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Ever wondered if a career in the cockpit really pays off? If you’re dreaming of becoming a pilot, the first question on your mind is — “What will I earn?” The truth is: pilot salary in India vary a lot based on experience, aircraft, route type, and airline. But with rising demand and fleet expansion in 2025, the earning potential is stronger than ever. Below is a simple, realistic breakdown of what pilots earn — from fresh starters to experienced Captains.
| Role / Career Stage | Monthly Salary Range* |
|---|---|
| Fresh Commercial Pilot / Jr. First Officer | ₹1.5L – ₹3.5L |
| Domestic First Officer | ₹2.5L – ₹4.5L |
| Captain — Domestic / Short-haul | ₹6L – ₹10L |
| Captain — International / Wide-body | ₹8L – ₹15L+ |
| Cargo / Charter / Helicopter Pilot | Varies widely |
*Includes base salary + flying hour pay + allowances.
The more skilled and experienced you are → the higher your salary climbs.
| Role | Monthly Salary Range* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher / Junior FO | ₹1.0L – ₹1.8L | Building flight hours |
| First Officer | ₹1.8L – ₹3.0L | Airline differences |
| Senior First Officer | ₹2.5L – ₹4.5L | Higher allowances |
| Captain — Domestic | ₹6L – ₹10L | Major jump here |
| Captain — International | ₹8L – ₹15L+ | Wide-body = higher pay |
| Cargo / Charter / Private Jets | ₹2.5L – ₹6L+ | Varies by demand |
| Role | Approx. Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Junior First Officer | ₹18L – ₹42L |
| Domestic First Officer | ₹30L – ₹54L |
| Senior First Officer | ₹45L – ₹72L |
| Captain — Domestic | ₹72L – ₹1.2Cr |
| International Captain | ₹96L – ₹1.8Cr+ |
| Cargo/Charter Roles | ₹30L – ₹72L+ |
A fresh CPL holder usually starts around:
₹1.5L – ₹3.5L per month
This stage is about:
Be patient — the real reward comes after becoming Captain.
| Stage | Experience | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Jr. First Officer | 0–2 yrs | ₹1.5L – ₹3.5L |
| First Officer | 2–5 yrs | ₹2.5L – ₹4.5L |
| Senior FO | 4–7 yrs | ₹4.5L – ₹6.5L |
| Captain | 7–12 yrs | ₹6L – ₹10L |
| International Captain | 10+ yrs | ₹8L – ₹15L+ |
A career that offers both good money + global lifestyle.
₹1.5L to ₹7L per month depending on experience & airline.
Rarely — only senior long-haul Captains in top international airlines.
Long-haul international Captains with wide-body ratings.
No — training usually costs ₹50L–₹75L+ (varies by program).
₹1.5L for freshers → ₹10L+ for Captains.
Possible only for the top few at global airlines.
₹1.5L–3.5L for freshers → ₹8L–15L+ for international Captains.
Not fully — scholarships or cadet programs can reduce cost.
If you want to turn your aviation dream into a real career, start here:
Talk to Dunes Aviation experts for proper guidance on training, eligibility & career growth.
Your dream cockpit career starts with the right first step.