Airline Pilot Salary

The career as an airline pilot has always been one of the best airline jobs. Apart from being a prestigious and highly paying career, the thrill and adventure is unmatched. However, a lot of hard work and dedicated efforts are required to become a pilot.

Job Description

The job involves flying aircraft of different sizes, for leading airline companies. Before any flight takes off, the duty of the pilot involves checking whether the weather conditions are safe and conducive for flying or not. They shoulder the most important responsibility of ensuring the safety of the passengers and the cabin crew staff. Airline pilots are constantly in contact with the air traffic control at every stage of the flight. They keep receiving the instructions related to safe flying from the air traffic control and have to deal with extreme caution and presence of mind during any kind of emergency. One of the most challenging situation for the pilots is at the time of making an emergency landing. Airline pilots have to work for long hours and the job can be quite stressful at times.

How to Become an Airline Pilot?

Candidates who have completed eighteen years of age, can get a license by clearing the examination conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Ideally, you should have completed your college education and should have completed the required flying hours for becoming a pilot. It is important to be physically fit. A good vision, high energy levels, the ability to work for long hours, concentration, good communication skills, listening skills and presence of mind are the important qualities which make a successful pilot. Due to the growth in the aviation sector, the airline pilots with requisite licenses can find placements in reputed international airlines and can get promoted based on their performance and skills.

Salary Details

The salary is very attractive and has managed to attract the attention of the candidates interested in entering the aviation sector. The salary mostly depends on the institute from which the flying course was completed, the educational background of the candidate, the number of years of experience as a pilot, the kind of aircraft which the pilot flies and the organization where he is employed. The average salary, as per several salary surveys is around USD 80000 per year. Pilots working in international airlines are known to earn more than those working in domestic airlines. The median salary is USD 145000 per year, as per the salary surveys. The salary has shown a growing trend over the last few years. Though salaries were affected due to the economic recession in some countries, the growth and future prospects for these jobs are bright as per the opinion of job market experts. Apart from an attractive salary, they are entitled to several allowances, perks, bonuses and benefits like luxury accommodation, which make their job more lucrative. With about ten to twelve years of quality experience, the salary can cross the USD 130000 mark. Some pilots are also known to earn in excess of USD 220000 per year.

This is a great career for talented youngsters provided you have the requisite qualification and also the required drive. All the best for your career!