Becoming a pilot is one of the most exciting and respected career choices today. From wearing the crisp uniform to flying advanced aircraft across continents, the life of a pilot is filled with prestige and adventure. But one of the most common questions among aspiring aviators is — “What is the average salary of pilots trained in India?”
The salary of pilots depends on several factors such as experience, the type of aircraft, the airline, and whether they fly domestically or internationally. In this blog by Top Crew Aviation, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from starting salaries to top-level earnings, factors affecting pay, and career growth in India and abroad.
Let’s explore how your training and passion can translate into a rewarding aviation career.
Understanding the Salary of Pilots in India
The salary of pilots in India varies widely depending on the level of license and experience. Broadly, there are three stages of a pilot’s career:
| Pilot Level | License | Average Monthly Salary (INR) | Type of Operation |
| Trainee Pilot | CPL (Commercial Pilot License) | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh | Training or Assistant Role |
| First Officer | CPL + Type Rating | ₹3 – ₹6 lakh | Domestic Airline |
| Captain | ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) | ₹8 – ₹15 lakh | Domestic/International Airline |
Key Insight:
- A commercial pilot in India can earn anywhere between ₹10 lakh to ₹90 lakh per year, depending on their experience and the airline they work for.
- International pilots or those flying larger aircraft like Boeing 777s or Airbus A350s often earn higher salaries and benefits.
Factors That Affect the Salary of Pilots
The salary of pilots doesn’t depend only on flying hours — multiple factors influence it. Let’s look at the most important ones:
1. Experience and Flying Hours
- Entry-level pilots (200–500 hours) usually start with lower pay.
- Once they cross 1,500–2,000 flying hours, their salary increases significantly.
- Captains and senior pilots with over 5,000 hours command the highest salaries.
2. Type of Aircraft
- Pilots trained on single-engine aircraft earn less compared to those trained on multi-engine jets.
- For instance, an Airbus A320 pilot earns more than a Cessna 172 pilot.
3. Domestic vs International Airlines
- Domestic airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, or Air India Express offer salaries between ₹3–₹10 lakh/month.
- International airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines can pay ₹12–₹20 lakh/month or even more.
4. Training Institute and Skill Level
- Pilots trained at reputed academies like Top Crew Aviation often get better placements and faster career growth.
- Strong soft skills, communication, and situational awareness also affect promotions and salary growth.
Salary Comparison: Co-Pilot vs Captain
As a pilot progresses, their responsibilities — and pay — increase dramatically.
| Role | Experience Required | Monthly Salary (INR) | Responsibilities |
| Co-Pilot / First Officer | 0–5 years | ₹3 – ₹6 lakh | Assists the Captain, monitors systems |
| Captain | 5–15 years | ₹8 – ₹15 lakh | In-charge of flight, crew, and passengers |
| Senior Captain / Training Captain | 15+ years | ₹15 – ₹20 lakh | Trains new pilots, oversees operations |
Example:
A pilot who starts at ₹3 lakh/month as a First Officer may reach ₹12 lakh/month within 8–10 years as a Captain — proving that aviation offers one of the best long-term income growths.
Read Also – All About Becoming a Pilot in 2025
Salary of Pilots: India vs Abroad
Many Indian pilots dream of flying internationally, but how does the pay compare?
| Region | Average Annual Salary (INR Equivalent) | Notable Airlines |
| India | ₹25 – ₹90 lakh | IndiGo, Vistara, Air India |
| Middle East | ₹80 lakh – ₹1.5 crore | Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways |
| Europe | ₹70 lakh – ₹1.2 crore | Lufthansa, British Airways |
| USA/Canada | ₹60 lakh – ₹1 crore | Delta, United, Air Canada |
Insight:
While the salary of pilots abroad is higher, the cost of living, taxation, and work visa rules also play a role. Many pilots trained in India get hired by foreign airlines due to their strong technical training and English proficiency.
Career Growth Opportunities in Aviation
A pilot’s career doesn’t stop at flying. There are many other high-paying opportunities available once you build enough experience:
Career Paths After CPL or ATPL:
- Airline Captain or Fleet Manager – Lead pilot operations.
- Flight Instructor – Train upcoming pilots; earn ₹2–₹5 lakh/month.
- Corporate/Charter Pilot – Fly private jets; salary ₹6–₹10 lakh/month.
- Simulator Trainer or Examiner – Teach on flight simulators.
- Aviation Management Roles – Move into airline operations, safety, or training management.
With every new role, salary of pilots continues to rise — making it one of the most lucrative professions in the world.
How Top Crew Aviation Helps You Maximize Your Pilot Salary
At Top Crew Aviation, we believe your career should soar as high as your aircraft. Our comprehensive pilot training programs are designed to help you not only earn your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) but also build strong fundamentals that airlines value.
Why Choose Top Crew Aviation?
- DGCA-approved training modules and expert instructors.
- International-standard simulators and real-time flight exposure.
- Placement support with top Indian and international airlines.
- Soft skills and interview training to boost confidence and employability.
Our alumni have gone on to work with leading airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Emirates — earning salaries that match global aviation standards.
By training with Top Crew Aviation, you’re not just earning a license — you’re investing in a high-income career for life.
Tips to Increase Your Salary as a Pilot
Here are some practical steps to accelerate your income growth in aviation:
- Upgrade your license: Move from CPL to ATPL for higher positions.
- Earn additional ratings: Type Ratings (like A320 or B737) increase employability.
- Gain multi-engine experience: Adds more value to your resume.
- Work on soft skills: Leadership, communication, and decision-making matter.
- Keep learning: Attend workshops and refresher courses regularly.
The salary of pilots is directly linked to how much they invest in continuous learning and professional growth.
Conclusion:
The salary of pilots trained in India can range from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore per year, depending on experience, skill, and career path. While the journey requires dedication, training, and discipline, the rewards — both financial and emotional — are unmatched.
If you dream of flying high and earning big, Top Crew Aviation is your perfect take-off point. With world-class training, expert mentorship, and placement assistance, your aviation career can truly reach new heights.
Start your journey today — let Top Crew Aviation help you become a pilot the world trusts and admires.
