What is the salary of an airline pilot?

What salary can an airline pilot expect in 2025?

This is a question many people ask, whether out of simple curiosity or a desire to embark on this fascinating career. Between low-cost airlines and major international carriers, salary differences can be considerable. Experience, the type of aircraft flown, and even the region of the world play a key role in remuneration.

Introduction

Becoming an airline pilot is a dream for many, but one question often comes up: how much does a pilot actually earn? Contrary to popular belief, an airline pilot's salary varies depending on several factors: experience, airline, type of aircraft flown, and even the region of the world.

A young co-pilot obviously doesn't earn the same salary as an experienced captain at a major international airline. Furthermore, some low-cost airlines offer very different remuneration from historical carriers like Air France or Lufthansa.

In this article, we will review all these elements to give you a clear and precise vision of an airline pilot's salary in 2025.

How much does an airline pilot earn in 2025?

An airline pilot's salary can vary considerably depending on their experience and the company they work for. On average, a junior co-pilot earns between €2,500 and €4,000 per month, while an experienced captain can earn a salary exceeding €15,000 per month at some companies.

The average salary of an airline pilot

Overall, a mid-career pilot earns approximately €8,000 to €10,000 gross per month. However, these figures can change depending on bonuses, flight hours flown, and travel allowances.

Salary evolution according to experience

• Junior pilot (co-pilot): When starting out, a pilot often earns a salary between €30,000 and €50,000 per year. The first few years are often marked by lower remuneration, especially at low-cost airlines.

• Experienced pilot: After several years of flying, remuneration increases, averaging €80,000 to €120,000 per year.

• Captain: With solid experience, a captain can earn between €100,000 and €200,000 per year, depending on the airline and the type of flights operated (short-haul or long-haul).

A pilot's salary is therefore very attractive, but it depends on many factors that we will detail in the following sections.

Factors influencing an airline pilot's salary

A pilot's salary doesn't solely depend on their experience. Several criteria come into play, such as the airline, the type of aircraft flown, and even the flight destination.

Airlines: low-cost vs. major carriers

Not all airlines remunerate their pilots in the same way. For example, a pilot at Ryanair or easyJet will often earn less than a pilot at Air France, Lufthansa or Emirates. Major traditional airlines generally offer higher salaries, but the requirements for experience and training are also stricter.

Type of aircraft flown

A pilot operating long-haul aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, generally earns a higher salary than a pilot performing short-haul flights on smaller aircraft, such as the Airbus A320. Long-haul flights often involve more flight hours, bonuses, and higher travel allowances.

Bonuses and benefits

In addition to their basic salary, pilots often benefit from bonuses and benefits that increase their remuneration:

• Flight allowances: The more a pilot flies, the more bonuses they receive related to the flight hours performed.

• Night, weekend, and holiday bonuses: Certain flights allow for additional bonuses.

• Travel allowances: Companies pay compensation for accommodation expenses during extended layovers.

• Other benefits: Discounted airline tickets, advantageous social security coverage, supplementary pension...

All these elements make it difficult to give a single figure for a pilot's salary, but one thing is certain: the more experience and responsibilities increase, the more interesting the remuneration becomes.

Airline pilot salaries by region of the world

A flight pilot's remuneration also varies depending on the country where they work. Some regions offer much more attractive salaries than others, particularly due to the cost of living, the demand for pilots, and the working conditions offered by local companies.

Pilot salaries in Europe

In Europe, salary disparities are significant. A pilot working for a low-cost airline like Ryanair or Wizz Air will often earn between €3,000 and €6,000 gross per month, whereas a captain at Air France or Lufthansa can reach €15,000 per month. Major historical airlines also offer better working conditions and more attractive bonuses.

Pilot salaries in the United States

In the United States, pilot salaries are generally higher than in Europe. A junior co-pilot can expect $50,000 to $80,000 per year, but after a few years of experience, a long-haul captain can exceed $300,000 annually at companies like Delta Airlines or United Airlines. In addition, American pilots often benefit from advantageous collective agreements, particularly regarding retirement and health coverage.

Pilot salaries in the Middle East and Asia

The Middle East is a popular destination for pilots thanks to attractive salaries and tax advantages. At companies like Emirates or Qatar Airways, an experienced captain can earn up to €20,000 per month, in addition to benefits such as covered accommodation and no income tax.

In Asia, the situation varies by country. Chinese airlines, in particular, offer very high salaries to attract foreign pilots, with offers going up to €25,000 per month for experienced captains. Conversely, in other countries like India or Indonesia, salaries remain lower, although competitive compared to the local cost of living.

In summary, airline pilots working in North America, the Middle East, and Asia can earn much higher salaries than in Europe, especially thanks to tax advantages and bonuses offered by some airlines.

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How to become an airline pilot and maximize your salary?

Becoming an airline pilot requires time, rigor, and a significant financial investment. However, with the right training and a few strategies, it is possible to accelerate your career and quickly achieve an attractive salary.

Training to become an airline pilot

There are several paths to becoming a pilot:

• Private schools: Some schools like ENAC in France or CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offer comprehensive training, but the cost can exceed €100,000.

• Military training: An interesting alternative, as the training is funded by the state, but military service is mandatory for several years.

• Airline cadet program: Some airlines directly train their future pilots in exchange for an employment contract after obtaining the license.

Strategies for rapid advancement and salary increase

• Accumulate flight hours: The more experience a pilot has, the more they can aim for better-paid positions. Starting as a flight instructor or co-pilot in small companies can be a good way to accelerate your progress.

• Apply to international airlines: Middle Eastern or Asian airlines often offer higher salaries than European ones.

• Specialize in long-haul flights: Flying wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 provides better remuneration than on short-haul aircraft.

• Rapidly become a captain: Progression to this position is key to maximizing one's salary. Some companies offer faster promotions than others, so it may be beneficial to choose your employer carefully.

Even if the road to becoming an airline pilot is long, there are many opportunities for those who are motivated. With experience and the right career choices, it is possible to achieve very comfortable salaries and enjoy a fulfilling profession.

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Conclusion

The profession of airline pilot is a dream, and the remuneration can be very attractive. However, the salary varies according to many criteria such as experience, the airline, the type of aircraft flown, and even the region of the world where one works. A young co-pilot will often start with a modest salary, but over the years, there are many opportunities for advancement, particularly by becoming a captain or joining a company offering better conditions.

If you are considering becoming a pilot, it is essential to choose your training and career path carefully to maximize your chances of accessing well-paid positions. Whatever path you choose, one thing is certain: flying an airplane is a unique experience that combines passion and responsibility, with the prospect of a very comfortable salary.

Watch a short video on airline pilot salaries:

 

FAQ: our team answers all your questions

What is the salary of an Air France airline pilot?

The salary of an airline pilot at Air France varies according to experience and the type of aircraft flown. A co-pilot starts at around €6,000 gross per month, while an experienced captain can exceed €15,000 per month, including bonuses.

What is an airline pilot's salary at the end of their career?

At the end of their career, an airline pilot can earn between €10,000 and €20,000 gross per month, depending on their experience, the airline, and the types of flights operated. Long-haul captains at major international airlines can reach these levels of remuneration.

What is the salary of a Ryanair pilot?

At Ryanair, a junior airline pilot can expect a salary of approximately €3,000 to €4,000 gross per month. With experience, this salary can increase to around €8,000 to €10,000 per month for an experienced captain.

What is the salary of an A380 captain at Air France?

The salary of an A380 captain at Air France can exceed €15,000 gross per month, depending on experience and bonuses related to flight hours and the specific conditions of long-haul flights.

What is a pilot's salary at TUI?

At TUI, a junior airline pilot can earn around €3,000 to €4,000 gross per month, while an experienced captain can reach approximately €7,000 to €9,000 per month. Salaries vary according to experience, the type of aircraft flown, and bonuses related to flight hours.

Who is the highest-paid pilot?

The highest-paid pilot is often a long-haul captain, particularly at airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways, where salaries can exceed €20,000 gross per month. These pilots also benefit from many advantages, such as high bonuses and advantageous tax conditions.

What is an airline pilot's retirement like?

The retirement of an airline pilot depends on the airline and the collective agreements in place. Generally, pilots retire around the age of 65, the mandatory retirement age for commercial flying, and often benefit from a supplementary pension, which can be quite comfortable, especially if they have worked for a large airline with a good retirement plan. However, retirement pensions can vary widely depending on their experience and the position held during their career.