Imagine flying a large aircraft with hundreds of people on board. It sounds exciting but does the pay match the responsibility? How much do pilots make a year? In the UK, airline pilots can earn around £52,000 to £78,000 per year on average. However, pay can vary greatly depending on experience, rank, airline and flight routes.
New pilots usually start with lower salaries as they gain valuable flying experience. Over time, their earnings can rise as they move into senior roles. Experienced captains at major airlines can earn £150,000 to £225,000 or more each year.
In this guide, you will learn how much pilots earn at different career stages. We will also look at the factors that can affect their yearly pay.
How Much Do Pilots Make a Year?
Pilot pay can change a lot in the UK. It depends on the pilot’s rank, experience, airline and type of flight. New pilots usually earn less. However, their pay can grow as they gain more flying experience.
- Junior or Entry-Level First Officer: £24,000 to £45,000 a year. New pilots usually start at the lower end. Some airlines may offer around £42,000 to start.
- Experienced or Senior First Officer: £50,000 to £90,000+ a year. After three to five years, pilots can earn more. Senior First Officers on long flights may earn £100,000 to £120,000.
- Airline Captain: £100,000 to £160,000+ a year. Becoming a captain can bring a big pay rise. Short-haul and budget airline captains can earn over £100,000.
- Senior or Long-Haul Captain: £150,000 to £225,000+ a year. These pilots sit at the top end of the pay scale. Long-haul flights and senior roles can bring very high earnings.
Pilot pay can also include extra flight pay, travel money and bonuses. So, total yearly earnings may be higher than the basic salary.
What Is the Average Pilot Salary in the UK?
Airline pilots in the UK can earn around £52,000 to £75,000 a year. The average sits at about £72,000 a year. However, pay can change a lot between pilots.
Your experience, job role and airline can all affect your salary. New pilots usually earn less. As they gain more flying hours, their pay can grow. Captains can earn much more than new First Officers.
Salary by Rank and Experience
- Newly Qualified First Officer: £24,000 to £40,000 a year. This is a common starting salary for new pilots.
- Experienced First Officer: £50,000 to £90,000 a year. More flying hours can help pilots earn more.
- Senior First Officer: £75,000 to £120,000 a year. These pilots have many years of flying experience.
- Captain: £100,000 to £220,000+ a year. Pay depends on the airline and type of flight. Long-haul captains can earn more.
Pilot Pay at Major UK Airlines
Different airlines offer different pay. Here is a simple look at some major airlines:
- British Airways: First Officers can earn £40,000 to £120,000. Captains can earn £100,000 to £205,000+.
- easyJet: First Officers can earn £52,000 to £98,000. Captains can earn £170,000 to £220,000.
- Jet2: First Officers can earn £64,000 to £95,000. Captains can earn £140,000 to £190,000+.
- Loganair: First Officers can start at around £36,000. Captains can earn up to £89,000.
How Much Does a Pilot Earn Per Month?
A UK airline pilot can earn around £6,000 to £6,900 a month before tax. However, monthly pay can change a lot. A new pilot may earn around £2,000 a month. A senior captain can earn more than £14,000 a month. A new First Officer usually earns around £2,000 to £3,500 a month. This gives an annual salary of about £25,000 to £45,000. As pilots gain more flying hours, their pay can rise.
An experienced First Officer can earn around £3,800 to £8,300 a month. The exact amount depends on the airline and flight type. Long-haul pilots may earn more than those on short-haul flights.
Senior captains can earn around £10,000 to £14,000 or more each month. Some senior pilots at large airlines can earn over £170,000 a year. Reaching this level takes years of training and flying experience.
Several things can affect a pilot’s monthly pay. Their rank, airline, aircraft and flight routes all matter. Long-haul flights and larger aircraft can often bring higher pay. Pilots may also get extra money for flight hours, duty time and overnight stays.
So, pilot pay can start quite low but grow strongly over time. With more experience, pilots can move into senior roles and earn a much higher salary.
How Much Does a First Officer Make?
A First Officer helps the captain fly the plane safely. They check the plane, follow the flight plan and help during the flight. It is a big job with a lot of responsibility. A new First Officer can earn around £24,000 to £40,000 a year. Starting pay may feel low after the cost of pilot training. However, pay can grow as the pilot gains more flying hours.
An experienced First Officer can earn around £50,000 to £90,000 a year. Long-haul pilots may earn more than short-haul pilots. The airline and type of plane can also affect pay.
With more experience, a First Officer can move towards a captain role. This step needs more training and flying experience. It can also bring a much higher salary.
How Much Does an Airline Captain Make?
An airline captain can earn around £100,000 to £220,000+ a year. The exact pay depends on the airline, experience and type of flights. A short-haul captain may earn around £100,000 to £160,000 a year. Long-haul captains can earn more. Senior captains at large airlines may earn £150,000 to £220,000+.
Experience can make a big difference to a captain’s pay. Pilots can earn more as they gain more years with an airline. Flying larger planes can also lead to higher pay.
Captains may also get extra money on top of their salary. This can include flight pay, travel money, overnight payments and bonuses. So, their total yearly pay can be higher than their basic salary. For example, a senior captain at a large UK airline may earn over £170,000 a year. This makes the captain role one of the better-paid jobs in aviation.
What Affects a Pilot’s Salary?
A pilot’s pay can change for many reasons. Their experience, airline, plane and working hours all matter. So, not every pilot earns the same amount.
Seniority and Experience
Experience can help pilots earn more money. Many airlines increase pay as pilots spend more years with them. A First Officer usually earns less than a captain. However, their pay can grow with more flying experience.
Senior pilots can earn much more than new pilots. Some airlines reach their highest pay levels after many years of service.
Aircraft Type and Size
The type of plane can also affect pay. Pilots who fly large planes often earn more. For example, pilots who fly Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 planes may earn higher salaries. These planes often fly long-distance routes.
Smaller planes may offer lower pay. Short-haul flights can also pay less than long-haul flights.
Type of Airline
The airline can make a big difference to a pilot’s pay. Large airlines often offer higher salaries and better benefits. Budget airlines may use different pay systems. Some may link extra pay to flying hours or other work.
So, two pilots with similar experience can earn different amounts. Their airline can play a big part in their pay.
Flight Hours and Work Times
Flying more hours can sometimes increase a pilot’s total pay. Extra work can also bring more money. Night flights, overtime and holiday work may offer extra pay. Pilots may also get money for overnight stays.
Is Being a Pilot a Well-Paid Career?
Yes, being a pilot can be a well-paid career in the UK. However, pilots do not earn a huge salary from day one. New pilots usually start with lower pay. Their salary can grow as they gain more flying hours and experience.
Pilot training also costs a lot of money. Training can take several years and requires strong skills and hard work. Some new pilots may also have training costs to repay. The job can be exciting but it can also feel tiring. Pilots may work early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays. Long flights can also keep them away from home.
Still, the earning potential can be very good. Senior pilots can earn well over £100,000 a year. Long-haul and captain roles can offer even higher pay. So, piloting can be a great career for the right person. However, it takes time, money and commitment to reach the highest pay levels.
How Much Can Pilots Earn at the Top of Their Career?
Senior airline captains can earn around £150,000 to £220,000+ a year in the UK. Some pilots may earn more when they include extra pay and benefits. Long-haul captains often earn more than short-haul captains. Pilots who fly large planes may also earn higher salaries. For example, wide-body aircraft often operate long international flights.
Experience also matters a lot. Pilots usually earn more as they gain flying hours and spend more years with an airline. Moving from First Officer to captain can bring a large pay rise.
A pilot’s basic salary does not show everything they can earn. They may also receive flight pay, allowances, overnight payments and bonuses. These extras can increase their total pay. Therefore, senior pilots can earn very good money. However, reaching this level takes years of training, flying and experience.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Pilot?
Becoming a commercial pilot takes time, training and hard work. You also need the right education, licences and medical checks.
- Minimum age: You can start pilot training from age 17. You must be 18 to hold a commercial pilot licence.
- School education: Most airlines expect good GCSE results in English, maths and science.
- University degree: You usually do not need a university degree to become a commercial pilot.
- Medical check: You need a Class 1 Medical Certificate. This check looks at your health and fitness.
- English skills: Good English is very important. Pilots use English when speaking with air traffic control and other crew.
- Flight training: You must train to fly and build up your flight hours.
- Pilot licences: You must gain the right licences before you can apply for airline jobs.
- Airline tests: Airlines may test your flying skills, knowledge and English before hiring you.
With the right training and licences, you can start applying for pilot jobs.
Is Becoming a Pilot Worth the Cost?
Becoming a pilot can cost a lot of money. You need to pay for flying lessons, exams and licences. For many people, this can feel like a high cost. However, pilot pay can grow over time. New pilots often start with lower pay. As they gain more skills, they can earn more. They can also move from First Officer to captain.
Senior pilots can earn £100,000 to £220,000 or more each year. Long-haul pilots may also earn higher pay. Extra pay and benefits can increase their total income. Training also takes time. It can take several years to finish your training and gain enough flying hours. So, you need patience and hard work.
Overall, becoming a pilot can be worth the cost for the right person. The job offers good pay and career growth. However, you should think carefully about the cost before you start.
Final Thoughts on How Much Do Pilots Make a Year
So, how much do pilots make a year in the UK? The answer depends on their experience, airline and role. Many pilots earn around £52,000 to £90,000 a year. New pilots usually start with lower pay. Experience can make a big difference. Pilots can earn more as they gain flying hours and skills. Moving from First Officer to captain can also bring higher pay.
Senior airline pilots can earn £100,000 to £200,000+ a year. Long-haul pilots may earn even more. Extra pay, allowances and bonuses can also increase their total income. Pay can differ between airlines too. So, check the latest salary details before applying. This helps you understand the basic pay and extra benefits.
Overall, pilot jobs can offer good pay. However, reaching the highest salaries takes time, training and hard work.
FAQs About How Much Do Pilots Make a Year
1. What GCSE do you need to be a pilot?
Most airlines want good GCSE grades in English, maths and science. Some airlines may ask for higher grades.
2. Can pilots make £1 million a year?
Most pilots do not earn £1 million a year. Only a few pilots may earn very high amounts in senior roles.
3. What’s the highest paid pilot?
Senior airline captains often earn the highest pilot salaries. Some experienced captains can earn £200,000 or more a year.
4. How much will British Airways pilots earn in 2026?
British Airways pilots can earn around £40,000 to £120,000 as First Officers. Captains can earn £100,000 to £205,000+.
5. Can I be a pilot if I’m bad at maths?
Yes, you can still become a pilot. However, you need basic maths skills for training. You may use maths for fuel, time, distance and flight plans.
6. Can a pilot fly 7 days in a row?
Pilots need enough rest between their flights. Airlines follow strict rules about flying hours and rest. So, pilots cannot simply fly every day without proper rest.
7. Is being a pilot worth it?
Being a pilot can be a good career if you enjoy flying and travel. However, pilot training can cost a lot of money and take several years.
8. Why are pilots paid so much?
Pilots have a lot of responsibility. They need strong training and skills to fly safely. They also work with complex aircraft and must protect passengers.
