How Much Do Airline Pilots Make in South Korea? 2025 Salary Breakdown by Airline & City

Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea: Are you dreaming of a career that takes you around the world? A career as an airline pilot in South Korea could be the perfect opportunity for you. With its booming aviation industry and competitive salaries for Airline pilots, South Korea has become a sought-after destination for pilots worldwide.

In this 2025 updated guide, we break down the average airline pilot salary in South Korea — covering everything from entry-level pay to earnings at major airlines like Korean Air and Asiana. You’ll also discover how location, experience, education, and job titles affect pilot compensation across different South Korean cities. Whether you’re an aspiring aviator, a trained pilot looking for international

What is the Average Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea?

Airline pilots in South Korea command substantial salaries, with an average annual income of KRW 85,318,400, translating to a monthly average of KRW 7,109,866. However, the salary range for pilots is quite broad, influenced by factors like experience, seniority, and the specific airline. While a pilot at the lower end of the spectrum might earn as little as KRW 41,761,800 annually (KRW 3,480,150 monthly), those at the higher end can command impressive salaries of up to KRW 133,198,700 annually (KRW 11,099,891 monthly).

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Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea Based On Experience Level 

Newly qualified pilots with (0–2 years) work experience earn an average salary of around KRW KRW 49,561,800 per year. This forms the baseline for pilot pay in South Korea and typically applies to first officers flying domestic routes.

With 2–5 years of experience, pilots can expect an average salary of KRW 63,719,600, reflecting a 33% increase from entry-level pay. At this stage, pilots may be flying larger aircraft or starting international routes.

Mid-Career (5–10 years) pilots gain more hours and move closer to captain roles, their average annual earnings climb to approximately KRW 87,838,100, a 29% increase from the early-career stage. With over 10–15 years of work experience, pilots typically earn KRW 108,839,400 per year, representing a 25% jump from mid-career salaries.

Senior-Level (15+ years): Senior pilots, especially captains with international experience, can make up to KRW 116,640,100 annually, which is a 20% increase over the experienced level and a 157% increase compared to entry-level pay.

Here’s a general breakdown of salary ranges based on experience levels: 

Experience Level	Average Salary Per Year
0-2 Years	KRW 49,561,800
2-5 Years	KRW 63,719,600
5-10 Years	KRW 87,838,100
10-15 Years	KRW 108,839,400
15-20 Years	KRW 116,640,100
20+ Years	KRW 124,799,100

Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea Based On Education Level 

Pilots with only a flight training diploma or aviation certificate earn an average of KRW 63,719,600 per year. This forms the entry-level pay range for most pilots with the minimum qualification required to fly commercial aircraft.

Those with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, or a related field earn about KRW 85,560,000 annually. That’s a 34% increase over diploma-only pilots. Many airlines prefer bachelor’s degree holders for international or long-haul operations, citing better theoretical training and adaptability.

Pilots with a master’s degree, especially in aviation management or aeronautical sciences, earn approximately KRW 130,799,000 per year, which is nearly 53% higher than those with only a bachelor’s degree and more than 105% higher than diploma-level pilots. These professionals are often considered for leadership roles like chief pilot, instructor pilot, or fleet supervisor.

Here’s a salary breakdown based on educational requirements:

Education Level	Average Salary Per Year
Certificate or Diploma	KRW 63,719,600
Bachelor’s Degree	KRW 85,560,900
Master’s Degree	KRW 130,799,600

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Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea Based On Organisation 

In 2025, airline pilot salaries in South Korea vary widely depending on the employing organisation. National carriers, low-cost airlines, and foreign operators all offer different pay structures, influenced by aircraft type, route complexity, and company size. Pilots flying for full-service legacy airlines tend to earn more than those employed by budget carriers or startups.

Below is a comparison of estimated average annual pilot salaries at major airlines in South Korea:

Organisation	Average Salary Per Year
Korean Airline	KRW 12,000,000- KRW 18,000,000
JEJU Air	KRW  4,800,000- KRW 5,200,000
Asiana Airline	KRW 5,800,000- KRW 6,200,000
Jin Air	KRW 1,000,000- KRW 2,000,000
Air Premia	KRW 1,000,000- KRW 2,000,000
American Airline	KRW 1,500,000- KRW 2,500,000
Estar	KRW 8,000,000- KRW 9,000,000
Seoul Airline	KRW 2,000,000- KRW 3,000,000

Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea Based On Cities 

Seoul tops the list with an average pilot salary of KRW 87,481,900 per year, which is nearly 35% higher than the national average. This is due to its international flight volume, presence of major airlines, and high demand for experienced pilots.

Incheon, home to South Korea’s busiest international airport, offers pilots around KRW 87,721,200 annually, or 24% above the national average.

As a major global airline, Korean Air offers competitive salaries to its pilots based in Seoul. Here’s a breakdown based on major cities and their associated airlines:

Cities	Average Salary Per Year
Daegu	KRW 83,521,700
Seoul	KRW 87,481,900
Gwangju	KRW 83,641,100
Ulsan	KRW 81,119,300
Suwon	KRW 79,558,700
Seongnam	KRW 72,361,800
Incheon	KRW 87,721,200
Goyang	KRW 77,041,100
Daejeon	KRW 87,838,100
Busan	KRW 92,158,600
Bucheon	KRW 71,521,400

Airline Pilot Salary in South Korea Based On Positions 

In South Korea’s aviation sector, pilot salaries differ significantly based on job roles and rank. As pilots gain more experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, their earnings rise accordingly. From cadet pilots just starting out to captains commanding international flights, each step up the ladder comes with a major salary increase.

Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries for each major pilot position in South Korea in 2025:

Positions	Average Salary Per Year
Aerospace Engineer	KRW 62,279,800
Air Crew Member	KRW 30,001,600
Aircraft Captain	KRW 77,278,600
Aircraft Pilot	KRW 84,238,600
Airline Cabin Crew	KRW 49,561,800
Aviation Safety Officer	KRW 48,360,600
First Officer	KRW 35,039,000
Flight Attendant	KRW 33,119,400

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