How much do pilots earn per month?
Have you ever looked at a plane flying above and wondered what the salary of a pilot in India is? Many people dream of becoming a pilot—not just for the thrill of flying, but also for the lifestyle, respect, and income. Some even explore careers in the sky through air hostess training to work alongside pilots and serve passengers. This guide will break down the monthly pilot salary in India in a simple, step-by-step way that even beginners can understand.
Flying a plane isn’t just about sitting in the cockpit and steering. Pilots go through intense training, manage high responsibility, and work with co-pilots, ground staff, and air traffic control to ensure every flight is safe and smooth. Whether you’re interested in flying the aircraft or assisting passengers, many aviation aspirants consider both pilot and air hostess training routes to enter the industry.
What Does a Pilot Do?
A pilot is responsible for flying aircraft safely from one destination to another. This includes:
- Preparing for flights by checking weather and aircraft systems
- Communicating with air traffic control and airport staff
- Navigating the aircraft and managing controls
- Handling takeoff, cruising, and landing procedures
- Working closely with the First Officer or co-pilot
Being a pilot requires attention to detail, decision-making, and strong communication skills.
Pilot Salary in India – Monthly Breakdown
Pilot salaries vary depending on experience, type of airline, and aircraft. Here’s a basic look at monthly earnings:
Pilot Role | Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
New Pilot | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Trainee Pilot | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
First Officer (Co-Pilot) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
Captain | ₹5,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
International Pilot | ₹6,00,000 – ₹14,00,000+ |
These figures are averages. The more flight hours and certifications a pilot gains, the more they earn.
Salary by Experience Level
A pilot’s salary increases with flight experience, seniority, and type of aircraft flown.
Experience Level | Monthly Salary Range |
Beginner / Freshers | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Trainee | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
3 to 6 Years | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
7+ Years (Senior Pilot) | ₹4,50,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
International Captain | ₹10,00,000 – ₹14,00,000+ |
A strong foundation in aviation is essential whether you aim to fly or work as crew. In fact, students enrolled at a cabin crew course in Noida often get a close-up view of pilot operations during their training modules, which cover in-flight coordination and communication.
Pilot Salary by Airline – India vs International
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of pilot salaries in major Indian and international airlines:
Airline | First Officer (Monthly) | Captain (Monthly) |
IndiGo | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
Air India | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹4,50,000 – ₹6,50,000+ |
SpiceJet | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 |
Vistara | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹6,00,000+ |
Akasa Air | ₹1,80,000 – ₹2,80,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 |
Emirates | ₹6,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 – ₹14,00,000 |
Qatar Airways | ₹6,50,000+ | ₹11,00,000+ |
Singapore Airlines | ₹5,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | ₹9,00,000 – ₹13,00,000 |
Lufthansa | ₹6,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+ | ₹10,00,000 – ₹12,00,000+ |
What Affects a Pilot’s Salary?
Several key factors determine a pilot’s earnings:
- Experience: More flying hours mean higher salary.
- Aircraft Type: Larger aircraft = higher pay.
- Airline Reputation: Leading airlines pay better.
- Domestic vs International Routes: International flying earns more.
- Monthly Flight Hours: The more you fly, the more you earn.
Institutes offering training in aviation—whether for pilots or cabin crew—often provide workshops on salary trends and aviation economics.
Extra Benefits Pilots Get
Pilots receive several additional perks beyond their salary:
- Free or discounted flight tickets for themselves and family
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- Hotel accommodation for overnight stays
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- Medical insurance and regular health checks
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- Travel and food allowances for domestic and overseas routes
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- Performance bonuses for extra hours or night flights
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- Retirement benefits depending on the airline
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These benefits make the job even more attractive in the long term.
How to Become a Pilot in India
If you’re serious about becoming a pilot, follow these steps:
- Complete 12th with Physics and Math
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- Pass Class 1 Medical Exam (vision, fitness, etc.)
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- Join a DGCA-approved flying school
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- Earn a Student Pilot License (SPL)
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- Complete Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training
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- Apply to airlines as a First Officer or trainee
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- Gain experience and hours to become a Captain
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You can also explore integrated courses or aviation academies that include simulator training and airline placement support.
Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India
Training to become a commercial pilot involves significant investment:
- Flying School Fees: ₹30 – ₹50 lakhs
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- Medical Tests and Licensing Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
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- Accommodation, Uniforms, Materials: ₹1 – ₹2 lakhs extra
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Some students opt for aviation loans or seek scholarships offered by flying schools or government aviation programs.
Is Becoming a Pilot Worth It?
While the cost of training is high, the long-term earning potential and lifestyle benefits make it a rewarding career. Pilots earn well, get to travel, and work in one of the most respected professions. If you’re passionate about flying and ready to work hard, becoming a pilot is absolutely worth it.
