One app for all your study abroad needs
Are you enjoying flying to new heights and want to explore the world by flying? Becoming a pilot is one of the best career choices for you. Australia is also one of the major destinations for the aviation industry; here, there are various new job opportunities for highly skilled talent. Working as a pilot is also one of the most enjoyable and rewarding opportunities in Australia, where you can earn a good salary. If you want to know how much you can expect to earn working as a pilot in Australia, you can refer to this article and get more details about the pilot salary in Australia for 2025.
This Blog Includes:
What is the Average Pilot Salary in Australia?
Pilot salaries in Australia can vary depending on experience and the type of pilot job. The average pilot makes 153,700 AUD annually, or 12,808 AUD per month. This sits comfortably above the national average wage. However, salaries can range from as low as $79,600 annually (6,633 AUD monthly) for entry-level positions to a very healthy 238,200 AUD annually (19,850 AUD monthly) for highly experienced captains. So, if you’re looking for a well-paying career path, being a pilot in Australia offers strong earning potential.
Data given at the time of writing is reflected in salary figures. Pay may differ based on the recruiting company, the experience level, educational background, and geographic region of the candidate.
Also Read: Highest Paying Jobs in Australia
Pilot Salary in Australia Based On Experience
Entry-level project managers typically start around AUD 95K, especially with a degree in construction or civil engineering. Professionals with 5–9 years of experience can expect a 25–30% salary jump from their early-career stage. Senior project managers (10+ years) often handle multimillion-dollar projects and earn over AUD 160,000. Top 5% of earners, including directors and construction executives, can surpass AUD 195K annually.
Fun Fact: Salaries have risen by 6–8% on average year-over-year since 2023, driven by infrastructure growth and the post-pandemic construction boom.
Australia has a vast array of training programs that support learning and hands-on experience. You may also benefit from an increase in your pay range. The table below shows you how much you may expect to make each year as your experience increases.
| Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-2 Years | AUD 97,200 |
| 2-5 Years | AUD 128,200 |
| 5-10 Years | AUD 169,700 |
| 10-15 Years | AUD 201,000 |
| 15-20 Years | AUD 216,600 |
| 20+ Years | AUD 233,600 |
Pilot Salary in Australia Based on Education
Entry-level pilots typically earn around AUD 100,700 annually. These roles include regional flights, flight instruction, and smaller charter operations. Pilots with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of AUD 153,800, which is a 52.7% increase over diploma holders. This level of education qualifies them for roles in commercial airlines and long-haul routes. Senior pilots or aviation professionals with a master’s degree command AUD 225,500 on average—46.6% more than bachelor’s degree holders. These pilots often take on leadership, regulatory, or training roles.
In Australia, obtaining a license through proper education and both practical and theoretical training is necessary to become a pilot. This license can also help you earn a high salary. The table below shows the expanding pay range.
| Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| Certificate or Diploma | AUD 100,700 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | AUD 153,800 |
| Master’s Degree | AUD 225,500 |
Also Read: Factors Affecting the Average Salary in Australia in 2025
Pilot Salary in Australia Based on Organisation
In 2025, pilot salaries in Australia vary significantly depending on the employing airline. Factors influencing these differences include company size, route types (domestic vs. international), fleet composition, and enterprise agreements.
Various flying and aviation agencies in Australia hire pilots with a high salary range. In the table, you can find a list of some of the best organizations with their salary ranges.
| Companies | Average Salary Per Year |
| Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia | AUD 85,723 |
| Qantas | AUD 1,23,798 |
| Virgin Australia | AUD 1,75,327 |
| Royal Australian Air Force | AUD 1,36,978 |
| Cobham | AUD 1,36,920 |
| Basair | AUD 57,093 |
| Aerometrex | AUD 67,000 |
| Australian Government, Department of Defence | AUD 1,52,000 |
| Cathay Pacific | AUD 2,11,667 |
| Chart Air | AUD 69,573 |
| Hardy aviation | AUD 57,667 |
| Jetstar Airways | AUD 95,000 |
| Air Affairs Australia | AUD 2,00,000 |
| Soar Aviation | AUD 65,000 |
| CHC Helicopter | AUD 69,000 |
| Flight Training Adelaide | AUD 67,000 |
| Bruce Hartwig Flying School | AUD 76,000 |
| Aviar | AUD 99,000 |
| Royal Melbourne Institute Of Technology | AUD 1,00,000 |
| Jetstar Airways | AUD 87,000 |
| Regional Express | AUD 1,00,000 |
Pilot Salary in Australia Based on Cities
Urban centers with a higher cost of living may provide increased salaries to compensate for the expenses associated with residing in these areas.
As a major international and domestic aviation hub, Melbourne offers higher wages, especially for pilots working for full-service carriers, cargo services, or corporate aviation. Perth’s aviation sector supports both commercial passenger routes and resource sector operations. The city’s importance as a gateway to remote WA contributes to its strong pilot compensation.
Most cities in Australia offer a good range of pay. Refer to the picture below to see what you can actually earn in which city of Australia.
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Adelaide | AUD 169,700 |
| Brisbane | AUD 165,900 |
| Melbourne | AUD 172,100 |
| Gosford | AUD 148,300 |
| Gold Coast-Tweed | AUD 164,100 |
| Canberra-Queanbeyan | AUD 152,900 |
Pilot Salary in Australia Based on Positions
Pilots can select from a wide range of feasible choices in Australia after receiving all the permits. The major piloting careers available in Australia are shown here, along with an indication of the salary ranges for each:
| Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| Airline Pilot | AUD 1,30,000 |
| Corporate Pilot | AUD 1,17,500 |
| Airplane Pilot Or Copilot | AUD 96,000 |
| Chief Pilot | AUD 2,90,00 |
| Captain | AUD 91,205 |
| Baggage Handler | AUD 40,000 |
| Flight Attendant | AUD 53,354 |
| Phone Operator | AUD 46,000 |
| Flight Instructor | AUD63,176 |
| First Officer | AUD 84,654 |
Also Read: Detailed Guide on Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Australia
FAQs
Ans. In order to apply for an Australian CPL, international students who are converting a foreign PPL must accrue a minimum of 200 flying hours, including 100 pilot-in-command flying hours. Hours spent abroad are included in this.
Ans. With a thriving aviation sector, the nation is known for its top-notch aviation education system. The excellent training standards and top-notch facilities in Australia attract aspiring pilots from all over the world to study aviation.
Ans. Right now, Qantas is the airline with the highest salary. But below is a summary of the average pay made by Australia’s top airlines: Qantas pays its commercial pilots an average salary of 100,281 AUD annually, plus bonuses ranging from 2000 AUD to 38000 AUD based on the pilot’s function, location, and experience.
Ans. The duration may vary from three years to six months. Finding a good flight school, such as Holmes Institute Aviation, that can guide you through the entire process and get you in the air, is essential for a lot of things. Visit our website to learn more about our flying classes.
This was all about the pilot salary in Australia for 2025. If you want to read more such guides on salaries for different professions, you can follow Leverage Edu and our official page Jobs Abroad for the latest updates.
Related Reads
45,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
