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Captain Tomar Awdhesh, is a highly experienced pilot with over 3,500 flying hours on the Airbus A320. With a career spanning more than 17 years. He has Authored a comprehensive book dedicated to pilots, focusing on technical and behavioral interviews for airline pilots. This book serves as an invaluable resource for aspiring pilots. He has been mentoring pilots, helping many achieve their dream of flying jet airplane since 2008. With 17 years of experience in training, he has extensive knowledge and expertise in guiding pilots through every stage of their journey. He is known for his patient and thorough approach to training, he ensures that his students acquire the necessary technical skills and develop the confidence and professionalism required to succeed in the aviation industry. In short, Captain Tomar Awdhesh is an ace aviator, author, dedicated mentor, seasoned trainer and co-founder whose contributions to the aviation field are highly valued and respected.

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India

Delhi

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What is the Salary of a Commercial Pilot in India in 2025?

The aviation industry in India has witnessed significant growth over the past few years, leading to increased demand for skilled pilots. With this surge, understanding the salary structure of commercial pilots in 2025 becomes crucial for aspiring aviators and industry enthusiasts alike.

Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries

Several elements determine a pilot's salary in India:

Experience Level: Entry-level pilots earn less compared to seasoned captains.
Airline: Salaries vary between domestic carriers like IndiGo and international airlines.
Aircraft Type: Pilots flying larger aircraft often receive higher pay.
Flight Hours: More hours can lead to increased earnings.
Additional Roles: Pilots taking on training or administrative roles may receive bonuses.

Salary Breakdown by Rank

Rank	Average Monthly Salary (INR)	Annual Salary Range (INR)
Junior First Officer	₹75,000 – ₹1,10,000	₹9,00,000 – ₹13,20,000
First Officer	₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000	₹18,00,000 – ₹42,00,000
Senior First Officer	₹3,00,000 – ₹4,50,000	₹36,00,000 – ₹54,00,000
Captain	₹5,00,000 – ₹10,00,000	₹60,00,000 – ₹1,20,00,000
Senior Captain	₹12,00,000 – ₹25,00,000	₹1,44,00,000 – ₹3,00,00,000

Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on the airline and individual performance.

Airline-wise Salary Insights

Different airlines offer varied compensation packages:

IndiGo Airlines: Entry-level pilots start at ₹1.5 lakh/month, with senior captains earning up to ₹10 lakh/month.
Air India: New pilots earn around ₹30 lakh annually, while experienced ones can make between ₹60 lakh to ₹80 lakh.
SpiceJet: Fresh pilots earn ₹8–10 lakh annually; seasoned pilots can earn ₹50–70 lakh.
Vistara: New pilots start at ₹7–10 lakh annually; experienced pilots earn ₹40–60 lakh.
Akasa Air: Starting salaries are around ₹8–12 lakh, with senior pilots earning approximately ₹40–55 lakh.

Additional Benefits

Beyond the base salary, pilots often receive:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for pilots and their families.
Travel Perks: Discounted or free tickets for personal travel.
Bonuses: Performance-based incentives.
Retirement Benefits: Provident fund and gratuity.

Career Progression and Salary Growth

A pilot's salary tends to increase with experience:

Initial Years: Starting as a Junior First Officer, earning around ₹75,000/month.
After 3-5 Years: Promotion to First Officer or Senior First Officer, with salaries ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh/month.
After 10 Years: Achieving the rank of Captain or Senior Captain, earning up to ₹25 lakh/month.

Conclusion

The salary of a commercial pilot in India in 2025 reflects the industry's growth and the increasing demand for skilled professionals. While the journey requires dedication and significant investment in training, the financial rewards and additional benefits make it a lucrative career choice.

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