Commercial Pilot Salary in India & Abroad: Real Earnings after CPL
Becoming a commercial pilot is one of the highest-paying and most prestigious jobs in India and abroad. Commercial pilots earn in lakhs for their international and domestic trips. The earning potential is excellent in this field. The job can be hectic, but offers the best returns in terms of salary and perks. Pilots can travel the whole world and get paid for travelling. Becoming a commercial pilot is challenging, as you have to enroll in the commercial pilot training course for 2 years and then get your hands on the commercial pilot license. The journey is full of learning, changing your personality, and becoming the best version of yourself.
In this blog, we will talk about the Commercial Pilot Salary in India and abroad, and will see the Real Earnings after CPL.
A commercial pilot license is required to fly professionally. Once you have your CPL with you, you can fly for the airline companies. You can choose to become a private pilot or can apply for other relevant services. You need to get the CPL and an additional rating for a particular aircraft, like the type ratings. The salaries depend on several factors, such as the airlines you fly for, rank, experience, and country of employment. Let us look at the different salaries in India and in other countries.
Let us talk about the pilot salaries in IndiaÂ
Starting salary after getting your commercial pilot licenseÂ
When you get your commercial pilot license, you are eligible to fly for the airline companies. You can either start with training and wait for the placement. Once you get placed in an airline, you will mostly be a junior first officer. The starting salaries vary between 1.2 lakhs and 2.5 lakhs per month. The salaries are varied according to the airlines you fly for.
When you become a first officer or a co-pilot
You get a hike in your salary when you are promoted to the first officer or co-pilot. Th senior first officers are expected to earn up-to 5 lakh and more per month.
When you become a CaptainÂ
When you become a captain in the aviation industry, you get a breakthrough. The salary increases by almost 2-3 times.
A captain who flies domestically can earn somewhere between 6 and 8 lakhs per month. It is mainly for the Airbus A320 and B737. When you fly intentionally, the per-month salary can go up to 8-12 lakhs.
The experienced captains who have years and decades of experience in flying can even earn 10+ lakhs per month.
What are the salaries for the private jet and charter plane jobs?
Earning potential for a commercial pilot is very bright, even if they fly a charter plane or become a private pilot for corporate companies.
A commercial pilot can earn between 1 lakh and 4 lakh per month, depending on the experience and the company they are flying for. These are more flexible and have more potential for earning with experience and flying hours.
What factors contribute to the varying trends in salaries for commercial pilots?
FactorsÂ
ExplanationsÂ
Airline companyÂ
The salaries vary due to the airline company you are flying for. Air India and Vistara pays well for senior roles as compared to other companies.
Your rankÂ
Rank also decides the salary you will get in the airlines.
ExperienceÂ
Experienced pilots get a higher salary
The aircraft you are flyingÂ
Salaries vary due to aircraft type. Big aircraft are complex, and the responsibility is huge.
Comparing the international salaries for commercial pilots with those in IndiaÂ
These are the salaries that are given to the first officer and captain in different countries, and vary from the salaries given in India.
CountryÂ
RankÂ
Annual salaryÂ
Salary in INRÂ
United statesÂ
First officerÂ
USD 90,000 – 150,000
₹75 lakh – ₹1.25 crore
CaptainÂ
USD 200,000 – 300,000+
₹1.6 – ₹2.5 crore+
UAE
First officerÂ
USD 95,000 – 130,000
₹78 lakh – ₹1.05 crore
CaptainÂ
 USD 180,000 – 260,000
₹1.5 – ₹2.1 crore
QatarÂ
First officerÂ
USD 100,000 – 140,000
₹82 lakh – ₹1.15 crore
CaptainÂ
USD 220,000 – 300,000
₹1.8 – ₹2.5 crore
EuropeÂ
First officerÂ
EUR 60,000 – 90,000
₹55 lakh – ₹82 lakh
CaptainÂ
EUR 120,000 – 180,000
₹1.1 – ₹1.65 crore
SingaporeÂ
First officerÂ
SGD 90,000 – 140,000
₹55 lakh – ₹85 lakh
CaptainÂ
SGD 180,000 – 250,000
₹1.1 – ₹1.55 crore
What are the extra earnings and perks that are given to the commercial pilots?
There are several other earnings and perks given to the commercial pilots
Commercial pilots get an allowance for the number of flying hours.
Per-hour allowances for layover or during international trips. It is given in domestic flights as well.
They are also given the health and life insurances
Families also get the travel benefits on the airlines.
Airlines also provide housing and accommodation allowance in different countries and cities.
Should you invest in becoming a commercial pilot?
If it is your dream to fly the aircraft and take on the responsibilities, you should invest your money. Becoming a commercial pilot is not cheap and can cost you between 60 lakhs and 1 crore. It can be a good investment as the salaries are handsome and you can come at par in 3-4 years or more, depending upon the job and the salaries you get. The Commercial pilot is a prestigious and high-paying job that demands discipline and strong character.
BlockquoteÂ
After CPL, pilot salaries start modestly but grow rapidly with experience—offering high earning potential in India and even higher, often tax-free, pay abroad.
ConclusionÂ
Getting your commercial pilot is one of the best things a pilot can have. It is a good professional financially and is well-reputed. The starting salaries are good and increase with time and experience. As your rank improves, you get more perks and salary hikes.
If you are passionate for flying career and enjoy taking responsibility, you are best suited for commercial pilot training courses. Narain Aviation is a one-stop solution for commercial pilot aspirants. You will get the comprehensive set of services with Narain Aviation in pursuit of becoming a commercial pilot. Feel free to check their courses and know more about the CPL training from the counselors.
Contact detailsÂ
Flying school – Narain Aviation
Address – M-170, 2, 2nd Main Rd, East Of NGEF, Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
Contact – +91-9148402949
WhatsApp – 919945225068
E-mail – [email protected]
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Where can I get my commercial pilot training in India?
Narain Aviation is a top school that provides the best commercial pilot training courses under the guidance of industry experts and Air Force veterans.
What will be the time duration for becoming a commercial pilot?
The time duration is generally between 18 and 24 months and can also exceed.
Will there be any medical exams for the CPL training?
You will have to pass the DGCA Class 1 medical and Class 2 medical exams to get your CPL.
How many written exams are there in becoming a commercial pilot?
You will have to appear in the 5 written exams conducted by DGCA.
How much does a captain earn in India airlines job?
A captain can earn between 6 and 8 lakhs per month, depending on the flying company and experience.
Does a commercial pilot earn more on international flights?
The salary on international flights is higher than on domestic routes.
Is the salary of the commercial pilot tax-free?
It is tax-free in some countries but not in India.
Can a commercial pilot get a higher salary for flying different aircraft?
Salaries vary according to the aircraft you are flying. Big aircraft tend to pay higher salaries than normal aircraft.
Fill the Details Below & Get a Free Guide on How to Become a Pilot.
He had served in the Meteorological Branch of the Indian Air Force for over 25 years. He not only has had years of experience in operational weather forecasting across the country but had also served in the capacity of Joint Director involving administrative and policy matters.
He was part of IPKF in Sri Lanka and served during various operations. He was actively involved in issuing timely forecasts for cyclones over Kutch and during earthquake at Bhuj.
He has deep knowledge of Meteorology and forecasting based on years of experience having served in most parts of the country. This practical knowledge mixed with years of teaching experience is very helpful in his current assignment.
Besides all of the above, he has had the opportunity of teaching Met for over five years to young trainee pilots at flying academies in Bidar and Hakimpet. At these places, young trainees from Fighter and Helicopter stream were trained to become pilots’ in the Indian Air Force.
A Squadron Commander in the IAF, she has handled the responsibilities of a Senior Air Traffic Controller, Radar Controller and a Duty Air Traffic Controller. She was the operational and administration head for more than 70 personnel in a squadron, which included officers and airmen.
Implementation of Airport procedures and enforcing field rules and regulations at diverse IAF bases with varied traffic conditions.
Successfully handled Aircraft operations as Senior Air Traffic controller at busy Air Force bases like Tezpur, Jodhpur, Bidar and Hakimpet which have complex flying environments, handling mixed traffic of defence as well as civil airplanes.
Successfully delivered results while working under challenging conditions and resource constraints. Possesses the ability to integrate and motivate diverse teams by creating positive work environment to facilitate high grade performance.
A retired fighter pilot, with versatile experience of 30 yrs. in the IAF, comprising Flying Training primarily, Operations and Flight Safety, apart from Surface to Air Missiles and Radars.
Over 17 yrs as a pilot, including second-in-command of a Flying Squadron. Total Flying of 2,350 hrs (4000 sorties), on Maruts, MiG-21s, Kirans, HT-2s and HPT-32s. Have force-landed aircraft without engine power twice, as a trainee (jet trainer aircraft) and as an Instructor (propeller trainer aircraft).
Qualified/Chief Flying Instructor twice at the Air Force Academy, 900 hrs instructional flying with trainees. Chief Ground Instructor at AF Stn Bidar, handling all Ground Training for flying
Commander of a Missile Squadron of 375 technical, operational and support personnel, for 3 yrs. Best Guided Weapons Squadron twice, 1997-98 and 1999-2000.
Director/Senior Flying Training Officer at HQ Training Command IAF, Bangalore for 5 yrs. Responsible for induction and operations of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and Flight Simulators at Bidar, Flying Instructors’ School at Tambaram and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).
Qualified Flying Instructor, trained at Flying Instructors’ School, Tambaram, Chennai(1990) Second in Flying and fifth in overall merit at commissioning.
Air Marshal Ravinath Gururaj Burli (Retd) has a distinguished record of four decades of service. He has been an instructor at Flying Instructors School (FIS), Tactics And Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).
He was Commandant at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, where he trained the young air force cadets learn flying training.
He brings his immense knowledge to train young students at our institute in Navigation, Instruments and Radio aids. His passion for teaching is amazing and fabulous.