Becoming a pilot is one of the most exciting and respected careers in the world. From flying high above the clouds to exploring new places, the life of a pilot looks glamorous. However, people often ask one common question: “What is the pilot salary in India per month?”
In this blog, we’ll deep-dive into the pilot salary structure—starting from freshers’ to senior captains’ pay. We will also explore the factors affecting a pilot’s salary and how it changes with experience.
Pilot salary in India is paid anywhere between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh monthly and even more with experience, the airline they work for, and the type of aircraft. Here is a summary to elaborate on how the payment changes with the pilot’s career stage:
A trainee pilot has completed all the flight training and holds a commercial pilot license (CPL) but has yet to be contacted by any airline. The starting salary of a pilot in India during this stage ranges between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per month. This figure includes other benefits such as accommodation, transport, and flying bonuses. Furthermore, trainee pilots have few flying hours and work under captains.
A first officer, also called a co-pilot, assists the Captain in operating the aircraft. A First Officer pilot’s salary in India is between ₹2 lakh – ₹4 lakh. Their income increases more once they have more flying hours. Each airline offers bonuses like paying for their house, medicine, and even free flights.
The starting salary of a pilot Captain in India ranges between ₹5 lakh to 10 lakh per month, depending on the airline and the type of aircraft operated. Once a First Officer gains enough experience—usually around 1,500 flying hours—they can be promoted to Captain. At this level, their salary increases, including extra allowances for flying larger aircraft, international routes, night flights, and overtime. Since Captains hold the most responsibility, they earn the highest salaries among all pilots in commercial aviation.
Cargo pilots are just as important as commercial airline pilots, and their salaries are similar—depending on the type of aircraft they fly and their experience. On average, cargo pilots in India earn between ₹3 to ₹8 lakh per month, with some international cargo airlines offering even higher pay.
In India, pursuing a career as a pilot is extremely rewarding. With salaries ranging from ₹1.5 to 10 lakh per month, it largely depends on experience, the airline, and flight type. Due to their additional benefits, international airline pilots tend to earn significantly more.
The predicted salary growth within the aviation industry indicates that this career will remain particularly attractive for aviation lovers.
In India, a pilot’s starting salary is between ₹40,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month, according to the airline and the pilot’s training history. Flying school graduates are generally initiated as trainee second officers or junior First Officers.
The starting salary of pilot in india may also be on standby or have limited flying hours. This tends to suppress the starting pay. However, after completing a few hundred hours, the pay becomes much better with the proper experience.
The starting salary of pilot in india does not seem very promising, but with time, it becomes clear that the growth is plentiful within a few years.
The average pilot salary in India is estimated at the range of ₹1.5 to 6 lakh monthly. The range is determined by many more factors, such as the aircraft being used, level of experience, and whether the flights are domestic or international.
Most new pilots in India earn between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per month when they start their careers.
Senior pilots or Captains can earn a salary of ₹5 lakhs or more every month.
Also, an Indian pilot’s salary is among the highest in the world, for it has additional benefits like travel allowances, health insurance, and other travel-related benefits, which all add to the value of a pilot’s salary in India.
A Commercial Pilot has the license to operate and manage passenger or cargo flights for government or private airlines. Commercial Pilot salary in India is based on the number of flying hours, the specific airline’s payment structure, and how seasoned the pilot is. Here is a breakdown of the commercial pilot salary per month:
Apart from the salary, commercial pilots also enjoy benefits like free flights for family, hotel stays, and bonuses.
If you’re aiming to become a commercial pilot, this career not only offers great income but also a high level of job satisfaction.
Also, the pilot’s salary in India is based on the position in the airline. Airlines have different salary structures depending on a pilot’s experience, aircraft type, and route. Some airlines offer higher packages to experienced pilots on wide-body aircraft on international routes.
Here, we will look at both Indian and foreign airlines employing Indian pilots, focusing on top Indian airlines and international airlines to analyze their pay structures.
With the above positions, it is clear that the Indian airline pilot monthly payment is quite appealing, particularly for those serving with renowned airlines like Qatar Airways.
Every commercial flight is operated by two pilots: The Captain and the First Officer. The Captain and the First Officer both play crucial roles in operating the aircraft safely, but their responsibilities—and salaries—are different.
In India, a pilot’s salary is subject to several considerations. Whether you are an aspiring pilot or considering a career switch, understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions. Let’s look into the factors affecting a pilot’s salary in India.
One of the most important factors affecting a pilot’s salary is their experience level.
Freshers & Trainee Pilots – New pilots, especially those with a fresh commercial pilot license (CPL), start with a modest salary as they gain experience.
Not all airlines pay the same salary. The airline a pilot works for plays a significant role in determining their income.
A pilot’s earnings are heavily influenced by the type of aircraft they fly.
Whether a pilot flies domestic or international routes makes a big difference in earnings.
In addition to the base salary, many pilots are compensated with additional perks that enhance their earnings.
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.
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:
To pursue a career as a pilot, you must attend a DGCA-approved flying school that provides training on real aircraft and simulators.
First Officer → Senior First Officer → Captain → Senior Captain
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.
Batch Start From 6th Jan & 10th Jan 2025
Batch Start From 10th Jan 2025
Batch Start From 10th Jan 2025