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Japan’s thriving aviation industry offers lucrative career opportunities for aspiring pilots. With its modern airports, advanced infrastructure, and growing tourism sector, the demand for skilled airline pilots in Japan is consistently high.
This overview will help you to understand the average salary for airline pilots in Japan, exploring factors that influence earnings and providing insight into the salary landscape within the airline industry. By understanding the average salary trend and expectations, you can make informed career decisions and set realistic financial goals.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does an Airline Pilot Earn in Japan?
- Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Experience Level
- Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Education Level
- Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Organisation
- Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Cities
- Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Positions
- FAQs
How Much Does an Airline Pilot Earn in Japan?
Airline pilots in Japan enjoy a high level of respect and earn substantial salaries. The average annual salary for an airline pilot in Japan is JPY 11,485,600, which translates to approximately JPY 957,133 per month. However, this figure represents an average and doesn’t account for the wide range of salaries within the profession. Several factors can influence an airline pilot’s salary, including experience, airline, aircraft type, and flying hours. At the lower end of the spectrum, junior pilots or those flying smaller aircraft might earn around JPY 5,399,900 annually (JPY 449,991 monthly). On the other hand, highly experienced pilots with command of large commercial aircraft can command salaries as high as JPY 18,121,700 per year (JPY 1,510,141 monthly).
Here is a List of Well-Paying Japanese Part-Time Jobs in 2024-2025
Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Experience Level
The average salary in Japan increases with more years of experience. A person with 0–2 years of experience earns about JPY 6.2 million per year. With 2–5 years, the salary goes up to JPY 8.6 million.
Those with 5–10 years earn around JPY 12.2 million. For 10–15 years of experience, the salary is about JPY 14.9 million. People with 15–20 years make roughly JPY 15.7 million, and those with over 20 years earn the highest, around JPY 17.2 million per year.
Becoming an airline pilot is a dream for many, and Japan, with its vibrant culture and advanced aviation industry, offers a unique and rewarding career path. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of airline pilot salaries in Japan, exploring how experience levels influence these figures.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-2 Years | JPY 6,228,100 |
| 2-5 Years | JPY 8,578,600 |
| 5-10 Years | JPY 12,239,700 |
| 10-15 Years | JPY 14,880,300 |
| 15-20 Years | JPY 15,719,900 |
| 20+ Years | JPY 17,159,700 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Education Level
In Japan, higher education usually leads to higher salaries. People with a certificate or diploma earn about JPY 7.4 million per year. Those with a bachelor’s degree make around JPY 11.8 million, while individuals with a master’s degree earn the most, about JPY 16.3 million per year.
For airline pilots, a commercial pilot license is an essential qualification; however, further education might increase earning potential. The average pay according to education level is broken down as follows:
| Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| Certificate or Diploma | JPY 7,441,400 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | JPY 11,772,100 |
| Master’s Degree | JPY 16,320,700 |
Here is a list of the Top 6 Highest Paying Jobs in Japan For 2024-2025
Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Organisation
At All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, employees can earn between JPY 20 million and JPY 30 million per year. At Japan Tobacco International (JTI), the yearly salary is lower, ranging from JPY 7 million to JPY 8 million.
The airline a pilot works for can significantly influence their salary. Major airlines with international routes and larger fleets often offer higher compensation packages. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries based on airline type:
| Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
| All Nippon Airways | JPY 20,000,000- JPY 30,000,000 |
| Japan Airlines | JPY 20,000,000 JPY 30,000,000 |
| JTI – Japan Tobacco International | JPY 7,000,000- JPY 8,000,000 |
| Jetstar Airways | JPY 10,000,000- JPY 20,000,000 |
| Peach Aviation (Low-Cost Carrier) | JPY 6,500,000- JPY 10,000,000 |
| Solaseed Air | JPY 6,000,000- JPY 9,500,000 |
| ZIPAIR (Low-Cost Long-Haul Carrier) | JPY 7,000,000- JPY 11,000,000 |
| Spring Airlines Japan (Low-Cost Carrier) | JPY 6,000,000- JPY 9,000,000 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Cities
Top cities in Japan offer different average salaries. In Kobe, the average yearly salary is the highest at about JPY 11.4 million. Fukuoka and Kyoto follow, with salaries around JPY 10.9 million and JPY 10.8 million. In Kawasaki, the average is about JPY 10 million, while Hiroshima offers slightly less at around JPY 9.9 million per year.
In Japan, airline pilot salaries can vary slightly depending on the city due to cost-of-living differences and the presence of major airline hubs. Below is a general overview of pilot salaries in some major cities in Japan:
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Fukuoka | JPY 10,932,200 |
| Hiroshima | JPY 9,946,300 |
| Kawasaki | JPY 9,961,400 |
| Kobe | JPY 11,365,600 |
| Kyoto | JPY 10,813,300 |
| Nagoya | JPY 11,592,200 |
| Osaka | JPY 12,121,000 |
| Saitama | JPY 10,475,000 |
| Sapporo | JPY 11,028,500 |
| Sendai | JPY 9,430,600 |
| Tokyo | JPY 12,121,000 |
| Yokohama | JPY 11,557,500 |
Airline Pilot Salary in Japan Based On Positions
In Japan, airline pilot salaries vary based on the type of airline, position, experience level, and aircraft type. Below is a general breakdown of average salaries for different pilot positions:
| Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| First Officer (Co-pilot) | JPY 7,000,000- JPY 12,000,000 |
| Captain | JPY 15,000,000- PY 25,000,000 |
| Chief Pilot or Senior Captain | JPY 25,000,000- JPY 40,000,00 |
| Instructor Pilot | JPY 10,000,000- JPY 12,000,000 |
| Air Hostess | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 3,000,000 |
Here you can learn about the Value of Part-Time Jobs While Studying Abroad
FAQs
Make an anonymous post to solicit opinions about your compensation from other experts. An airline pilot with Japan Airlines may make between $93 and $174 per hour total, including base pay and bonus compensation. At Japan Airlines, an airline pilot’s base pay averages $114 per hour.
According to Bloomberg, Japan presently employs roughly 7,100 pilots, and the government estimates that in the next five years, an additional 1,000 pilots will be required to help the country reach its 2030 tourism target of 60 million visitors.
Airline Pilot is one of the highest-paying positions in the aviation industry in Japan.
This was all about the average airline pilot’s salary in Japan. For more interesting information on such a profession, follow the Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad pages for the latest job opportunities.
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