How Much Does an Airline Pilot Get Paid? Real UK Salaries Revealed

We all imagine a pilot’s life as glamorous, full of adventure and of course, high pay. Flying above the clouds seems like a dream, but what’s the reality on the paycheck? How much does an airline pilot get paid in the UK, from first takeoff to commanding a major airline? The answer might surprise you.

In the UK (2026), airline pilot salaries range from about £24,000–£35,000 for newly qualified pilots to over £100,000–£178,000+ for experienced captains at big airlines. Moreover, average pay is usually £52,000–£71,923 and it depends on seniority, airline (like BA or EasyJet), and aircraft type. Long-haul pilots often earn more because they get extra pay for overnight stays and sector allowances. Therefore, beginners earn less, while experienced captains can make much more.

Now let’s take a closer look at pilot pay in the UK, including what British Airways pilots earn.

How Much Does an Airline Pilot Get Paid in the UK?

Airline pilot salaries in the UK can vary a lot depending on experience and the airline. For example, new First Officers usually earn £30,000–£50,000 per year. Meanwhile, senior captains at big airlines can earn over £150,000–£200,000+. On average, pilots make about £75,000–£78,000 a year. This includes base pay, extra sector pay, and other allowances.

Key Salary Breakdown

• Entry-Level First Officer: £24,000–£40,000+ per year, depending on the airline. Also, low-cost airlines usually pay less than major airlines.

• Experienced First Officer / Senior FO: £50,000–£90,000+ per year.

• Captain: £100,000–£150,000+ at major airlines. Some long-haul captains earn over £170,000.

• Sector Pay: Pilots get extra pay for each flight leg. Therefore, their total earnings can increase significantly.

Factors That Affect Pay

• Airline Type: Big airlines like British Airways pay more (£80,000–£250,000+) than regional airlines.

• Experience & Role: Captains earn more than first officers. Pay rises with seniority.

• Location: Pilots based in London may earn higher salaries.

• Flight Type: Long-haul or cargo pilots often earn extra. In addition, bonuses and overnight allowances can boost income.

• Career Growth: Finally, gaining more experience or switching to bigger airlines can increase pay.

What Affects Pilot Pay?

• Experience & Seniority: To start with, the longer a pilot works and the more hours they fly, the higher the pay. Captains usually earn more than First Officers.

• Airline Type: Besides that, big airlines often pay more than smaller or budget airlines. Some airlines also give extra money for longer or harder flights.

• Plane & Routes: Larger planes and long flights usually earn more. On top of that, busy or popular routes may include extra bonuses.

• Flight Hours & Schedules: Pilots get paid for each flight they fly. In the same way, overnight stays or night flights often come with extra pay.

• Demand for Pilots: As a result, pilot shortages can increase salaries. Experienced pilots may also earn more by training new pilots.

• Extra Benefits: Pilots often get cheap or free flights, extra holidays, pensions, and sometimes support for further training.

How to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot in the UK

To become a commercial airline pilot in the UK, you usually need:

• Age: 18 to start training, 21 to hold a full ATPL.
• Medical certificate: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Education: At least 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above), including Maths, English, and Science

Also, training includes passing 13–14 theory exams and practical flight training.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Medical Fitness: Your health, hearing, and vision are checked.
• Education: Most airlines want 5 GCSEs. In addition, A-Levels or a degree can help but are not always needed.
• Licences:
  • Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): Needed to work as a pilot, available at 18.
  • Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL): Needed to be a captain, available at 21.

• Training & Skills: Train at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Important skills include:
  • Clear communication
  • Good awareness of surroundings
  • Staying calm under pressure
• Background Checks: You must pass security checks.

Training Routes

• Integrated Route: Full-time, fast course (16–18 months). Meanwhile, it gives structured learning.
• Modular Route: Step-by-step training that lets you work while learning. Therefore, it is more flexible.

Costs and Sponsorship

• Training usually costs £70,000–£130,000.
• Also, some airlines offer sponsored or cadet programmes to help.
• Finally, choosing the right route makes it easier and faster to become a pilot.

What Affects an Airline Pilot’s Salary

An airline pilot’s pay depends on many things. Generally, experience and years on the job are very important. Captains earn more than First Officers because they have more responsibility. Besides, the type of plane and the airline also change pay.

Other main factors include:

• Seniority and Experience: Pay usually goes up every year. Senior captains at big airlines earn much more than new pilots.

• Rank (Role): Captains earn more than First Officers. For example, a promotion to captain can increase pay up to three times.

• Plane Type and Size: Pilots flying big planes like Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 usually earn more than those flying smaller regional planes.

• Airline Type: Big airlines like British Airways pay more and offer better benefits than budget or regional airlines.

• Flight Hours and Schedule: Pay is often based on hours flown. In addition, more hours, night flights, and extra flight legs increase earnings.

• Location: Where you work changes pay. Also, pilots in the United States often earn more than in other countries.

• Extra Benefits: Pilots may get allowances for food and hotels, profit-sharing, and bonuses. Finally, these extras can add a lot to total pay.

How Does Career Progression Influence Pilot Pay?

Career growth has a big effect on a pilot’s pay. Pilots earn more money as they gain experience and move to higher roles. A pilot often starts with a lower salary as a First Officer. As a result, pay can double or even triple after promotion to Captain at a major airline. Here is how career progress changes pilot pay:

Seniority System

• Airlines use a seniority system. Pilots who stay longer with one airline move up the list.
• Higher seniority brings better pay, better work schedules, and more holiday time.
• However, if a pilot joins a new airline, they often start at the bottom again. Some airlines offer direct entry roles for experienced pilots.

Rank Advancement

• Moving from First Officer to Captain brings the biggest pay rise.
• First Officers may earn about £50,000–£70,000 per year. Captains can earn over £100,000–£150,000+.
• On top of that, senior captains on long flights can earn £100,000–£200,000 or more.

Experience and Flight Hours

• Many pilots start by teaching or flying small planes to build flight hours.
• Salaries often rise a little each year with more experience.
• Similarly, pilots earn extra pay for each flight leg. More hours usually mean more income.

Aircraft Type and Route

• Pilots who fly larger and more complex planes often earn higher pay.
• In contrast, pilots flying smaller planes usually earn less.
• Long international flights often pay more than short local flights.

Special Roles

• Some experienced captains earn extra money by training or testing new pilots.
• Other senior pilots move into management roles inside the airline. Overall, these roles offer stable and high salaries.

What Challenges Should Airline Pilots Consider About Their Pay?

Airline pilots can earn good money, but the job also has real challenges. You should think about these points before choosing this career. To begin with, pay alone does not show the full picture. Pilots often work irregular hours and long shifts. They fly at night, early in the morning, and on weekends. Consequently, they spend a lot of time away from home. Many pilots miss family time and special events. Even though the salary looks good, the lifestyle can feel tiring.

The cost of training and certificates is another challenge. Pilot training costs a lot of money. Many new pilots take loans to pay for courses and exams. For this reason, they may worry about debt in their early career. Pilots also pay for extra training and licence renewals later.

The job market can change quickly. Airline demand goes up and down. At times, fewer flights during hard periods can reduce job chances. In that situation, pilots may get fewer flying hours. Hence, income may not always feel steady. Even so, many pilots accept these challenges because they love flying. The career brings travel and excitement. In the end, careful planning helps pilots manage their money and expectations.

What Bonuses and Extra Pay Can UK Pilots Get in 2026?

In 2026, UK pilots can earn extra money on top of their main salary. Senior captains can earn over £150,000 in base pay. Notably, bonuses and benefits can increase their total income. These extras reward effort and experience.

Key Bonuses and Extra Pay in 2026

• Performance bonuses: Airlines like British Airways offer performance bonuses. These can add about 5% to yearly pay. At the same time, they encourage strong job performance.
• Sign-on and loyalty bonuses: Airlines pay bonuses to attract new pilots and reward long service. In turn, this helps pilots grow their income faster.
• Overtime pay: Pilots earn extra money for working on days off or flying extra hours. By comparison, regular hours bring lower pay than overtime.
• Allowances: Pilots get extra pay for overnight stays and meals during trips.
• Training support: Some airlines pay for training. This support can be worth £80,000–£120,000. Above all, it reduces personal costs for pilots.

Other Financial Benefits

• Pension plans: Many airlines offer strong pension schemes. Employers often add 7% or more.
• Insurance: Pilots usually get a licence, life, and medical insurance. These plans give financial protection.
• Travel perks: Pilots and their families often get free or cheap flights.
• Rank-based pay: Experienced First Officers can earn £71,000–£120,000. Senior captains at big airlines can earn over £150,000–£200,000. On the whole, these benefits can greatly increase total earnings.

How Much Does an Airline Pilot Get Paid?

Airline pilot pay in the UK can vary a lot. Generally, most pilots earn between £52,000 and £90,000 a year in 2026. New pilots start with lower pay. Then, their salary grows as they gain experience and flight hours.

Entry-level First Officers often earn about £21,000 to £40,000 per year. After that, senior First Officers can earn £50,000 to £85,000. Captains at medium or large airlines may earn £55,000 to £150,000 or more. Meanwhile, senior long-haul captains can earn over £100,000, and some top pilots reach £200,000 a year.

Several things affect a pilot’s pay:

• Type of airline: Big international airlines usually pay more than smaller or budget airlines.
• Base location: Pilots working at busy airports often get higher pay.
• Role and experience: Moving from junior roles to captain greatly increases pay.
• Extra payments: Bonuses, overnight allowances and long-haul pay add more income.
• Flight hours: More hours flown usually mean higher earnings. Finally, experience and seniority keep increasing pay over time.

Final Thoughts 

Becoming an airline pilot can be exciting and rewarding. But it is not only about the salary. Pilots have a big responsibility and often work at night, early mornings, or weekends. Also, training costs a lot of money. However, pay increases with experience, rank, and the airline you work for. Pilots who love flying and travelling can enjoy this career. In addition, there are chances to earn extra money through bonuses and long-haul flights. With careful planning and dedication, the challenges can be managed, and the rewards are worth it.

FAQs 

1. What is a pilot’s salary in the UK?

• In 2026, UK pilots earn between £52,000 and £90,000+ on average. Entry-level First Officers start around £21,000–£40,000, while senior Captains can earn £100,000–£167,000+.

2. What is the highest paid airline pilot?

• The highest-paid airline pilots are usually senior long-haul Captains at major airlines. Some can earn over £200,000 per year including bonuses and allowances.

3. How much does a Ryanair pilot get paid?

• Ryanair pilots earn around £54,000–£60,000 per year on average, with extra pay for long flights and overtime.

4. Does a pilot have a good salary?

• Yes, pilots generally earn a strong salary, especially with experience. Pay grows with seniority, rank and long-haul routes.

5. Is a pilot a millionaire?

• Most pilots are not millionaires, but senior Captains at major airlines can earn a high income and build wealth over time.

6. What does an easyJet pilot earn?

• EasyJet pilots earn about £53,000–£56,000 per year on average, with additional pay for extra flights and overnight stays.

7. Is being a pilot a stressful job?

• Yes, being a pilot can be stressful. Irregular hours, long shifts and responsibility for passenger safety add pressure, though many enjoy the career.