Pilot Salary in India (2025): How Much Do Airline Pilots Really Earn?
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If you're considering a career as a pilot in India, one of the biggest questions is: How much do airline pilots earn in 2025? In this guide, we break down the salaries of junior First Officers to experienced Captains across airlines in India.
šØāāļø Commercial Pilot Salary Overview (2025)
| Rank | Monthly Salary (ā¹) | Annual Salary (ā¹) |
|---|---|---|
| Cadet Pilot (Unrated) | 0 ā 30,000 (stipend) | 0 ā 3.6 LPA |
| First Officer | 2.2 ā 4 lakh | 26 ā 48 LPA |
| Senior First Officer | 4 ā 5.5 lakh | 48 ā 66 LPA |
| Captain (Narrowbody) | 6 ā 8.5 lakh | 72 LPA ā 1 Cr+ |
| Captain (Widebody) | 9 ā 12 lakh | 1.08 ā 1.4 Cr+ |
āļø Pilot Salary by Indian Airlines (2025)
- IndiGo: ā¹2.3Lāā¹7L per month (FO to Captain)
- Air India: ā¹2.5Lāā¹10L/month (Domestic & International)
- Akasa Air: Competitive salaries ā¹2.4Lāā¹6.5L/month
- SpiceJet & Go First: Variable pay, delays reported in past
š Factors Affecting Pilot Pay
- Airline Brand & Fleet Type
- Aircraft Rating (A320, B737, B777, etc.)
- Experience (logged flying hours)
- Base Location & Route Network
š¼ Private Jet & Charter Pilot Salaries
Pilots flying private jets or charter services may earn ā¹2ā4 lakh/month with added allowances for duty days, night halts, and overseas travel.
š” Conclusion: Is Being a Pilot Worth It?
Despite the high cost of CPL training in India, pilot salaries offer strong return on investment. Airline pilots are among the top earners in the country by mid-career stage.
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