How Much Do Pilots Earn?

How Much Do Pilots Earn? Salary, Training & Career Guide (UK)

Pilots are responsible for safely operating aircraft, transporting passengers or cargo across short and long distances. From commercial airline captains to cargo and corporate pilots, it's one of the most high-profile and high-earning careers available—but it comes with intensive training and high responsibility.

This guide breaks down how much pilots earn, what training and qualifications are required, career progression, and top companies to work for in the aviation industry.

Job Description: What Do Pilots Do?

Pilots fly aircraft according to strict aviation laws and procedures. They manage flight planning, navigation, communication, safety systems, and in-flight emergencies.

Responsibilities:

• Preparing flight plans and reviewing weather conditions

• Checking aircraft safety systems and controls

• Communicating with air traffic control (ATC)

• Operating aircraft during takeoff, cruise, and landing

• Monitoring systems and making adjustments mid-flight

• Managing in-flight emergencies or technical issues

• Logging flight hours and completing reports

How Hard Is It to Become a Pilot?

Becoming a pilot is intensive, expensive, and competitive. It requires completing flight training, medical exams, simulator testing, and theoretical aviation exams. Full training can cost £60,000–£120,000 and take 18–24 months.

You’ll need strong focus, coordination, and stamina.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

• Excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination

• Calm under pressure, especially during emergencies

• Technical understanding of aircraft systems

• Strong communication, especially with ATC and cabin crew

• Decision-making and leadership

• Discipline and responsibility

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. To become a commercial pilot in the UK, you need:

1. A-Levels or Equivalent

Preferably in maths or physics, but not mandatory.

2. Medical Certificate (Class 1)

Issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

3. Flight Training:

Route A – Integrated ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)

• 18–24 months full-time

• Cost: £80,000–£120,000

• Delivered by approved flight schools (e.g. CAE, L3Harris, Skyborne)

Route B – Modular ATPL

• Flexible, pay-as-you-go approach

• Takes longer but can cost less

• Suitable for career changers

After training, you’ll need to build hours and pass an airline assessment to get a job.

Career Levels and Specialisations

Cadet - In training with flight school

First Officer (FO) - Co-pilot, assists captain with duties

Senior First Officer - More experience and responsibilities

Captain - In full command of the aircraft

Training Captain - Trains other pilots

Check Pilot / Examiner - Evaluates pilot performance

Cargo / Corporate / Charter Pilot - Specialist sectors

What Experience Do You Need?

To get hired:

• Typically 200+ flying hours minimum for low-cost or regional airlines

• Larger airlines may want 500+ hours, often built as an instructor or regional pilot

• Multi-crew cooperation course (MCC) and jet orientation training (JOC) also required

Benefits of Being a Pilot

• High earning potential, especially with major airlines

• Global travel and lifestyle perks

• Prestige and professional respect

• Access to high-quality training and progression

• Strong demand internationally

• Opportunity to specialise in cargo, training, or long-haul routes

• Discounted or free flights for family

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Expensive training with upfront costs

• Intense workload and stress, especially on busy routes

• Long hours and irregular shifts, including nights and weekends

• Time away from family, especially for long-haul

• Medical restrictions—failure can ground your career

• Automation and industry shocks (COVID, fuel prices) can affect jobs

Pilot Salary Levels in the UK

Trainee / Cadet - £0 – £20,000 (stipend)

First Officer (low-cost) - £30,000 – £50,000

Senior First Officer - £55,000 – £75,000

Captain (short-haul) - £80,000 – £120,000

Captain (long-haul) - £120,000 – £200,000+

Tax Example:

A commercial airline captain earning £100,000/year would pay:

• Income Tax: ~£23,432

• National Insurance: ~£5,732

• Take-home pay: ~£70,836/year or £1,362/week

What Factors Affect Salary?

• Airline – budget carriers pay less than flag carriers

• Flight route – long-haul often pays more

• Unionisation and contract terms

• Aircraft type flown – larger jets = higher pay

• Location and base – pilots in London hubs earn more

• Experience and seniority

• Extras like night flights, allowances, and bonuses

What’s the Future for This Role?

Trends:

• Rising global demand for pilots by 2030+

• Fleet expansion, especially for low-cost carriers

• Technology advances – AI-assisted flight but not full automation

• Emissions and environmental pressure may affect demand

• Increased focus on flexible, part-time, or remote (sim-based) roles

UK pilots with EASA and UK CAA licences may need dual certification post-Brexit to work across Europe.

Best Airlines to Work for in the UK

British Airways - Flag carrier, higher salaries, long-haul

Virgin Atlantic - Premium long-haul airline

easyJet - Structured cadet scheme, short-haul only

Jet2 - Strong holiday charter market

Ryanair - Fast-paced, lots of hours, good for building time

TUI - Leisure-focused, great variety

Titan Airways - Charters, cargo, and corporate

Loganair - Regional routes, good for first officer starts

Training schemes: L3Harris, CAE Oxford, Skyborne, CTC Aviation

Final Thought

Becoming a pilot is a high-cost, high-reward career. While training requires serious investment, it opens doors to one of the most exciting and well-paid professions available. With demand rising again and multiple paths to build experience, it remains a strong long-term option for those with focus, discipline, and a love of flying.