Have you ever looked at the sky, seen an aeroplane, and imagined yourself sitting in the cockpit, flying at 35,000 feet, while being paid a handsome salary? That dream is what makes thousands of young people in India choose aviation as a career. Being a pilot is not just about flying. It is about respect, adventure, travel, and yes, one of the highest-paying jobs in the country.
But the most common question everyone has is: “What is the salary of a pilot in India?” In this blog, we will take you through every detail about pilot salary in India, how it changes with experience, the cost of becoming a pilot, and what lifestyle benefits come with it. Let’s explore the real picture.
Why Pilot Salary in India Attracts So Many Aspirants
Unlike many other professions, pilots enjoy both status and money. Imagine a job where you earn in lakhs every month, travel across the world, and are respected wherever you go. The average pilot salary in India is far higher than that of IT jobs, doctors at the entry level, or even government services.
In India, a pilot’s salary per month can range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, depending on the airline, aircraft, and experience. And if you move to international airlines, the numbers go even higher.
What is Pilot’s Salary in India?
The answer depends on different stages of the career:
- Freshers (After CPL Training): ₹1.5 lakh – ₹3 lakh per month.
- First Officer (Experienced): ₹3 lakh – ₹5 lakh per month.
- Captain (Commanding Officer): ₹6 lakh – ₹9 lakh per month.
- Senior Captains/Examiners: ₹10 lakh+ per month.
So, when people ask “what is the salary of a pilot?” The simple answer is – it starts high and grows rapidly as you gain experience.
Pilot Salary Per Month – A Closer Look
Pilots are paid in two main parts:
- Fixed Salary – Base monthly pay, depending on your position.
- Flying Allowances – Extra pay for every hour you fly (₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per flying hour).
Example: A First Officer might have a fixed pay of ₹2 lakh, plus flying hours worth another ₹1.5 lakh, making the total around ₹3.5 lakh per month. A Captain can easily cross ₹8–10 lakh with allowances.
This structure makes the pilot’s monthly salary one of the most attractive in India.
Average Pilot Salary
On average, a pilot in India earns between ₹2 lakh and ₹6 lakh per month. But the real figures depend on the type of airline:
- Low-Cost Carriers (IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa): ₹1.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh for First Officers, ₹5 lakh+ for Captains.
- Premium Carriers (Vistara, Air India): ₹2.5 lakh – ₹6 lakh for First Officers, ₹7–9 lakh for Captains.
- International Airlines (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines): ₹6 lakh – ₹12 lakh+ per month.
The average pilot salary in international airlines is much higher than in India, which is why many Indian pilots aim to work abroad after gaining experience.
Air India Pilot Salary – A Detailed Example
As India’s flag carrier, Air India’s pilot salaries are among the best in the country. After being taken over by the Tata Group, pay scales have become even more competitive.
- First Officer: ₹2.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh per month.
- Captain (Narrow Body Aircraft like A320): ₹6 lakh – ₹8 lakh per month.
- Captain (Wide Body Aircraft like Boeing 777 or 787): ₹9 lakh – ₹12 lakh per month.
In addition to this, Air India offers travel benefits, medical facilities, and allowances that make the package even more attractive.
Commercial Pilot Salary
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the entry point into an airline job. After completing a pilot course in India, a fresher commercial pilot earns ₹1.5 lakh – ₹3 lakh per month. With time and experience, this grows to ₹5 lakh+.
Many students worry about the cost of training, which can be between ₹45 lakh and ₹70 lakh. But with a commercial pilot salary in India, most recover this amount within 3–5 years.
Factors That Decide Pilot Salary
The reason salaries vary so much is because of several factors:
- Airlines you join – Premium airlines pay more.
- Aircraft type – Wide-body pilots earn more than narrow-body pilots.
- Experience – A Captain earns far more than a First Officer.
- Domestic vs International – International routes bring in higher allowances.
- Job role – Trainers, examiners, and check captains earn the highest.
Pilot Course in India – The First Step
Before enjoying these high salaries, one must go through a pilot course in India. The steps are:
- Pass 12th with Physics and Mathematics.
- Get a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Clear DGCA exams.
- Join a DGCA-approved flying school.
- Complete 200 flying hours to get a CPL.
- Do a Type Rating on the aircraft you will fly.
Yes, the cost is high, but so are the rewards.
Growth of Pilot Salary Over Career
Here’s how a career graph looks:
- Fresh CPL Holder: ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh/month.
- First Officer (2–3 years): ₹3 – ₹5 lakh/month.
- Captain (5–8 years): ₹6 – ₹9 lakh/month.
- Senior Captain/Examiner (10+ years): ₹10 lakh+ per month.
Lifestyle Benefits of Pilot
Apart from the salary, being a pilot has many perks:
- Free or discounted air tickets for the family.
- 5-star hotel stays during layovers.
- Medical and retirement benefits.
- Chance to see the world while being paid.
- High respect in society.
Pilot Salary in India vs Other Careers
Compared to the salaries of engineers, IT professionals, or doctors, the pilot’s salary in India is much higher. While most jobs start at ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month, pilots start at ₹1.5 lakh+ and grow rapidly.
Future of Pilot Salary
India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets. With new airlines launching and fleets expanding, the demand for pilots is only going up. This means salaries will keep increasing. By 2030, India will need 15,000+ new pilots, ensuring excellent opportunities.
Conclusion
The pilot salary in India is not just high – it is life-changing. From ₹1.5 lakh as a fresher to ₹10 lakh+ as a senior captain, this profession combines money, respect, and adventure. Although the pilot course in India may be costly, the pilot’s monthly salary ensures a quick return on investment. Whether you dream of working with Air India or flying for an international airline, the opportunities are endless.
FAQs
- What is the salary of a pilot in India after 12th?
After completing training and getting a CPL, freshers earn ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh/month. - What is the average pilot salary in India?
Around ₹2 – ₹6 lakh/month, depending on airline and experience. - Do pilots get free flights?
Yes, most airlines offer free or discounted tickets to pilots and their families. - How much is the Air India pilot’s salary?
Between ₹3.5 – ₹12 lakh/month depending on rank and aircraft type. - Is the investment in a pilot course worth it?
Absolutely, because within a few years of working, pilots earn back their training cost.
Suggestion URL-
- Choosing the right license is also important for your career and earnings. If you’re unsure between ATPL and CPL, this guide on ATPL V/S CPL: Which License Should You Aim For? will help you decide.
- While salaries are attractive, many aspirants still believe misconceptions about this career. To understand the truth, check out this article on What Is the Biggest Myth About Becoming a Pilot in India?
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs found.
