When you see a pilot walking through an airport terminal, one thought probably crosses your mind: “How much do they make?”
And if you are an aspiring pilot, chances are you have already searched on Google, “What is the salary of pilots in India?”
Becoming a pilot in India is one of the most financially rewarding careers in the country, but earnings can vary widely depending on experience, aircraft type, route, and employer.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down how much pilots earn at different stages, what factors influence their pay, and how a pilot’s salary grows over time.
Let’s take off on the journey from a fresh pilot to a senior captain and see what the paycheck looks like at each stage of a flying career in India.
What Factors Determine a Pilot’s Salary in India?
Several key factors affect how much a pilot earns in India:
License & Ratings: The type of license matters. A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is needed to start flying commercial aircraft, but an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is required to become a Captain. Pilots with advanced type ratings (certifications for specific jets like A320 or B737) often command higher pay.
Even for those curious whether a Commerce Student Can Become a Pilot Without Physics, the path may look a little different, but licenses and ratings are still same and decide your career growth and earning potential.
Experience & Flight Hours: Seniority and hours flown impact salary. A First Officer with a few hundred hours earns much less than a Captain with 5,000+ hours. As you log more flight hours and years, your income keeps moving up.
Employer & Aircraft Type: Which airline you work for makes a difference. Low-cost carriers, e.g., IndiGo, SpiceJet, tend to have lower pay scales, whereas full-service airlines, like Air India or Vistara, and especially foreign airlines like Emirates or Singapore Airlines, pay more and offer richer allowances. Wide-body jet pilots, flying 777s, 787s, etc., earn more than those flying smaller aircraft.
Routes Flown: Domestic vs. International matters. Domestic pilots have good salaries but typically lower than long-haul international pilots, who get extra pay for overseas layovers, time-zone crossings, and generally fly larger aircraft.
Additional Duties: Pilots who take on special roles, such as Training Captains, Simulator Instructors, or Examiner roles, receive extra stipends. These leadership or training duties on top of flying come with additional pay bonuses.
Market Demand: Like any industry, supply and demand influence pay. Right now, there’s a global pilot shortage, so airlines are competing for talent. This means faster promotions and higher salary offers, especially for captains and certain aircraft type-rated pilots.
The more qualified and experienced you are, the higher your earnings. A young First Officer might start on the lower end, but with each year and every skill you add, you reach closer to those top-tier salaries.
Career Progression and Salary Growth for Pilots in India
One of the exciting aspects of a pilot’s career is how quickly the salary grows with experience. The first few years might feel slow, but as you gain seniority, your earnings can literally take off.
The pilot career path works like a standard roadmap. After 12th, you train, get your CPL, and step into a flying job. The rules and salary structure apply equally to everyone, including aspiring commercial female pilots after 12th
Here’s a typical journey in terms of years and salary milestones:
Training Phase (Year 0-2): This includes 12-18 months in flight school for CPL, plus possibly some time instructing or struggling to get that first airline break.
Choosing a DGCA-approved institute such as Vision Flying Training Institute (VFTI), as one of the best flying institutes for pilot training in India, can play a major role in building strong fundamentals and improving airline placement prospects later. Income during training is nil, and initial jobs, like an instructor or junior trainee pilot, might pay ₹30,000–₹50,000 per month at best. Essentially, you invest time and money now for future rewards.
Junior First Officer (Years 1-3): Once hired by an airline as a Junior First Officer, you start earning around ₹1.5–3 L/Month as a newcomer. This period is about learning on the job and accumulating hours. Salary is moderate, but after the training period, it feels great to get paid to fly!
First Officer (Years 3-5): After a couple of years, you become a full First Officer. Your pay now might be in the range of ₹2.5–4 L/Month. You may also start getting additional bonuses for hitting certain flight hour targets and experience increments annually.
Senior First Officer / Captain-in-Training (Years 6-8): In many airlines, by around year 6-8, you either upgrade to Senior First Officer or enter Captain training. Salaries here approach ₹5-6 L/Month.
Captain (Years 8-12): Typically, within 8-10 years of starting, pilots achieve Captaincy. Now the salary jumps often ₹6–10 L/Month for a Captain in India. Annual pay can cross ₹1 crore for senior narrow-body Captains. This is the reward for all those years of building experience.
Senior Captain / Examiner (Year 13+): Beyond a decade, many captains take on roles like Check Captain, Training Captain, or Examiner. These are veteran pilots who assess others. Their pay can cross ₹12–15 L/Month in India and much more abroad. This is the point where you’re in the highest salary band, sometimes in supervisory roles, with maximum perks and a lot of professional respect.
Becoming a captain is not the end; many pilots go beyond, becoming senior instructors, management pilots, or even starting their own aviation businesses (charter companies, flight schools, consultancies). Those paths can lead to additional income streams on top of flying.
Commercial Airline Pilot Salary in India
Most aspiring pilots aim to fly for commercial airlines. Commercial pilots (airline pilots) start their careers as First Officers (co-pilots) and can progress to Captains and Senior Captains (typically after obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) for captaincy).
Here’s an overview of monthly salary ranges at different experience levels for airline pilots in India:
- Trainee Pilot / Fresh CPL Holder: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per month. This is often a stipend or instructor pay for fresh pilots who haven’t joined an airline yet. Many new Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders initially work as junior flight instructors or in ground roles, earning a modest income while building hours. Once they get hired by an airline as a First Officer, their pay increases significantly.
- First Officer (Junior Co-Pilot): ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per month. This is the typical starting salary range for a new airline pilot in India. After finishing CPL training and type rating, starting salaries in Indian carriers usually fall in this range.
- Senior First Officer: ₹5,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per month. After a few years (usually 3–5 years) of experience and hundreds of flight hours, First Officers get promoted or earn higher pay grades. Senior First Officers who are close to qualifying as Captains can earn around 5–6 lakhs monthly. Experience and expertise start reflecting in this pay range.
- Airline Captain: ₹6,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per month. Captains, the pilots in command, have substantially higher salaries. In India, a narrow-body aircraft Captain (e.g., flying an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 on domestic routes) often earns between 6 and 8 lakhs a month. This translates to roughly ₹60–96 lakh per annum. Captains also get additional flying allowances, and their pay depends on factors like total flight hours and the airline’s pay structure.
- Senior Captain / Airline Transport Pilot: ₹8,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ per month. Experienced captains with many years of service (10+ years) and high seniority can make upwards of ₹8 lakh monthly, crossing into eight-figure annual salaries. In leading airlines, senior captains commanding international flights or wide-body jets (e.g., Boeing 787s) may earn over ₹1 crore per year, i.e., ₹12–15 lakh per month at the extreme high end. Such top-tier salaries are typically for pilots with an ATPL, thousands of flight hours, and often training roles.
These figures are averages and can vary by airline. Most airlines in India pay a combination of a base salary and flying allowances (hourly pay for hours flown). Thus, a pilot’s take-home pay can fluctuate based on how many hours they fly in a month.
Additionally, factors like the type of aircraft and route (domestic vs international) influence the pay, international and wide-body operations tend to pay more due to longer hours and higher responsibility.
Annual Salary of a Commercial Pilot in India
Salary of Commercial Airline Pilots in India for Domestic and International Flights
A commercial airline pilot’s salary in India changes a lot depending on where they fly. Domestic routes usually mean shorter sectors, more daily rotations, and standard allowances.
International flying often means longer duty hours, more night flying, and layovers in other countries. Many international operations are also on wide-body aircraft, like Boeing 777/787 or Airbus A330/A350, which generally come with a better pay package.
This does not mean every pilot can jump to international flying early. Many airlines assign international routes based on:
- Seniority
- Fleet type
- Base location
- Operational requirements
- Experience and performance
Work Differences Between Domestic and International Flights That Affect the Salary of Commercial Airline Pilots
| Factor | Domestic Flights | International Flights |
| Sector length | Short | Medium to long |
| Aircraft | Mostly narrow-body | Often wide-body |
| Layover pay | Low/limited | Higher and frequent |
| Monthly income potential | Strong | Usually higher |
| Who gets it first | Newer pilots often start here | Typically higher seniority |
Most pilots start out on domestic routes as First Officers. As you build flight hours and seniority, you are more likely to move into international flying, where the top salary ranges usually begin.
Pilot’s Salary at Top Indian Airlines
Salaries can differ significantly from one airline to another. Below is a comparison of pilot salaries at some leading Indian airlines for First Officers and Captains:
| Airline | First Officer (Monthly) | Captain (Monthly) |
| Air India | ₹2.5 – 3.5 lakh | ₹7 – 10 lakh (senior/wide-body up to ₹15L) |
| IndiGo | ₹2 – 3 lakh | ₹6 – 9 lakh (senior up to ₹11L) |
| Vistara | ₹2 – 3 lakh | ₹5.5 – 8 lakh |
| SpiceJet | ₹1.5 – 2 lakh | ₹4.5 – 6.5 lakh |
| Akasa Air | ₹1.8 – 2.5 lakh | ₹5 – 7.5 lakh |
As shown in the table above, Air India and IndiGo tend to offer the highest salaries for pilots among Indian carriers.
The key takeaway is that the larger the airline and the bigger the aircraft, the higher the pilot’s salary in India.
Cargo Pilot Salary in India
Cargo pilots operate freight aircraft for logistics airlines. In India, cargo pilot salaries are on par with, and sometimes even higher than, those of passenger airline pilots due to the growing demand and relatively smaller talent pool. Cargo operations often happen on overnight schedules, and airlines compensate accordingly.
Here are a few examples of cargo pilot pay:
Blue Dart Aviation: ~₹3 – 6 lakhs per month for pilots. Blue Dart, which operates cargo Boeing 757s, offers competitive salaries to attract experienced crews.
SpiceXpress (SpiceJet’s Cargo wing): ~₹2.5 – 5 lakhs per month. SpiceXpress pays in a range comparable to mid-sized passenger carriers.
India Post (Air Mail Services): ~₹2 – 4 lakhs per month for pilots flying postal cargo routes. These tend to be slightly lower, aligning with government pay scales but with decent benefits.
Cargo pilots typically earn based on their rank, similar to other airlines. Experienced cargo Captains can be on the higher end, especially if they have specialized skills.
An advantage in cargo flying is that there are fewer overall pilots in this sector, so demand for skilled cargo pilots is high, potentially leading to better pay or faster promotions in certain cases.
Charter and Private Jet Pilot Salary in India
Another career path is flying private charters or business jets. Charter pilots fly VIP clients, corporate executives, or operate air-taxi services and ambulance flights.
In India, the charter aviation market is smaller than the commercial airlines, but it’s growing. Salaries for charter (corporate) pilots vary widely based on the type of aircraft and clientele:
Typical Charter Pilot Pay: Around ₹1.6 – 4 lakh per month for most charter pilots flying smaller private planes or turboprops. This is comparable to a first officer or junior captain in a commercial airline.
High-End Corporate Jet Captains: ₹8 – 15 lakh per month for very experienced pilots flying large business jets for ultra-elite clients.
Top-tier charter companies or corporate flight departments, e.g., those operating Gulfstream or Bombardier long-range jets for VIPs, pay premium salaries to captains with extensive experience and multiple type ratings. These elite charter pilots can earn as much or even more than an airline captain in India, but such positions are few and highly competitive.
However, these jobs demand excellent credentials, flexibility, and sometimes irregular schedules to cater to client needs.
Many pilots start in charter flying to gain experience, and some later transition to airline jobs for more structured career growth.
Indian Air Force Military Pilots
Fighter pilots and transport pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF) have a different pay structure governed by government pay scales. While you cannot directly compare military and civil salaries, here’s an overview:
A newly commissioned Flying Officer (the starting rank for IAF pilots) earns roughly ₹85,000 – ₹95,000 per month (gross) as of 2025. This includes basic pay and a slew of military allowances.
A Flight Lieutenant might get around ₹1-1.2 lakh/month, a Squadron Leader can cross ₹1.5-2 lakh/month, and higher ranks (Wing Commander, Group Captain, etc.) earn in the few lakhs per month range.
The Air Force pay tops out with very senior officers (e.g., a full Air Commodore or Air Marshal) whose basic pay can be ₹2 lakh+, but those are administrative roles by then.
Along with salary, IAF pilots get free housing or housing allowance, comprehensive medical coverage, subsidized rations and canteen facilities, pension after retirement, and other benefits. These perks mean that even if the take-home salary is lower than a commercial pilot’s, the overall package plus the honor of serving the nation can be extremely rewarding.
It’s not uncommon for ex-IAF pilots to join airlines later. They often start as captains in airlines if they have enough flying hours, thereby significantly increasing their pay in the second phase of their career.
Commercial airline pilots earn the most in pure salary terms, especially at the senior levels. Charter pilots and instructors earn decent pay with certain lifestyle benefits. Military pilots trade a bit of pay for prestige and long-term benefits.
It ultimately comes down to what kind of flying career you want.
Perks and Benefits of Being a Pilot
Salary is just one part of a pilot’s compensation. The lifestyle and benefits coming with a pilot’s job are a big draw as well. Here are some perks Indian pilots enjoy:
- Free or Discounted Air Travel: Most airlines offer free flight tickets or big discounts to pilots and their immediate family for personal travel.
- Layover Hospitality: When you fly outstation, the airline covers 5-star hotel stays, meals, and transport for layovers. You earn daily allowances during international layovers to cover food and incidentals.
- Housing & Transport Allowances: Many airlines provide a housing allowance or even accommodation for pilots in the base city. Some have pick-up/drop-off cab services for duty or reimburse fuel if you drive. These benefits mean your living expenses can be greatly reduced.
- Medical and Insurance: Pilots receive health insurance for themselves and their families.
- Retirement Benefits: In India, government carriers and the Air Force provide pensions. Private airlines don’t give formal pensions, but do contribute to the Provident Fund (PF) and gratuity. Defence pilots notably get a lifetime pension and healthcare.
- Bonuses and Profit Sharing: Airlines may give annual performance bonuses or profit-sharing when the company does well. Senior pilots in management roles can also get stock options in some cases.
- Global Career Mobility: A pilot’s skills are globally recognized. You can convert licenses and work abroad more easily than in most professions.
- Flexible Schedules: Pilots don’t work a 9–5 desk job. In many airlines, you might fly for 15–18 days and have 12–15 days off per month. This allows blocks of free time to pursue other interests or spend time with family.
All these benefits significantly add to the value of a pilot’s salary. Pilots often remark that while the money is great, it’s the lifestyle that really makes it worth it.
Pilot Salary in India vs Other Countries
While Indian pilots are well-paid relative to local standards, global pilot salaries in regions like North America, Europe, and the Middle East are higher in absolute terms.
Here is a quick comparison of average monthly pilot pay for airlines in different regions:
| Region | Average Monthly Airline Pilot Pay | Notes |
| India | ₹2.5L to ₹10–12L | Range from Junior First Officer to experienced Captain |
| USA | $12k–$18k (≈ ₹10L–₹15L) | Senior captains at major airlines can cross ₹2 crore/year |
| Middle East (UAE, Qatar) | AED 40k–75k or QAR 45k–70k (≈ ₹9L–₹16L) | Often tax-free, and housing is commonly provided |
| Europe (EU) | €8k–€15k (≈ ₹7L–₹13L) | High pay, but higher taxes and higher cost of living |
| East / Southeast Asia (Singapore, etc.) | SGD 18k–25k (≈ ₹10L–₹14L) | China has offered very high pay in some cases (up to $25k/month for foreign captains) |
| Australia / Canada | ₹8L–₹12L | Similar salary band to Europe on average |
Many Indian pilots choose to gain experience here, then move to Gulf or Asian carriers for high-paying salaries.
Conclusion
The journey from student pilot to senior captain is challenging but hugely rewarding, both financially and in personal growth. In India, pilot salaries can literally shoot through the roof as you gain experience.
Now is a great time to start your Pilot training journey. Airlines are expanding, and the demand for skilled pilots is high. The first step is getting quality training and guidance at Vision Flying Training Institute (VFTI), one of the best flying institutes for pilot training in India.
Whether you are an aspiring commercial female pilot after 12th or a commerce student looking for how to become a pilot without Physics.
VFTI can help you earn your wings with its expert instructors, top-notch flight training, and career mentorship. With the right training, you could be in the pilot’s seat of a commercial airliner in a few years and earn the impressive pilot salaries we discussed above.
Our graduates have gone on to fly with leading airlines in India and abroad. We can help you navigate DGCA exams, choose the right type-rating, and even prepare for airline interviews.
Contact Vision Flying Training Institute to learn more about our pilot training courses and admission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the salary of a pilot in India per month?
In India, airline pilots typically earn ₹1.5 lakh to ₹12 lakh per month. Freshers start lower, while captains and senior captains earn the highest.
- Salary of a pilot in Air India per month
A pilot at Air India generally earns around ₹2.5 lakh to ₹15 lakh per month, depending on role and aircraft type. International and wide-body captains sit on the higher end.
- What is the salary of an international pilot in India per month?
International route pilots in India usually earn ₹3 lakh to ₹15 lakh per month. Pay is higher due to long-haul flying, layover allowance, and international sector pay.
- What is the salary of a pilot in India per month for freshers?
Pilot salary in India for freshers is usually ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per month once they join an airline as a First Officer.
- Salary of a pilot in IndiGo per month
At IndiGo, pilots typically earn ₹2 lakh to ₹11 lakh per month, depending on rank. First Officers are on the lower range and Captains on the higher range.
- What is the salary of a pilot in India after 10 years?
After 10 years, a pilot in India commonly earns ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh+ per month, especially if they’ve upgraded to Captain or Senior Captain.
- What is the salary of a commercial pilot in India per month?
A commercial airline pilot in India generally earns ₹1.5 lakh to ₹12 lakh per month, depending on whether they are a First Officer, Captain, or Senior Captain.
- The highest salary of a pilot in India per month
The highest pilot salary in India can reach ₹12 lakh to ₹18 lakh+ per month for senior wide-body captains, training captains, or examiners, depending on the airline and role.