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Pilot Salary in India 2024: Starting Salary, Requirements, Qualifications, Per Month Salary

Nikita Parmar

Updated on 06th September, 2024 , 6 min read

”Pilot

Pilot Salary: Average Pay Depending on the Position


After completing pilot training, the typical pay for different jobs varies depending on experience, aircraft type, airline, and employer.

The average pay ranges for a number of jobs are written below:

  • For a Commercial Pilot, the average pay is INR 15 LPA to INR 40 LPA. 
  • For a  Airline First Officer,, the average pay is  INR 10 LPA to 25 LPA.
  • For a  Airline Captain, the average pay is INR 25 LPA to 80 LPA.
  • For a Cargo Pilot, the average pay is  INR 12 LPA to 30 LPA.
  • For a Helicopter Pilot, the average pay is INR 8 LPA to 20 LPA.
  • For a  Corporate Pilot, the average pay is INR 15 LPA to 40 LPA.
  • For a  Agricultural Pilot, the average pay is INR 6 LPA to 15 LPA.
  • For a  Flight Instructor, the average pay is INR 4 LPA to 12 LPA.
  • For a  Bush Pilot, , the average pay is INR 6 LPA to INR 18 LPA. 

Pilot Salary2024: Pilots are in control of an aircraft's maintenance and internal systems. Pilots must also keep their aircraft clean and undertake periodic maintenance to ensure that everything functions correctly, among other responsibilities. Aspiring students can pick from a variety of titles and vocations, such as commercial pilots or working for the Indian Defense Forces. The wages in each business differ depending on their work ethics and other factors. A pilot's beginning pay in India ranges from INR 9 LPA to 11.25 LPA. A senior pilot, on the other hand, may expect to earn an average of INR 1 crore with time and expertise. The organization for which a pilot works also has an impact on their compensation; for example, the usual beginning pilot income for Air India is INR 1.67 L per month, which can rise to INR 10.56 L per month after several years of experience.

Pilot

Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India Highlights 2024

As a result, a pilot in India receives a competitive package equivalent to the pay of a pilot in other countries. A pilot's salary in India is among the highest among elite occupations. Starting, mid-range, and top-level incomes are available in three sub-industries:

Job Profile 

Starting Salary Per Annum (INR)

Mid-Range Salary Per Annum (INR)

Senior Position Salary Per Annum (INR)

Armed-Services Pilot 

2.7 lakh

6 - 8 lakh 

10 - 25 lakh

Private Pilot 

7 lakh

10 - 22 lakh 

NA

Commercial Pilot 

8.75 lakh

24 lakh 

1.5 crores

Captain, Air India

25 lakh

50 - 75 lakh

1 - 2 crore

Captain, Indigo

30 lakh

60 - 90 lakh

1.5 - 2.5 crore

Captain, Emirates

60 lakh

1 - 1.5 crores

2 - 5 crore

In India, the average income for a commercial pilot is Rs. 24 LPA. The average remuneration for private pilots and armed military pilots is modest.

Further Reading: Aerospace Engineering

Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India as Per Expertise Levels

A variety of factors determine airline pilots' wages. A pilot's salary might range from entry-level to highly accomplished. However, pilot pay can be influenced by a variety of other factors. It depends on the airline, the kind of aircraft, flying skills, credentials, license, and hours flown in the aircraft, for example. The various degrees of expertise are as follows-

Pilots at the Beginning

Professionals with less than one year of expertise in the aviation industry can earn up to INR 30k - 1.50 lakh per month in India. They also receive extra benefits and incentives that are common in the business sector.

Pilots with Limited Experience

Even though they are still called Entry Level Pilots, they have at least 1-5 years of experience and are familiar with the various industry difficulties. They may earn up to INR 1.70 lakh per month on average.

Pilots in their Mid-Career

Pilots get a lot of experience as they advance in their careers. A pilot who has worked in the aviation industry for 6-10 years becomes more reliable and trustworthy. Commercial pilots in India can earn between INR 26 lakh and INR 30 lakh per year, depending on their experience and flying hours. Salaries for the same occupation may vary based on seniority and technical competence.

Pilots with Extensive Experience

Pilots with more than ten years of experience may command a sizable salary. The remuneration for an experienced commercial pilot in India might vary from INR 50 lakh to INR 80 lakh per month

Also, read more about How to Become a Pilot in India

Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India with Designations

In India, each classification pays a different amount. As a result, the notion that every job description pays the same is false. The table below indicates the wage range for each position-

Designation 

Average annual Salary (INR)

Pilot Captain  

10k - 12 lakh 

Co-Pilot 

40 - 45 lakh 

Commercial Pilot 

1.75 lakh

First Officer 

1 - 1.20 crore 

Flight Engineer 

12 - 13 lakh 

Relief Crew 

60 - 65 lakh 

Also Read: Aviation Courses after 12th

Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India by Sector

The following table shows the average pilot wage across several airline companies-

Sector 

Average annual Salary (INR)

International Flights   

63 lakh 

Domestic Flights 

45 lakh 

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Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India Best Recruiters

The coveted airman positions are not limited to one place; aviators may find work in big cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other key airline regions. There is a big difference between places. Pilots in Maharashtra, for example, often earn a greater wage in India than pilots in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai, who accept less pay. Here is a list of annual wages for hopefuls who want to join the business as commercial pilots-

Companies

Annual Salary (INR)

Qatar  

14.15 lakh 

Vistara 

74.1 lakh 

Spice Jet 

38 lakh

Air Asia  

85 - 87 lakh 

Emirates 

97.2 lakh 

Indigo 

30.65 lakh 

Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India Highest Paying Airlines

The following are the average, starting, and highest pay rates for pilots across various airline companies-

Airlines

Average annual Salary (INR)

Air India  

72 - 74 lakh 

Vistara 

33 - 35 lakh 

Spice Jet 

85 - 87 lakh

Go Air 

96 - 98 lakh 

Emirates 

96 - 98 lakh 

Indigo 

36 - 38 lakh 

Also Read: Aviation Courses

Pilot Salary: Salary of Pilot in India Experience Based

The table below shows the average pilot salary depending on years of experience-

Experience

Average annual Salary (INR)

0 - 5 years  

12 - 15 lakh 

6 - 10 years

17.67 - 24.91 lakh 

11 - 15 years

37 lakh and above

16 - 20 years

63 lakh and above

20 and  above

97 lakh and above

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Top Colleges for Pilot Placement


Many universities are well-known for their placement services and the extensive array of local and foreign packages they provide to applicants. These universities guarantee that the Pilot students are placed well in addition to offering placement options.

The table that follows lists a few of the best universities: 

  • Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd.   
  • Adventure Flight Education Private Limited - Hyderabad    
  • CAE - National Flying Training Institute   
  • IGIA (Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics)     
  • Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi    
  • PTC Aviation Academy, Chennai   
  •  Silver Oak University    
  • The Bombay Flying Club    
  • VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies 

Finally, pilots are highly skilled and knowledgeable experts who operate in the fascinating aviation business. To become a top-rated pilot, one must pass a certification program while retaining the highest level of mental alertness. According to a recent national media story, the projected cost to the corporation for an experienced pilot is presently approximately Rs 50 lakh per year, and even at these costs, flight commanders are difficult to obtain. The enticing salary packages come at the expense of meeting the standards of the airline firms. As a result, working as a pilot in the aviation business is one of the most lucrative and well-paying careers in the world.

You can also read more about the Loco Pilot Salary and Airport Manager Salary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the beginning wage of an Indian pilot?

The typical beginning wage for a pilot in India is roughly Rs. 3.60 lakh per year for personnel with as little as one year of experience. (Around Rs.30,000 per month).

What are the most important abilities for a pilot in India?

The top talents necessary for becoming a pilot in India include Problem-solving abilities, Adaptability, Multi-tasking, and Excellent knowledge in physics and maths.

When does a pilot retire?

A pilot's typical retirement age is between 58 and 65 years old.

Who are the top pilot recruiters in India?

Some of the greatest pilot recruiters are Emirates, Indigo, Spice Jet, The Indian Navy, Air India, Vistara, and the Indian Armed Forces.

How much does an entry-level pilot earn in India?

Professionals with less than a year of experience in the aviation industry in India can earn up to INR 30k - 1.50 lakh per month. They also receive extra benefits and incentives that are common in the business sector.

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