Salary of a Pilot in India

How well do pilots earn in India?

Being a pilot requires juggling multiple responsibilities. If one day a pilot is in charge of the aircraft's maintenance and its internal systems, the other day they are also responsible for keeping the aircraft clean and conducting frequent tests to ensure that everything is in working order, among other things. A pilot is also in charge of monitoring the cockpit, keeping a close eye on air regulations, planning each flight, and checking air traffic as needed.

In order to become a pilot, aspiring students can choose from a variety of designations and positions, such as commercial pilots or working for the Indian Defense Forces. Salaries in each industry vary depending on work ethics and other factors. As a result, a pilot in India earns an attractive package that is equivalent to pilot salaries in other countries. A pilot's salary in India is among the highest among top professionals.

We have listed down the three sub-industries with their starting, mid-range and top-level salaries:

Pilot Salaries in India at Various Levels of Expertise

There is a range of elements that influence airline pilot salaries. A pilot's pay often range from entry-level to highly accomplished pilots. However, pilot salaries can be affected by a variety of other circumstances. For example, it depends on the airline, kind of aircraft, flying skill, credentials, license, and hours flown in the aircraft.

1. Entry-Level Pilots- In India, professionals with less than one year of experience in the aviation business can earn up to INR 30,000- 1,50,000 per month. They also receive additional advantages and incentives which are often enjoyed in the corporate world. 
2. Mildly-Experienced Pilots- Even though they are still considered as Entry Level Pilots, they have gained at least 1-5 years of experience and keep knowledge of the different industry challenges, they can earn up to an average of INR 1,70,000 per month.
3. Mid-Career Pilots- As the pilots grow professionally, they accumulate a lot of experience. A pilot who has worked in the aviation sector for 6-10 years of their career becomes more trustworthy and dependable. Commercial pilots in India may earn up to INR 26,00,000-30,00,000  per annum based on their expertise and flying hours. Even for the same position, salaries might vary depending on seniority and technical knowledge.
4. Highly Experienced Pilots- When pilots achieve more than 10 years of experience, they can bag a very handsome package. An experienced Commercial pilot's salary in India can range from INR 50,00,000-80,00,000  per month. Furthermore, a commercial pilot who has spent over 20 years in the Aviation industry can earn upto an annual compensation of INR 90,00,000 or more.

Average Annual Salary Estimated for Each Designation:

In India, each designation provides a different salary. Hence, the assumption that every job profile provides the same income is untrue. The table below depicts the range of the salary each position provides.

According to previous years' data, average pilot salary across various airline companies are tabulated below:

Salary of a Pilot in Different Locations In India

The prestigious airman jobs aren't available only in one particular region, the aviators may find jobs at metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other airline regions. There is significant variation between different locations. For example, Pilots in Maharashtra generally receive a higher salary in India as compared to pilots working in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai admit lower remuneration.

For aspirants who wish to join the industry as commercial pilots, here is the list:

Concluding, Pilots are highly experienced and competent professionals who work in the exciting aviation industry. To become a top-rated pilot, you must successfully complete a certification programme while maintaining the maximum degree of mental awareness. Individuals with the correct mental attitude can finish the necessary training for a pilot career. Large sums of money are already flooding into the private aviation business, and new companies are emerging. This should provide some insight into the income range of a private-jet pilot, where the sky's the limit.

Pilots and engineers are frequently paid the same wages by business owners and by huge airlines. According to a recent national newspaper report, the estimated cost to the corporation for an experienced pilot is currently around Rs 50 lakh per year, and Flight Commanders are tough to find even at these prices.

The attractive pay packages come at the cost of satisfying the airline corporations' requirements. As a result, a career as a pilot in the aviation industry is one of the most profitable and well-paid jobs in the world. 

FAQs

Q1. What is the starting salary of a pilot in India?

Ans. For employees with as much as one year of experience, the average starting salary for a pilot in India is around 3,60,000 per annum. (Approximately ₹30,000 per month)

Q2. What are the top skills required to be a pilot in India?

Ans. Problem Solving skills, Adaptability, Multi-tasking and a good command on Physics and Mathematics.

Q3. At what age does a pilot retire?

Ans. The average retirement age of a pilot is 58-65 years.

Q4. Who are the top recruiters for Pilots in India?

Ans. Below are some of the best recruiters for Pilots:

• Emirates
• Indigo
• Spice Jet
• Indian Navy
• Air India
• Vistara
• Indian Armed Forces