Although it is a tricky question since there are many variances, we have done an approximate calculation to give you an idea.
The graph below was created based on the pilot salaries at one European airline and the total amount of money one needs for pilot training. Although it is applicable to a specific use case only, the general trend can still be seen.
As you can see, for the first three years, you will be patiently working to ‘pay off your debt’ or, in other words, to earn back what you have invested (an average of €90,000 for initial training and Type Rating. However, different flight schools have their own rates). After this, you will see immense profit growth each year. Within six years, it will reach €92,000. Please note that it’s only the profit we are talking about, not the commercial pilot salary. The salary in six years is likely to be close to €200,000 and by this time you should be within arm’s reach of promotion to Captain.
Airline Pilot Salary: How much do pilots earn?
It’s no secret that becoming a pilot puts you amongst the highest-paying professions. Despite the significant investment in training, many trainee pilots are motivated by the generous remuneration and the potential to fulfil a childhood dream. Nevertheless, before taking this step, it’s crucial to understand how much airline pilots earn and how quickly your investment will be returned.
As with other professions, many pilots move up the career ladder, so they usually start small and gradually reach large amounts of money. But what are the determining factors?
The answer is a pilot’s flight experience, seniority, the country where they are based, the airline they fly for, flying hours, and the aircraft type they operate. Someone who has been with a company for ten years will be paid more than a new pilot. A Boeing 747 aircraft pilots is also paid far more than a Boeing 737/Airbus A320 pilot.
Where in the world do airline pilots earn the most?
European pilots will generally earn less when compared to the USA or Asia. However, it is common for European airlines to surpass British airlines when we discuss salaries, bonus systems and overall conditions. Africa is usually far behind the rest of the world, while the situation in the Middle East depends on the exact location and/or the airline.
Alaska Airlines is renowned for being one of the highest-paying airlines worldwide, offering an average annual salary of $194,600. That’s your target!
Who earns more, a cargo airline pilot or a passenger plane pilot?
It is generally true that many pilots flying passenger aircraft are better paid than their counterparts at cargo airlines. The main reason is that airline and cargo airline pilots have slightly different roles and work responsibilities. However, cargo pilots often have more flexible schedules than regular airline pilots.
What extras do commercial pilots get on top of standard pilot pay?
Common benefits are health and life insurance and a retirement plan. They also get paid vacation time that increases with seniority. In addition, they often receive discounted rates on flights for family and friends.
Are pilot salaries increasing according to labour statistics?
Pilot salaries are definitely increasing! One of the factors that impacts salary increases is the ongoing pilot shortage.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) estimates that the EU will need an additional 5000 pilots by 2025. The main reasons are the increasing demand for air travel, the retirement of older pilots and the limited supply of qualified pilots.
What are the standard working hours?
According to EASA regulations, pilots involved in multi-pilot commercial operations are limited to a maximum of 10 hours of actual flight time per day. This can be extended to 12 hours under specific conditions, such as the time zones crossed, the number of single flights from one airport to another and operational requirements. The number of flight time per month is limited to 100 hours and this is strictly regulated.
For instance, in one week, a short-haul pilot may have a workload of 5-6 days with multiple flights per day. This can be followed by another week where they only work 1-2 days doing a few flights. Generally speaking, short-haul pilots work approximately 70-90 flight hours per month.
A commercial pilot operating a long haul or a mid-haul flight may be on a more extended duty period due to the duration of the journey. This consequently requires a more extended rest period. Long-haul pilots usually work approximately 80-100 hours per month, slightly more than short haul.
In summary
To summarise, a commercial pilot’s average salary is one of the highest in the world. Becoming a pilot and building a career in the sky can help you live the lifestyle you have always wanted. If you are still wondering how you can achieve this, CADETPILOT.AERO can make your dreams come true.
