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Aviation is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers, and a pilot salary in India is among the highest in the country. With increasing demand for air travel, India’s aviation industry is booming, creating massive opportunities for aspiring pilots. But the most common question every student asks before joining a flying school is:
“What is the salary of a pilot in India?”
or
“How much does a commercial pilot earn per month?”
In this blog, we will cover everything in detail:
- Average pilot salary in India
- Commercial pilot salary per month
- IndiGo pilot salary and Air India pilot salary
- Salary comparison: India vs USA
- Factors affecting pilot salaries
- Growth opportunities for pilots in India
Let’s begin!
What is the Average Pilot Salary in India?
Pilots are among the top-paid professionals in India. The average pilot salary per month in India depends on various factors such as experience, type of airline, and aircraft category.
Here is the average pilot salary in India (2025):
| Type of Pilot | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
| Commercial Pilot (CPL Holder) | ₹1.5 lakh – ₹5 lakh | ₹18 lakh – ₹60 lakh |
| Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL) | ₹4 lakh – ₹7 lakh | ₹48 lakh – ₹84 lakh |
| Trainee Pilot | ₹40,000 – ₹1 lakh | ₹5 lakh – ₹12 lakh |
| Senior Captain | ₹6 lakh – ₹10 lakh | ₹72 lakh – ₹1.2 crore |
So, the average pilot salary in India per month ranges between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh for commercial pilots.
Commercial Pilot Salary in India
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holder earns a significantly higher salary compared to most professions in India. After completing your CPL and joining an airline as a First Officer, your starting salary is approximately ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh per month.
As you gain experience and flying hours, your salary can go up to ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh per month as a Senior First Officer. After becoming a Captain, your salary crosses ₹6 lakh per month and can go beyond ₹10 lakh per month in leading airlines.
Key Highlights of Commercial Pilot Salary:
- Freshers (Trainee Pilot) – ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh per month
- First Officer – ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per month
- Senior First Officer – ₹3 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh per month
- Captain (PIC) – ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month
IndiGo Pilot Salary in India
As India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo offers attractive salaries to its pilots.
- First Officer (CPL Holder) – ₹1.7 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per month
- Senior First Officer – ₹3.5 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh per month
- Captain – ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh per month
IndiGo also provides additional benefits like allowances, insurance, and performance bonuses.
Air India Pilot Salary
As the flag carrier airline, Air India offers some of the best salaries in the industry.
- First Officer – ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh per month
- Captain (Wide-body Aircraft) – ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month
- Senior Captain / International Routes – ₹9 lakh to ₹12 lakh per month
Air India pilots also enjoy extra perks like international flying allowances, accommodation, and family benefits.
Pilot Salary in the USA vs India
Many aspiring pilots often compare pilot salary in India with those in the United States.
- Average Pilot Salary in the USA – $100,000 to $200,000 annually (₹83 lakh to ₹1.6 crore)
- Average Pilot Salary in India – ₹18 lakh to ₹1.2 crore annually
While salaries in the USA are higher, the cost of living, training expenses, and competition also differ.
Factors That Affect Pilot Salary in India
Pilot salaries in India are not the same for everyone. Several factors influence how much a pilot earns:
a) Type of Pilot License
- CPL Holders earn less compared to ATPL Captains.
- Higher qualifications mean higher salaries.
b) Type of Airline
- Full-service carriers like Air India and Vistara pay more than low-cost carriers like SpiceJet and GoAir.
c) Experience & Flying Hours
- More flying hours = higher salary.
- Captains with 5000+ hours earn the most.
d) Type of Aircraft
- Wide-body aircraft pilots earn more than narrow-body aircraft pilots.
e) Domestic vs International Routes
- International pilots earn extra allowances compared to domestic pilots.
Additional Benefits for Pilots
Apart from the basic salary, pilots enjoy several attractive perks and allowances that make this profession even more rewarding:
- Free or Discounted Air Travel – Pilots and their immediate family members often receive free or discounted flight tickets.
- Housing Allowance – Many airlines provide accommodation benefits or a housing allowance for pilots.
- Comprehensive Insurance – Health and life insurance coverage are included in the benefits package.
- Layover Allowances – Pilots receive extra allowances during international layovers to cover hotel stays, food, and transportation.
- Retirement Benefits – Most airlines offer strong retirement plans and pension benefits for long-term financial security.
These additional benefits make a pilot’s career not only financially lucrative but also prestigious and comfortable.
How to Become a Pilot and Earn a High Salary?
To become a commercial pilot in India and earn a high salary, you must:
- Complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
- Obtain DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school
- Complete 200 hours of flying training
- Clear DGCA exams and get a CPL
- Apply for airline jobs and start as a First Officer
Future Scope and Salary Growth for Pilots in India
The Indian aviation sector is expected to be the third-largest in the world by 2025. With new airlines, increased air traffic, and international expansion, pilot demand is at an all-time high.
- Fresh CPL Holders – ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh per month
- Experienced Captains – ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month
- International Airline Captains – ₹12 lakh+ per month
Final Thoughts
Being a pilot is not just a career; it’s a lifestyle. The average pilot salary in India per month is far higher than in most professions, making aviation one of the most lucrative careers.
If you dream of flying high, start your pilot training today. With the right training and dedication, you can become a commercial pilot and earn ₹1.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per month or even more!
Suggestion URL :
- How to Become a Pilot After 10th
- How to Prepare for DGCA Exams
- How to Become a Pilot in India
- How to Become a Pilot in India
- How to Clear DGCA Exams in First Attempt
- Commercial Pilot Training in Jaipur
- Pilot Training Institute in Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the average salary of a commercial pilot in India?
The average salary of a commercial pilot in India ranges between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per month. However, the exact figure depends on experience, the airline, and the type of aircraft flown.
Q2. How much does a fresher pilot earn in India?
A fresher commercial pilot can expect to earn ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per month in India. Salaries increase significantly with experience and seniority.
Q3. Do pilots in India get free flight tickets?
Yes, most airlines provide free or discounted air travel for pilots and their immediate family members as a part of the benefits package.
Q4. Which airline pays the highest salary to pilots in India?
Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara are known to offer some of the highest salaries to pilots in India. International carriers often pay even more.
Q5. What other benefits do pilots get besides salary?
Pilots receive several perks such as housing allowances, health insurance, layover allowances, retirement benefits, and discounted flight tickets for family members.