Becoming a pilot is one of the most respected and well-paying professions in India. With the growth of the Indian aviation sector, many students are curious about “What is the pilot salary in India per month?” If you’re planning to build a career as a pilot, Salary is definitely one of the key considerations.
In this detailed blog, we will cover:
- Average monthly Salary of pilots in India
- Salaries of different types of pilots (Trainee, Commercial, Airline Captains)
- Pilot salary in government vs. private airlines
- Factors that affect pilot salaries
- Perks and benefits pilots receive
- Career growth and earning potential
Let’s take off!
What Is the Average Pilot Salary in India Per Month?
The average pilot salary in India ranges from ₹1,50,000 to ₹8,00,000 per Month, depending on experience, type of aircraft, airline, and position.
| Pilot Type | Experience Level | Approx. Monthly Salary (₹) |
| Trainee Pilot | 0–1 Year | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| First Officer (Commercial Pilot) | 1–3 Years | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Airline Captain | 4–10 Years | ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+ |
| Senior Captain/Trainer | 10+ Years | ₹7,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
This Salary also depends on:
- Type of airline (Domestic or International)
- Type of aircraft (ATR, Airbus, Boeing)
- Flight hours per Month
- Allowances and bonuses
Salary of Trainee Pilots in India
After completing your CPL (Commercial Pilot License), you may first be hired as a trainee or junior first officer.
- Monthly Salary: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000
- Flight Time: Very limited; focus is on simulator training and line checks.
- Promotion Timeline: Within 6–12 months, depending on airline policy.
Note: This is not a high-earning stage but is crucial for gaining experience and flight hours.
Salary of First Officers (Commercial Pilots)
A First Officer is the co-pilot in a commercial aircraft. This is your first real flying job post-training.
- Monthly Salary: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000
- Airlines Hiring First Officers: IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, etc.
- Flight Hours: 70–90 hours/month (approx.)
These salaries include:
- Basic pay
- Flying allowance (per hour)
- Layover allowances
- Other bonuses
Salary of Airline Captains in India
A Captain is the pilot in command of the aircraft. This role comes with high responsibility—and high pay.
- Monthly Salary: ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+
- International Routes: Salaries can be even higher, depending on hours.
- Leadership: Captains lead the cockpit crew and ensure all operations run safely.
Some captains in international airlines earn ₹10 lakh+ per Month, especially those flying Boeing 787s or Airbus A350s.
Pilot Salary in Government Airlines (Air India)
Government-owned airlines like Air India pay competitive salaries, with additional benefits like pensions and job security.
| Role | Monthly Salary (₹) |
| First Officer | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Captain | ₹5,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 |
| Senior Captain | ₹7,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
Perks of Government Airlines:
- Medical insurance
- Family travel benefits
- Retirement benefits
Pilot Salary in Private Airlines
Private carriers like IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet also pay well.
| Role | Monthly Salary (₹) |
| First Officer | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Captain | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 |
| Line Training Captain | ₹6,00,000 – ₹9,00,000+ |
Private Airline Perks:
- Performance bonuses
- Travel discounts
- Quick promotions (based on performance)
Pilot Salary in International Airlines (for Indian Pilots)
Many Indian pilots get hired by global airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, etc.
| Airline | Approx. Salary per Month (₹) |
| Emirates | ₹9,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
| Qatar Airways | ₹8,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Singapore Airlines | ₹7,50,000 – ₹9,00,000 |
Working abroad offers tax-free income, international flying experience, and luxury accommodation provided by the airline.
Factors That Affect Pilot Salary in India
Several key factors influence how much a pilot earns every Month:
1. Type of Aircraft: Pilots flying bigger and complex aircraft (like Airbus A320, Boeing 787) earn more than those flying turboprops like ATR.
2. Flight Hours: The more hours you fly in a month, the higher your pay due to the flying allowance structure (₹1,500–₹3,000 per hour, depending on airline).
3. Experience & Rank
- Trainee → First Officer → Captain → Senior Captain → Training Captain
- Promotions increase base salary, flight pay, and bonuses.
4. Type of Airline
- Government airlines offer job security and retirement perks.
- Private airlines provide faster promotions and performance-linked bonuses.
- International airlines offer higher salaries and global exposure.
5. Domestic vs. International Flights
International flights involve:
- Higher flying allowance
- Layover allowances in dollars
- Free international accommodation
Perks & Benefits Apart from Salary
Being a pilot isn’t just about Salary. Here are some valuable additional benefits:
- Free or discounted air travel (domestic & international)
- Hotel accommodations during layovers
- Medical insurance for self and family
- Retirement and gratuity benefits (in government jobs)
- Uniform and grooming allowances
- Career stability with regular upgrades
Career Growth in Pilot Profession
Here’s how your Salary and career can grow over time:
| Years of Experience | Designation | Salary Range (Monthly) |
| 0–1 Years | Trainee Pilot | ₹25K – ₹60K |
| 1–3 Years | First Officer | ₹1.5L – ₹3L |
| 4–6 Years | Captain | ₹4L – ₹6L |
| 7–10 Years | Senior Captain | ₹6L – ₹8L |
| 10+ Years | Instructor / Examiner | ₹8L – ₹12L |
With time and good flying records, pilots may also be promoted as:
- Line Trainers
- Simulator Instructors
- Chief Pilot
- Fleet Manager
Is Pilot Salary in India Worth the Investment?
Many students wonder: Is becoming a pilot worth the money spent on training?
Pilot training in India can cost between ₹45 to ₹70 lakh, but with salaries starting from ₹1.5–2 lakh per Month, the ROI (return on investment) is achievable in 3–5 years after getting a job.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Expense | Amount |
| CPL Training (India) | ₹45L – ₹60L |
| Type Rating (A320/737) | ₹12L – ₹20L |
| Total Investment | ₹60L – ₹80L |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹1.5L – ₹2L/month |
| ROI Period | 3–5 years |
Conclusion
Pilot salaries in India are among the highest in the country’s job market. While the investment in training is high, the profession offers excellent returns, global travel, job satisfaction, and prestige.
Whether you’re planning to become a commercial pilot, airline captain, or international flyer, your earnings will rise steadily with your skill and experience.
Ready to take the first step toward a high-paying aviation career?
Start your pilot training today at a DGCA-approved flying school in India and aim for the skies.
Stay consistent, log those hours, and one day, you’ll be in command!
Suggestion URL :
- How to Become a Pilot After 10th in India
- How to Prepare for DGCA Exams
- How to Become an Airline Pilot in India
- How to Become a Pilot in India
- How to Clear DGCA Exams in First Attempt
- Commercial Pilot Training in Jaipur
- Pilot Training Institute in Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How much do pilots earn per Month in India?
A commercial pilot earns ₹1.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh per Month, depending on experience, airline, and aircraft type.
Q2. Do trainee pilots get paid?
Yes, but the Salary is low, usually ₹25,000–₹60,000 per Month during the training or induction phase.
Q3. Which airline pays the highest Salary in India?
Currently, Air India and international airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways offer the highest salaries to Indian pilots.
Q4. Can a pilot become a millionaire in India?
Absolutely. With promotions and experience, many Indian pilots earn over ₹1 crore annually.
Q5. What is the pilot salary in India per Month after 10 years?
After 10 years, a pilot can earn anywhere between ₹8 lakh to ₹12 lakh per Month, especially if promoted to instructor or captain on wide-body aircraft.
