Becoming a commercial pilot is a dream career for many students in India. Along with the excitement of flying, one of the biggest attractions of this profession is the high salary and lifestyle benefits. In this blog, we will cover the commercial pilot salary in India, starting salary, factors that affect pay, and career growth opportunities.
Commercial Pilot Salary in India
The average salary of a commercial pilot in India ranges between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per month, depending on the airline, experience, and aircraft type. Senior pilots and captains in major airlines can earn even more, sometimes crossing ₹10–12 lakh per month
Salary Breakdown
- The Average Salary of a Commercial Pilot in India: Around ₹3.5 – ₹4 lakh/month
- Commercial Airline Pilot Salary: ₹2 – ₹6 lakh/month (domestic airlines)
- Commercial Jet Pilot Salary: ₹4 – ₹8 lakh/month (international routes, wide-body aircraft)
- Commercial Flight Pilot Salary (Regional): ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakh/month
Commercial Pilot Starting Salary
Freshers joining as First Officers usually earn a starting salary of a commercial pilot between ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh per month. With experience and upgraded licenses, salaries grow rapidly
Factors Affecting Pilot Salary
- Airline Type – International airlines pay more than domestic.
- Aircraft Type – Pilots flying wide-body jets earn more than those on smaller aircraft.
- Experience Level – Captains earn 2–3 times more than junior First Officers.
- Routes – International routes offer higher pay and additional allowances.
- Additional Roles – Training captains and examiners earn extra incentives.
Career Growth and Benefits
Apart from salary, commercial pilots enjoy:
- Free or discounted air travel for family
- Accommodation and allowances on layovers
- Retirement benefits and insurance
- Opportunities to become captains, instructors, or examiners
Commercial Pilot Age Limit and Requirements
- Commercial Pilot Age Limit: Minimum 18 years to apply for CPL; most airlines hire till around 35 years for new pilots.
- Eligibility: 12th pass with Physics & Mathematics, DGCA exams, CPL license, and medical fitness.
Top Crew Aviation – Training the Next Generation of Pilots
When it comes to becoming a commercial pilot in India, choosing the right institute is the first step. Top Crew Aviation, established in 2008 with its base in Jaipur and a branch in New Delhi, is one of the best pilot training schools in India.
Why Top Crew Aviation?
- Complete Training Hub – CPL ground classes, DGCA exam prep, RTR, and advanced courses.
- Global Exposure – Tie-ups with flying schools in the USA, South Africa, and Europe.
- Proven Results – High success rate in DGCA exams and CPL clearances.
- Affordable Pilot Training Fees – With scholarships up to ₹10 lakhs for eligible students.
- Career Guidance – Lifetime support and placement assistance with reputed airlines.
If you’re aiming for a high commercial pilot salary per month in India, the right journey begins with quality training – and Top Crew Aviation provides exactly that
Conclusion
The commercial pilot salary in India makes aviation one of the most rewarding careers. While the starting salary of a commercial pilot begins at around ₹1.5 lakh/month, the average commercial pilot salary grows quickly with experience, often reaching ₹6 lakh+ per month. With the right training from reputed institutes like Top Crew Aviation, you can achieve this dream career and enjoy both financial success and the thrill of flying.