The aviation industry in India has been growing rapidly in recent years. With new airlines launching, domestic air travel becoming more affordable, and international routes expanding, the demand for trained pilots is higher than ever. For many young students, the biggest question before joining aviation training is: “What is the Salary of a Pilot in India Per Month?”
This is a very important question because becoming a pilot requires a huge investment. The commercial pilot license cost in India can go up to ₹80 lakh – ₹1.5 crore, and the commercial pilot course fees in India are among the most expensive professional training programs. Therefore, understanding the pilot salary in India is necessary to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) in this career.
In this detailed blog, we will cover:
- Different types of pilots and their salaries
- Salaries in top airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and more
- Additional perks and benefits that come with being a pilot
- Challenges in the profession despite high salaries
- Future salary growth and career scope in Indian aviation
Let’s dive more seriously and understand the airline pilot salary per month in India.
Pilot Salary in India Per Month – Overview
The average pilot salary in India per month ranges between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹10 lakh. However, this range depends on several factors such as:
- The type of license (CPL, ATPL, or PPL)
- The airline where the pilot works
- Number of years of experience
- Aircraft type (domestic narrow-body or international wide-body jets)
- Designation (First Officer or Captain)
For example:
- A fresher commercial pilot (CPL holder) may start with ₹1.5–₹3 lakh per month.
- A captain with an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) flying international routes can earn ₹6–₹10 lakh per month or even more.
- Pilots working with international airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways can earn ₹12–₹15 lakh per month.
While the starting salary may look moderate compared to the cost of training, the growth opportunities make aviation one of the most financially rewarding careers in India.
Types of Pilots and Their Salary in India
Not all pilots earn the same. Salary depends mainly on the type of flying job. Let’s break down the different categories:
Commercial Pilot Salary in India (CPL Holders)
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the basic requirement to become a professional pilot. With a CPL, you can work as a First Officer in airlines.
- Starting salary per month: ₹1.5–₹3 lakh
- Mid-career salary: ₹4–₹6 lakh per month after 3–5 years
- After gaining experience and an ATPL, CPL holders can be promoted to captains with much higher salaries.
Note: Even though the commercial pilot license cost in India is high, the commercial pilot salary in India provides excellent long-term returns.
Airline Transport Pilot Salary in India (ATPL Holders)
The Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is the highest in aviation. ATPL holders usually work as captains.
- Captain’s salary in India per month: ₹6–₹10 lakh in domestic airlines
- For international wide-body aircraft like Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, salaries can go beyond ₹12–₹15 lakh per month
- Captains also receive higher allowances and better benefits because they are in charge of the entire flight and crew
Cargo Pilot Salary in India
Many pilots choose to work in cargo airlines because of predictable schedules and fewer passenger responsibilities.
- Average salary: ₹3–₹6 lakh per month in India
- International cargo airlines like FedEx or UPS pay significantly more
- Some pilots prefer cargo jobs due to better work-life balance
Thus, the cargo pilot salary in India is attractive for those who prefer stable routines.
Private Jet Pilot Salary in India
Business leaders, celebrities, and corporate companies use private jets.
- Salary range: ₹4–₹7 lakh per month
- Exclusive perks such as luxury travel, high-profile networking, and flexible schedules
- Fewer openings compared to commercial airlines, but still a lucrative option
Helicopter Pilot Salary in India
Helicopter pilots are in demand in sectors like tourism, emergency services, and corporate aviation.
- Average salary: ₹1–₹3 lakh per month
- Specialized jobs such as rescue missions or offshore flying may pay higher
- While the pay is lower compared to that of airline pilots, helicopter pilots enjoy unique opportunities
Salary of Pilots in Different Airlines in India
Let’s compare salaries across different airlines.
| Airline | Officer Salary (per month) | Captain Salary (per month) |
| IndiGo Airlines | ₹1.8–₹3 lakh | ₹6–₹8 lakh |
| Air India | ₹2–₹3.5 lakh | ₹7–₹10 lakh |
| Vistara | ₹2–₹3.5 lakh | ₹7–₹9 lakh |
| SpiceJet | ₹1.5–₹2.5 lakh | ₹5–₹7 lakh |
| Akasa Air | ₹2–₹3 lakh | ₹6–₹8 lakh |
The IndiGo Airlines pilot salary is one of the most searched topics. IndiGo is India’s largest airline, and therefore, the IndiGo pilot salary is considered a benchmark.
For international airlines:
- Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines pay ₹12–₹15 lakh per month on average.
Working with international airlines allows pilots to earn significantly more than with domestic airlines.
Factors Affecting Pilot Salary in India
The following factors influence a pilot salary in India per month:
- Type of License – CPL holders earn less than ATPL holders.
- Experience Level – A fresher First Officer earns less compared to a Senior Captain.
- Airline – Salaries vary between IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and others.
- Aircraft Type – Wide-body jets pay higher salaries compared to narrow-body domestic aircraft.
- Route – International routes usually pay better than domestic routes.
Additional Perks and Benefits for Pilots
Apart from high salaries, pilots enjoy many perks:
- Free or discounted tickets for family travel
- Hotel accommodation and meal allowances during layovers
- Insurance and retirement benefits
- Paid training and skill upgrades
- Global exposure and international work opportunities
This makes the airline pilot salary per month even more valuable when combined with benefits.
Pilot Salary Growth in India – Career Timeline
Here’s how pilot salaries grow over time:
- Entry-level (CPL Holder, First Officer): ₹1.5–₹3 lakh per month
- Mid-level (5–10 years of experience): ₹4–₹6 lakh per month
- Captain/ATPL Holder: ₹6–₹10 lakh per month
- International Captain (Wide-body): ₹12–₹15 lakh per month
Salaries grow steadily, making aviation one of the highest-paying professions.
Pilot Salary in India vs Other Professions
When compared with other professions, pilots stand out:
- Doctors: ₹1–₹2 lakh/month (on average)
- Engineers/IT professionals: ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh/month
- Pilots: ₹3–₹10 lakh/month (on average)
This shows why the commercial pilot salary in India is considered one of the most prestigious and high-paying.
Challenges of a Pilot Career Despite High Salary
Despite high salaries, the career comes with challenges:
- High training cost: Commercial pilot license cost in India is ₹80 lakh – ₹1.5 crore.
- Job pressure: Pilots work long hours, face jet lag, and health risks.
- Initial struggle: Fresh pilots may face waiting periods before securing jobs in airlines.
Thus, the profession requires passion and dedication, not just an interest in money.
Future Scope of Pilot Salaries in India
The future of aviation in India looks very bright. By 2030, India is expected to become the world’s third-largest aviation market.
- New airlines like Akasa Air are expanding operations.
- The demand for commercial pilots is increasing every year.
- Salaries are expected to rise due to growing competition among airlines.
This means that the pilot salary in India per month will likely continue to increase in the future.
Conclusion
So, What is the Salary of a Pilot in India Per Month?
- Freshers earn ₹1.5–₹3 lakh per month
- Captains earn ₹6–₹10 lakh per month in domestic airlines
- International captains can earn ₹12–₹15 lakh per month
Despite high commercial pilot course fees in India, the career provides financial stability, global exposure, and respect. Pilots remain among the highest-paid professionals in India.
If flying is your passion, pursuing a commercial pilot license in India is a step toward a rewarding future.
FAQs on Pilot Salary in India
Q1. What is the starting salary of a pilot in India per month?
A fresher earns around ₹1.5–₹3 lakh per month as a First Officer.
Q2. What is the salary of a commercial pilot in India?
The commercial pilot salary in India ranges from ₹1.5–₹6 lakh per month, depending on experience.
Q3. How much does a captain earn in India per month?
The captain salary in India per month ranges between ₹6–₹10 lakh in domestic airlines.
Q4. Do international pilots earn more than Indian pilots?
Yes, international airline pilots earn ₹12–₹15 lakh per month on average, much higher than domestic salaries.
Q5. Which airline pays the highest salary to pilots in India?
Air India and Vistara usually pay higher salaries, but the IndiGo pilot salary is also very competitive.
Q6. What is the highest salary of a pilot in India per month?
The highest can go up to ₹15 lakh or more per month for wide-body aircraft captains.
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