The industry is rapidly growing day by day in India and so the opportunities for becoming a pilot are at their peak. But for many considering this career path, one burning question remains: “What is the salary of pilot in India per month?”
When discussing the pilot salary in India, it’s important to note that the pay scale varies depending on experience and rank. This article gives you all you need to know about pilot pay scales from the first officer all the way up to the captain in India.
What Is The Salary Of Pilot In India Per Month?
Another question that may come to the mind of the people who are willing to become pilots is, ‘How much do pilots earn in India?’ The average annual income of a commercial pilot in India varies between ₹ 7-10 lakhs per annum. Nevertheless, such a figure may fluctuate depending on several aspects.
An Analysis of Antecedents Affecting Pilot Wage Rates in India
- Experience: As it is with any other careers, the working pilots receive higher remuneration than the new ones in the industry.
- Airline: Different airlines have different measures of how they compensate their employees.
- Aircraft type: This means that those who fly bigger or more complex machines earn a proportionately larger share of their fares.
- Route: Some international routes are remunerated better than the local ones are remunerated.
- Position: The remuneration depends on the rank; captains are more remunerated than first officer or co pilot.
Breaking It Down: Here, you will get to know about how much salary a pilot in India earns per month.
Before we go further with the analysis, it is appropriate to divide the total sum of the pilot’s compensation per year by the number of months. When asking, “What is the salary of a pilot in India per month?” consider the following estimates:
- Entry-level pilot: $7000 – $11500 per month
- Mid-level pilot: Rs 1,00,000 Rs 2,00,000 per month
- Experienced captain: ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 per month
Please bear in mind that these are estimates and they could change slightly based on some of the factors pointed out above.
From Takeoff to Cruising Altitude: Working Career Advancement and Salary Raise
Entry-Level Salaries: First officers and co-pilots
When the pilot enters his or her career, he or she may have a question in mind, like “How much is the fresher pilot salary in India?” This can be determined because generally, the first officers or co-pilots are paid on the lower rung of the pay scale. However, the potentiality of the market is quite great.
Climbing the Ranks: That is why to become a Captain it is necessary to undergo thorough training and to open up new opportunities for further study and work.
Another factor is remuneration whereby the pilots are remunerated based on the number of flight hours they log in the cockpit. Raising the wages is most significant when the employee is promoted to the rank of captain. Okay, what is the average pilot salary in India for a captain position? The captains having experience flying for the major airlines can get paid as high as ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Other Perks of Flying That Goes in Favour of Pilots in India
However, while answering the question, ‘How much does a pilot earn in India?’ one has to go beyond the basic wage. Many airlines offer additional benefits that enhance the overall compensation package:
- Flying allowances
- Layover expenses
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Some of the benefits that are associated with traveling include;
These can go a long way in enhancing the attractiveness of the pilot’s compensation package.
A Different Track: Loco Pilot Salary In India
While our focus is on commercial airline pilots, it’s worth noting another type of pilot in India: the loco pilot. The loco pilot is responsible for running the train and has significant experience to qualify for the job. Loco pilots are also referred to as train drivers, they drive trains not planes. The loco pilot salary in India is always less than that of commercial airline pilots but the job profile is quite secure.
– Entry-level loco pilot: The salaries for such positions: range within ₹25000- ₹35000 per month
– Experienced loco pilot: It is ranging between Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 per month.
Investing in Your Future:
Although the salary of pilots in India is fairly decent, one has to understand the cost that is involved to get into this profession. This is the expense of pilot training in India; it may cost anything between ₹30-40 lakhs. This high entry cost is one of the considerations that should be made when assessing the capital gains of a pilot career.
Is It Worth It? An Assessment of Pilot Career Path in India
Bearing this in mind, it is important to answer the question, which is ‘What is the salary of a pilot in India?’ Here are some pros and cons to consider:
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| 1. High wages as compared to other pofessions | 1. High initial training costs |
| 2. Opportunity for travel | 2. Irregular work schedules |
| 3. Respected profession | 3. Time away from home |
| 4. Challenging and rewarding work | 4. Ongoing medical requirements |
The Future of Pilot Salary in India:
More and more people wish to travel by air and this has been reflected in the Indian aviation industry; therefore, there will always be a demand for pilots. This may lead to better remunerations and improved contract terms, such as benefits for pilots in the future.
However, additional variables like economic conditions, fuel prices as well as technological improvements may also impact the industry as well as Pilot remunerations.
You may also read this: How to become a travel agent
How to Ensure That You Receive a High Pilot Salary in India
If you’re aspiring to earn a top pilot salary in India, consider these tips:
- Gain experience: Get as many hours of flying time as you possibly can.
- Seek additional certifications: Expand the list of aircraft types that you can qualify for so that you become more valuable.
- Consider working for larger airlines: They often give better remuneration packages including better pay and other remunerations.
- Be open to international routes: These usually attract better remuneration packages than the lower level jobs.
- Negotiate your contract: It is also okay to request better rates of pay.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in India is not very easy, but it is very fulfilling once one goes through the whole process. However, the initial cost is relatively high while the possibility of earning a high salary and having an interesting job makes the choice popular among many people.
If you are thinking of choosing this type of career, then it is important to remember that the money aspect is just but a small part of the bigger picture that should include the benefits that come with the job, the satisfaction of the job, and the long term future of the job.
It makes no difference if you are just considering a career in piloting or if you are on your way to obtaining your wings; you must know about pilot salary in India. Starting from the low-ranking employees to the experienced captains, the aviation industry is full of opportunities for those who are willing to work.
Therefore, the next time someone asks, for instance, “What is the salary of a pilot in India?” or “How much does a pilot earn in India per month?” you will be fully ready to give out the right information. However, it is crucial to understand that when it comes to the job of a pilot the financial side is not the only thing that pilots should focus on as the essence of flying is in the opportunities that this job provides.
FAQs on Pilot Salary in India
What is the average salary of a commercial pilot in India?
The average salary for a commercial pilot in India typically ranges from ₹10 to ₹24 lakhs per annum, depending on experience, type of airline, and aircraft flown. Entry-level pilots may earn around ₹9 to ₹12 lakhs annually, while experienced pilots can earn upwards of ₹20 lakhs.
What are the starting salaries for pilots at major airlines in India?
Starting salaries for pilots at major airlines like Air India and IndiGo typically range from ₹10 to ₹15 lakhs per annum for freshers. As they gain experience and seniority, their salaries can increase significantly.
How does the aviation industry's growth impact pilot salaries?
With the increasing demand for air travel in India, the aviation industry is expanding. This growth leads to a higher demand for qualified pilots, which can drive salaries up as airlines compete for talent.
Are there additional benefits for pilots in India?
Yes, pilots often receive various perks such as health insurance, housing allowances, travel benefits, and performance-based bonuses. These benefits can significantly enhance their overall compensation package.
How does experience affect a pilot's salary in India?
Experience significantly impacts a pilot’s salary. Entry-level pilots can expect to earn around ₹1 lakh per month, while those with 5 or more years of experience may earn between ₹6 to ₹7 lakhs per month. Senior pilots with extensive experience can earn up to ₹1 crore annually.
