Becoming a commercial pilot is a dream for many aspirants in India. The aviation industry is growing rapidly, and with the increasing demand for air travel, the need for skilled pilots is also increasing. If you are wondering about the salary prospects of a commercial pilot in India, this article will provide you with all the necessary information.
Salary Range.
Average Commercial Pilot Salary in India
According to various sources, the average salary of a commercial pilot in India ranges from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh per month. However, the salary may vary based on several factors, such as experience, type of airline, and type of aircraft. A first officer or a co-pilot can expect to earn around INR 1.5 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh per month, while a captain or a pilot-in-command can earn between INR 3 lakh to INR 5 lakh per month.
| Average Commercial Pilot Salary in India | Rs 177,539 – Rs 9,791,604 |
| Bonus | Rs 5,500 – Rs 300,000 |
| Profit Sharing | Rs 1,521 – Rs 3,188,132 |
| Total Pay | Rs 178,175 – Rs 9,993,011 |
Commercial Pilot Salary in India Range Based on Type of Aircraft / Officer Rank
| Type of aircraft | Captain/Pilot in Command (Per Month Salary) |
| Airbus A-300/ A-310/ A-320 | Rs.350,000 – 600,000 |
| Airbus A-340 | Rs.400,000 – 650,000 |
| Boeing 737-900 | Rs.400,000 – 650,000 |
| Cargo International/Domestic | Rs.300,000 – 600,000 |
| Courier Flight | Rs.200,000 – 325,000 |
| Private/ VIP Aircraft | Rs.100,000 – 150,000 |
| Private Air Taxi | Rs.100,000 – 150,000 |
Average Salary Of Commercial Pilot Based On Experience
The salary of a commercial pilot in India is dependent on various factors, and experience is one of the most significant factors. The salary of a fresh commercial pilot is around INR 1.5 lakh to INR 2 lakh per month, while a pilot with 5 to 10 years of experience can earn around INR 5 lakh per month. The salary may further increase with years of experience. However, it is important to note that the salary may vary based on other factors such as the type of airline, type of aircraft, and location of the airline. It is essential to research and understand the salary range before pursuing a career as a commercial pilot in India.
| Experience | Average Salary of Pilot ( Per Month) |
| Less than a year | Rs.60,000 – 130,000 |
| 1-4 years | Rs.100,000 – 300,000 |
| 5-9 years | Rs.250,000 – 450,000 |
| 10-19 years | Rs.400,000 – 700,000 |
| More than 20 years | Rs.500,000 – 1,000,000 |
Factors Affecting Salary
- Experience: Experience is a significant factor that affects the salary of a commercial pilot. A fresh commercial pilot may earn around INR 1.5 lakh to INR 2 lakh per month. As the experience increases, the salary also increases. A pilot with 5 to 10 years of experience can earn around INR 5 lakh per month.
- Type of airline: The type of airline also plays a crucial role in determining the salary of a commercial pilot. Private airlines usually pay higher salaries compared to government-owned airlines.
- Type of aircraft: The type of aircraft flown by a pilot also affects the salary. Pilots flying wide-body aircraft like Boeing 747 or Airbus A380 generally earn more than those flying narrow-body aircraft like Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.
- Location: The location of the airline also affects the salary of a commercial pilot. Pilots working in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore generally earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities.
Commercial Pilot Salary in India: Benefits and Allowances
Apart from the basic salary, commercial pilots in India are entitled to various benefits and allowances. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits and allowances that commercial pilots receive:
- Health Insurance: Commercial pilots are provided with health insurance that covers medical expenses for them and their family members.
- Life Insurance: They are also provided with life insurance coverage that provides financial security to their family members in case of an unfortunate event.
- Provident Fund: Pilots are entitled to a provident fund that helps them save money for their retirement.
- Gratuity: Pilots are also entitled to gratuity, which is a lump sum amount paid by the employer as a token of appreciation for the pilot’s services.
- Travel Benefits: Pilots are eligible for free or discounted air travel for themselves and their family members.
- Accommodation: Airlines provide pilots with accommodation during their layovers or when they are on duty.
- Special Allowances: Pilots may also receive special allowances such as dearness allowance, flying allowance, and uniform allowance.
Conclusion
Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a lucrative career option, and the salary prospects are quite attractive. However, the salary may vary based on several factors, like experience, type of airline, and type of aircraft. Apart from the salary, commercial pilots also receive several other benefits. With the growth of the aviation industry in India, the demand for skilled pilots is also increasing, making it an ideal time to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
FAQs on Commercial Pilot Salary in India
The average salary of a commercial pilot in India ranges from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 5 lakh per month, depending on several factors such as experience, type of airline, type of aircraft, and location of the airline.
Experience is a significant factor that affects the salary of a commercial pilot. A fresh commercial pilot may earn around INR 1.5 lakh to INR 2 lakh per month, while a pilot with 5 to 10 years of experience can earn around INR 5 lakh per month.
Apart from the basic salary, commercial pilots in India are entitled to various benefits and allowances, such as health insurance, life insurance, provident fund, gratuity, travel benefits, accommodation, and special allowances.
Private airlines usually pay higher salaries compared to government-owned airlines. However, the salary may vary depending on the airline’s policies and the pilot’s experience and skills.
Yes, certain Indian airlines provide performance-based bonuses to their pilots. This can be based on things like flying hours, on-time arrivals, and safe landing histories.