Airline Pilot Salary in 2025: How Much Do Pilots Really Earn?
- Folashade Oriolowo
- Aug 6
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Is becoming a pilot still worth it in 2025? Absolutely!
With global air travel rebounding and demand soaring, the skies are calling for new aviators. According to Boeing’s 2023-2042 Pilot and Technician Outlook, there will be a demand for 649,000 new commercial pilots over the next 20 years.
This growing demand makes understanding airline pilot salary more relevant than ever before you commit to rigorous training.
At Zino Aviation, we believe in empowering aspiring pilots by providing a clear understanding of the career path and earning potential before you invest.
What Determines a Pilot’s Salary?
An airline pilot's salary isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. Several key factors influence how much a pilot earns:
Rank: This is perhaps the most significant differentiator. A First Officer (co-pilot) earns considerably less than a Captain, who holds the ultimate responsibility for the aircraft and its passengers.
Airline Type: Are you flying for a regional carrier, a major international airline, or a dedicated cargo operator? Each type of airline has a different pay structure. Generally, international and cargo airlines tend to offer higher compensation.
Aircraft Type: Flying a narrow-body aircraft like a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320 typically commands a different salary than piloting a wide-body, long-haul aircraft such as a Boeing 747 or an Airbus A380.
Wide-body aircraft often involve more complex operations and longer flight hours, translating to higher pay.
Region: Pilot salaries vary significantly by geographical location. A pilot flying in North America or the Middle East might earn substantially more than one flying in certain parts of Africa or Asia.
Experience Level: Like most professions, an airline pilot's salary grows with experience. This is measured by total flight hours, time with a specific airline, and overall job history.
RELATED: Flight School Requirements Checklist
First Officer vs. Captain Salaries: What’s the Difference?
The journey from a First Officer to a Captain is a significant career progression in an airline. As a First Officer, you're gaining invaluable experience, logging flight hours, and learning the intricacies of airline operations. Your salary will reflect this foundational role.
However, once you achieve the rank of Captain, your responsibilities, and consequently your earnings, increase dramatically. Captains are ultimately in command, making critical decisions and overseeing all aspects of the flight.
Salaries for Captains can be two to three times, or even more, than those of First Officers, depending on the airline and aircraft type.
Salaries continue to increase with seniority, additional type ratings (qualifications to fly specific aircraft models), and total accumulated flight time. Promotions from First Officer to Captain vary by airline and region, often depending on fleet expansion, pilot retirements, and the airline's specific growth plans.
How Much Do Pilots Earn?
Let’s talk numbers. One of the most common questions aspiring aviators ask is, “How much will I actually earn?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Pilot Pay Structures
Pilot salaries are structured in a few different ways depending on the airline and region:
Flat Salary: Some airlines pay a fixed monthly salary regardless of how many hours or sectors a pilot flies. This is more common in certain African, Asian, and regional airlines.
Hourly Pay (Block Hours): Most major international airlines pay per block hour—meaning the more you fly, the more you earn. This is common in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
Sector Pay: Some low-cost or regional carriers pay per flight leg (sector), especially for pilots flying short routes with multiple takeoffs and landings per day.
In many cases, pay is a combination of a base salary plus hourly or sector-based earnings, with additional bonuses, per diems, layover allowances, and benefits like housing or travel.
The Post-COVID Surge and Why Pilot Salaries Are at Record Highs
COVID-19 triggered mass retirements, layoffs, and furloughs of airline staff—including tens of thousands of pilots. When the aviation industry rebounded faster than expected, airlines found themselves severely short of qualified pilots.
To attract new talent and retain existing flight crews, airlines dramatically increased salaries, bonuses, and benefits—especially in regions like North America, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
In fact, 2023 and 2024 saw record-breaking pilot salaries across the globe—and that momentum continues in 2025. Some U.S. carriers are now offering up to $500,000+ annually for senior captains on wide-body aircraft. Even regional carriers have increased entry-level pay to stay competitive.
Realistic Average Annual Pilot Salaries in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of what pilots on average are earning per year in different parts of the world, based on extensive research and current airline pay scales:
First Officer: $90,000 – $180,000
Captain: $220,000 – $500,000+
Bonuses and profit-sharing can push earnings even higher.
First Officer: $100,000 – $160,000 (Tax-free)
Captain: $180,000 – $320,000 (Tax-free)
Includes housing, transport, education allowances, and tickets.
Europe (e.g. British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France)
First Officer: €60,000 – €120,000
Captain: €130,000 – €250,000
Low-cost carriers may pay less but offer fast upgrades.
First Officer: $18,000 – $50,000
Captain: $40,000 – $120,000
Some airlines offer accommodation or allowances to supplement pay.
Asia (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air India)
First Officer: $60,000 – $110,000
Captain: $120,000 – $250,000
Rapid growth in India and Southeast Asia is increasing pilot pay.
Airline Pilot Salary vs. Cost of Training: Is It Worth It?
Let's be upfront: pilot training is a significant investment.
While exact figures vary widely, you can expect to spend a considerable sum on flight school, exams, and certifications. However, the good news is that the break-even point for pilot training is typically within 2–5 years post-qualification, depending on the region and your initial job placement.
The long-term return on investment (ROI) for a career as an airline pilot is exceptionally strong. You're investing in a highly skilled profession with excellent earning potential and job security.
Zino Aviation understands the financial commitment involved, which is why our affordable training options are designed to help reduce upfront costs, making the journey to becoming a pilot more accessible.
Key Factors That Impact Salary Growth for Pilots
Beyond the initial earning potential, several factors can significantly impact a pilot's salary growth throughout their career:
Quality of training and licensing: Holding internationally recognized licenses such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)CPL , or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ATPL or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)CPL, can open doors to higher-paying opportunities globally.
Additional qualifications: Pursuing further qualifications like an Instructor Rating or additional Type Ratings can enhance your marketability and earning potential.
Airline demand and fleet expansion: A growing airline with an expanding fleet will naturally have more opportunities for promotions and higher salaries.
Ability to relocate to high-paying regions: Being able to relocate to areas with higher demand and better compensation packages can significantly boost your income.
Our programs at Zino Aviation are meticulously designed to help you qualify for the best-paying jobs across continents, ensuring your hard work translates into a rewarding financial future.
Is a Pilot Career Financially Worth It in 2025?
In a post-pandemic world, the demand for airline pilots is robust, making it a financially sound and stable career choice. The earning potential is significant, especially as you gain experience and move up the ranks.
Beyond the financial rewards, a pilot career offers unparalleled career flexibility, immense job satisfaction, and an incredible opportunity for global mobility. Imagine being able to work and live in different parts of the world, experiencing diverse cultures while doing what you love.
Thinking about becoming a pilot?
There has never been a better time in all of human history to become a pilot, than NOW!
Don't just dream about it – make it a reality. Start your journey with Zino Aviation’s internationally recognised training programs such as our SACAA CPL program. We're here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you're well-equipped to soar to new heights in 2025 and beyond.