1. Small Regional Aircraft – Pilots flying smaller planes on short-haul routes usually earn less.

2. Commercial Jets – Employers of Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and similar aircraft and their experienced pilots earn well, and pay is proportionate with experience.

3. Long-Haul & Wide-Body Aircraft – Pilots commanding large international aircraft such as Fuji Heavy Industries 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350 earn the highest due to complexity and duration. 

International vs. Domestic Flights

Whether a pilot flies domestic or international routes makes a big difference in earnings.

1. Domestic Pilots – Pilots flying within India earn decent salaries but are generally lower than international pilots.

2. International Pilots – Pilots flying international routes have higher salaries due to longer flight hours, increased responsibilities, and international pay scales.

• Other Advantages for International Pilots:
  • Increased payment per flying hour.  
  • Higher allowances for layovers.  
  • Greater exposure to foreign airlines.  

Perks & Benefits  

In addition to the base salary, many pilots are compensated with additional perks that enhance their earnings.  

1.  Housing Allowance – Certain airlines offer a housing facility or provide a housing allowance.  
2.  Travel Benefits – Travel privileges include free and discounted air tickets for the pilots and their families.  
3.  Insurance & Medical Benefits – Health coverage includes comprehensive life and health insurance.  
4. Bonuses & Incentives – Many airlines provide annual bonuses based on performance and length of service.  
5.  Retirement Benefits – Most pilots are entitled to pension plans and retirement benefits in their old age.  

If you want to pursue a pilot career, concentrate on getting experience, acquiring certifications, and selecting the best-paying airline.

If you want to become a pilot, you must complete the required training and have sufficient flight hours.

How to Become a Pilot in India: Step-by-Step Guide  

Becoming a pilot in India is an exciting journey but requires proper planning, training, and dedication. Whether you dream of flying for domestic or international airlines, the process is straightforward—but it involves several key steps.

Here’s how you can become a commercial pilot in India, step by step:

Complete Class 12 with Science

• Complete your schooling first; students must take Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 (10+2).

• This opens up the option to meet the minimum eligibility percentage of 50% set by most flying schools.

• Students coming from non-science fields have the option to change their subjects through open schooling.

 Pass DGCA Medical Tests

• You must be medically fit to become a pilot.

• First, take the Class 2 DGCA Medical (basic level).

• Before flying commercially, you’ll also need to clear the Class 1 medical test from a DGCA-authorized medical examiner.

• These tests check vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness.

 Register with a Well-Known Aviation Academy in India  

To pursue a career as a pilot, you must attend a DGCA-approved flying school that provides training on real aircraft and simulators.  

Best pilot training institution in India:

1. Top Crew Aviation

• Known for high-quality training and experienced instructors.

• Offers full CPL (Commercial Pilot License) training programs.

• Helps students prepare for airline selection processes and type rating.

• Their courses are designed for both beginners and advanced learners.

2. Other top flying schools:

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology (IGIAT), Delhi

• IGRUA (Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics), Amethi

• Indigo Cadet Pilot Program (via approved partners)

Complete CPL Training

• You must log at least 200 flying hours under the guidance of certified trainers.

• Ground school training includes subjects like navigation, meteorology, air regulations, and aircraft systems.

• Once completed and after clearing the DGCA exams, you’ll receive your Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Do Type Rating (Optional but Important)

• Type rating is specialized training for flying large commercial jets like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

• It’s optional but often required by most airlines today.

• You can get a type rating from your flying school or certified training centres.

• It costs between ₹20–35 lakhs, depending on the aircraft and training institute.

Apply to Airlines as a Trainee or First Officer

• Once you have your CPL and (ideally) type rating, you can apply to airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, or SpiceJet.

• You’ll start as a trainee pilot or Junior First Officer.

• After completing airline-specific training and checking flights, you begin flying as a First Officer (co-pilot).
• With time and experience, you’ll move up the ranks: 

First Officer → Senior First Officer → Captain → Senior Captain

• Most pilots become Captains after 3 to 5 years, depending on performance and flying hours.

Conclusion

To sum it up, pilot salaries in India can range from ₹40,000 per month for freshers to over ₹7 lakh for experienced Captains. A pilot’s earnings depend on several factors—like experience, the type of aircraft they fly, the airline they work for, and their role, whether as a First Officer or Captain.

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to become a senior Captain, one thing is clear—aviation offers great earning potential, fast career growth, and an exciting lifestyle.

If you’re passionate about flying, there’s truly no limit to what you can achieve.