Australia Pilot Salary 2025: Pay, Trends & Insights Update

Australia pilot salary are now being hired at higher rates due to higher air traffic and intense competition within the industry. If you have always wanted to pilot a jet, an aircraft fighter, or steer a helicopter over the Australian skies, right now could be your chance. The first officers at Virgin Australia are scheduled to bring in AU$ 180,206 per year once the new wages come into effect from July 2025. Those who are captains at the airline can expect a salary of AU$ 277,256. Some of Qantas' captains are paid over AU$ 200,000, with top positions getting more than AU$ 400,000 annually. In this industry, you can earn a base salary of AU$ 79,600, and working your way up can allow you to earn more than AU$ 238,200.

Latest Facts & News (2025) 

• Virgin Australia’s first officers will earn AU$ 180,206 per year from July 2025, with captains earning AU$ 277,256.

• Qantas captains can earn over AU$200,000, with some senior captains exceeding AU$400,000 annually.

• The average commercial Australia pilot salary is AU$ 153,700, well above the national average.

• Entry-level pilots typically start at AU$79,600–AU$100,700, while experienced captains can reach AU$238,200.

• Helicopter pilots average AU$84,580–AU$145,000, depending on experience and employer.

• Fighter pilot salaries in the Royal Australian Air Force range from AU$ 100,000 to AU$ 150,000.

• Strong demand for pilots persists due to the post-pandemic travel rebound and pilot shortages.

• Major airlines offer bonuses, overtime, and allowances that can significantly boost total pay.

• Australian pilot salaries are among the highest globally, with experienced pilots earning up to AU$146,935.

• Many pilots cite high training costs (up to AU$130,000) as a barrier to entry, but job commercial Australia pilot security and earning potential remain strong.

Wondering if a career as a pilot in Australia is worth the investment? Discover how pilot salaries stack up in 2025, what influences your earning power, and why now is the best time to take off in this high-flying profession.

Overview of Pilot Salary in Australia 2025

An average salary is roughly AU$ 153,700, more than the standard national salary. The Australian aviation industry still gives competitive pay because of the significant responsibility, needed skills, and pilot shortages worldwide.

• The Australia pilot salary depends mostly on different aspects.

• From taking your first steps right through to the senior position as captain.

• The type of pilot's license (PPL, CPL, and ATPL)

• Both Qantas and Virgin are employers mentioned in this term, as are regional airlines.

• The category of aircraft (for business use, suburban transport, or in the armed forces)

• International route or domestic routes

• Pilots make good money and receive travel discounts, extra benefits, and secure employment.

Latest Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries in Australia 2025: Experts Insights

Many different things play a role in determining what is Australia pilot salary:

1. Experience Level

If you are at the entry level, you stand to earn from AU$ 79,600 to AU$ 100,700. During the mid-career stage, an artist earns between AU$ 120,000 and AU$ 180,000. A captain of a senior ship can earn up to AU$238,200+.

2. Aircraft Type

Airlines that operate big planes and serve countries internationally usually pay more.

3. The Type of Employer Plays a Vital Role in Your Job Search

Qantas and Virgin are the largest carriers, charging higher prices than regional or charter services.

4. License and Rating

A person with an ATPL makes more than someone with a CPL.

Some licenses or approval courses (such as night flying and IFR) may increase your pay rate.

5. The Place Where the Outlet is Located and its Base Number on the Organisation's Charts

Major cities (Sydney and Melbourne) tend to pay pilots more and provide better benefits.

6. Specialization

Working in emergency services or mining pays the helicopter pilot differently than working as a tour or charter pilot.

Also Read: Flying Schools in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Average Pilot Salary in Australia (2025 Data)

Being a Australia pilot salary in 2025 means you can take advantage of earnings in the aviation business. The rise in salaries is caused by several factors, especially the industry's recovery, pilot scarcity, and greater demand for domestic and Asia-Pacific flights.

Let's look at the salary average for the most recent period.

• Annual Australia pilot salary ranges on average to AU$ 153,700.

• Fresh license holders or pilots with no more than two years of flying experience can earn AU$ 79,600 to AU$ 100,700.

• Pilots who have flown for 3 to 10 years are expected to make AU$ 120,000 to AU$ 180,000.

• The pay for senior pilots flying long hauls (with much experience) can exceed AU$238,200.

• Since these salary ranges are higher than the national average income, being a pilot can be very well paid for those who specialize and commit themselves. The statistics also record added benefits such as flight hours, staying overnight, travelling internationally, and how much a worker's pay is boosted by seniority.

• Because airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia offer more flights and planes, skilled pilots must receive attractive pay packages with bonuses and other allowances.

Current Salary for Pilot in Australia by Role and Experience in 2025: Updated

How much salary for pilot in Australia depends on their role, how long they have flown, and their company. This is a fast review of what is projected for 2025.

1. Commercial Pilots

At the starting point, you can earn between AU$ 79,600 and AU$ 100,700.

• With experience, you can make an annual Australia pilot salary between AU$ 120,000 and AU$ 180,000.

• Up to AU$238,200 or over is the usual salary range for Senior Captains.

• Some top airlines like Qantas pay their long-haul captains more than AU$ 300,000 annually with bonuses.

• The other pilots on the plane are known as Co-Pilots or First Officers.

• You can earn between AU$ 79,000 and AU$ 110,000 in starting salary.

• Up to $150,000 is considered a high salary range for experienced employees.

• To become a first officer in Virgin Australia in 2025, you will earn AU$ 180,206 annually.

2. RAAF's Fighter Pilots Division

For the beginning level: AU$ 90,000 – AU$ 110,000

• AU$ 120,000 – AU$ 160,000+ is the Australia pilot salary range for experienced officers, including benefits and extra military allowances.

3. Helicopter Pilots

In the beginning stages, the available salary for a pilot in Australia can range between AU$ 70,000 and AU$ 90,000.

• Having 5 to 9 years of experience, professionals make AU$ 100,000 – AU$ 170,000 per year.

• Extra pay is given for rescue jobs, EMS, or offshore work.

• Being well-paid and providing a range of jobs, aviation is seen as a worthwhile and colourful career field in Australia.

Latest Commercial Pilot Salary Australia

Those who work as commercial Australia pilot salary manage the operations of aircraft carrying passengers or cargo for Australian and foreign flights. What they earn depends significantly on their experience, the plane they are flying, and the airline they belong to.

Salary Breakdown:

The salary range at the start of one's career as a first officer.

• The expected income is between AU$79,600 and AU$100,000.

• After getting a CPL, new commercial pilots usually serve as co-pilots or first officers for regional airlines.

Mid-Career Pilots:

• The expected Australia pilot salary is between AU$ 120,000 and AU$ 160,000.

• Accumulating some years of flying experience allows pilots to fly bigger aeroplanes or operate internationally and get higher remuneration.

Senior Captains usually refer to pilots who fly longer-distance routes.

• Some senior captains at Qantas and similar airlines can earn up to AU$400,000 yearly, mainly on overseas routes where overtime and bonuses are given.

• Captains who join Virgin Australia as of July 2025 will be on these conditions.

• About $277,256 is earned by physicians each year.

Because of the new Virgin agreement, wages for pilots have significantly increased, showing the need across the industry.

Commercial pilots should look into popular employers in the field.

• Qantas Airways is Australia's leading airline, recognised for its high pay.

• Virgin Australia rewards employees with great salary packages and new routes to serve.

• Jetstar is a Qantas Group airline offering its employees clear career paths.

• REX is a company that operates many regional routes; it is an excellent choice for new pilots.

People in Australia choose commercial aviation because it provides top pay, steady customer needs, and easy career advancement.

Also Read: Freshers' Job in Australia for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide

Co Pilot Salary Australia in 2025

Co pilot salary Australia, as first officers are usually called, help the captain throughout the various stages of a flight. A first officer position allows someone to gain the needed hours and serves as a step for becoming a captain later.

Salary Breakdown:

An Entry-Level First Officer is the title for a newcomer to the cockpit.

• The Australia pilot salary earned is around AU$ $ 90,000 to AU $ 120,000 per year.

• To start their career, newly selected co-pilots join regional air carriers or become second officers on larger airplanes.

Experienced First Officer:

• The annual co pilot salary Australia can be between AU$ 130,000 and AU$ 180,206.

• By 2025, the top pilots at major airlines in Australia, such as Virgin Australia, can earn more than AU$170,000 due to the greater experience and higher number of flights required.

• This article provides helpful information about career paths.

• Given how vital performance and experience are, a co-pilot can be made captain between 5–8 years, though this depends on airline job opportunities.

• Salaries for co-pilots have grown significantly in 2025 as the lack of pilots causes airlines to improve their packages and ensure quick advancement.

Current Fighter Pilot Salary Australia

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter pilot salary Australia earn competitive salaries backed by comprehensive government benefits. While their earnings may differ from commercial aviation, the value lies in stability, allowances, and long-term career progression.

Fighter Pilot Salary Australia Breakdown:

• Base salary is AU$ 100,000 – AU$ 150,000

• Based on rank, experience, and years of service.

Bonuses & Allowances:

• Hazard pay for combat or high-risk missions

• Mission bonuses for deployments

• Housing and travel allowances

• Comprehensive insurance and pension schemes

Additional Benefits:

RAAF pilots receive world-class training, clear promotion pathways, subsidized education, and secure long-term careers, making it an attractive option for those seeking service-oriented flying careers.

Latest Helicopter Pilot Salary Australia

The helicopter pilot salary Australia changes widely according to their employer and their work industry. The salary range shows that requirements, risk levels, and workplaces are not the same for all levels of care.

Salary packages vary depending on the sector.

• Private/Charter Operators, on average, earn between AU$ 84,580 and AU$ 110,000 annually.

• For emergency helicopter pilot salary Australia services and mining jobs, the estimated monthly pay is between AU$ 120,000 and AU$ 145,000.

• Tourism operators in Australia usually earn between AU$ 80,000 and AU$ 100,000 annually.

Pilots employed in high-risk areas, such as mining or emergency services, get paid well because their jobs can be very demanding.

Also Read: Dentist Salary Australia: Average Pay, Trends & Insights

Latest Pilot Salary in Australia by Employer in 2025: Updated

Here’s a comparison of Australia pilot salary by major Australian employers:

Current Allowances, Bonuses, and Benefits for Australia Pilot in 2025

An Australia pilot salary is not only made up of their standard salary. Additional benefits that people often enjoy are:

• Overtime pay

• Uniform allowance

• Pilots and their families receive benefits from travel.

• Accommodation allowance covers expensive places where that are hard to find housing.

• Meal allowances

• Training stipends

• Retirement contributions

• Getting life insurance as well as health insurance

When flight hours, job performance, and loyalty to the company are taken into account, bonuses boost an employee's income.

How to Increase Your Pilot Salary in Australia in 2025?

Do you wish to make more while working as an Australia pilot salary? Here's how:

• To qualify for higher-paying jobs, you should Upgrade Your License from a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).

• Your earning capability will increase if you log many hours in the air. Minimal experience will make the company leaderless.

• Choose to fly either large aeroplanes or helicopters for industries that pay the most, like mining and emergency jobs.

• Apply to Major Airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar tend to offer more generous salaries and benefits than other regional airlines.

• Becoming a flight instructor, examiner, or operations manager will increase your income.

• Pilots earn more for international flights as these trips involve more extended hours and duties than domestic ones.

Also Read: Which State Is Easiest To Get PR In Australia?

Latest Australia Pilot Salary vs Other Countries in 2025: Updated

Here’s the latest table on how Australia pilot salary compare globally:

Australia remains one of the top-paying countries for experienced pilots.

Career Path and Job Outlook for Pilots in Australia (2025)

Even after the pandemic, chances of becoming  Australia pilot salary are good because the aviation sector is growing.

• High demand for pilots is occurring since the shortage of pilots remains an issue. With additional airplanes and new routes to foreign countries, airlines give people more local and international flight options. Regional and charity airlines are looking to hire more personnel because domestic flying and specific services are increasing.

• Generally, one begins as a trainee pilot in aviation, becomes a co-pilot (first officer), then grows into a captain, and afterwards shifts into either an instructor or management position. With time, each position gives employees more responsibilities and the chance to earn more money.

• Anyone wanting to become a pilot should realise that the cost of training can be as high as AU$130,000, even though a significant initial investment, stable long-term employment, and attractive earning opportunities make flying a good choice for many people.

Conclusion

Australia pilot salary in 2025 can enjoy competitive pay and expand their career opportunities. Co-pilots and captains' salaries are adjusted to match the experience, difficulties, and commitment needed in aviation. Anything is possible if you plan to get into aviation or are already aiming high.

Contact TerraTern for more information on the Australia pilot salary.