month domestically.
Senior Captain / Check Captain / Specialized Roles
- With years of experience and leadership responsibilities, salaries can soar beyond INR 10–15? lakhs / month and even higher dependent on aircraft type and seniority
International Routes & Specialized Operations
- International senior captains can earn hugely more—some reports show INR 15–20? lakhs / month, and in many cases globally, this could translate to INR 1.75 cr –2.40 cr?/year.
- In specific sectors like narrowbody or heavy international jets abroad total compensation frequently ranges from $180,000 up to $400,000+ annually for captains with first officers also seeing significant earnings from $90,000 to $220,000+ depending on the airline type.
United States & Global Markets
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a median annual salary of $219,140 for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers as of May 2023.
- Pay grows with seniority and varies by airline category (regional low?cost major or cargo) with captains earning significantly higher than first officers.

Summary of Salary Progression Trend

Start: INR 1.5–3? lakh / month as a First Officer in India.
Mid?career: INR 3–6? lakh / month as Senior First Officer.
Captain (domestic): INR 6–10? lakh / month.
Senior roles / international: INR 10–15? lakh+ with some reaching
U.S. & other markets: Annual earnings often range from $90,000 for first officers to well over $400,000 for senior captains

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What is the salary progression trend in a pilot’s career?

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