Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots in 2025

A career as a pilot has long been associated with responsibility, reputation and the opportunity to travel the world. Plus, it is also one of the most financially rewarding professions. However, pilot salaries can significantly differ due to reasons like geographic location, airline scale, and years of experience.

Countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg, the USA and Denmark easily make it to the list of the top 10 highest paying countries for pilots. That said, salary alone cannot be the driving factor to choose the right destination. Find out key details below before you settle on a country. 

Overview of Pilot Salaries Worldwide

The Aviation industry has some of the most rewarding career opportunities. However, the salaries of pilots can vary depending on the country, experience, and airline. Here is an overview of countries that stand out for offering attractive compensation packages to pilots: 

Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots 

If you have chosen a career as a pilot out of the thrill of flying but are unaware of the financial compensation that comes with it, let us make you aware of that. Here are the top 10 countries offering the highest pilot salaries in 2025.

1. Switzerland

All the pilots in Switzerland earn an average salary close to CHF 213,800. However, the salary might rise as the number of experience and education grows. Switzerland leads globally in pilot pay due to demanding flying conditions and competitive airlines.

• Average annual salary: Around CHF 209,700 (approximately USD 192,256)
• Salary Range: From CHF 102,700 to CHF 326,600 depending on experience, skills, and location
• Median Salary: Approximately CHF 213,800 (half earn more, half less)
• Entry-level Pilots (0-2 years experience): About CHF 123,000 annually
• Experienced Pilots (10-15 years): Roughly CHF 267,200 per year
• Senior pilots (20+ years): Up to CHF 307,400 annually

Salary by Education Level

• Certificate/Diploma: CHF 156,200
• Bachelor’s Degree: CHF 210,400
• Master’s Degree: CHF 324,100 

Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in 2025

2. Luxembourg 

Luxembourg offers one of the highest pilot salaries, averaging around 146,800 dollars. The major benefit and reason for good pay in Luxembourg is its being in a central European location and strong aviation industry presence.

• Average annual salary: Around EUR 101,960 (approximately USD 156,901)
• Salary range: From EUR 49,700 to EUR 161,600 depending on experience and qualifications
• Median salary: About EUR 107,880
• Entry-level pilots (0-2 years experience): Approximately EUR 54,560 annually
• Experienced pilots (10-15 years): Around EUR 136,100 annually
• Senior pilots (20+ years): Can earn up to EUR 154,700 annually

Salary by Education Level

• Certificate/Diploma: EUR 66,680 
• Bachelor’s Degree: EUR 107,680 
• Master’s Degree: EUR 148,300 

3. USA 

US pilots earn nearly USD 80,000 for entry-level positions to over USD 320,000 annually for senior captains in major airlines, fed by a large domestic market and extensive flight networks. 

Average annual salary: 101,960 EUR (approx. USD 156,901)

Salary range: 49,700 EUR to 161,600 EUR

Median salary: 107,880 EUR

Salary by experience:

• 0-2 years: 54,560 EUR
• 2-5 years: 78,500 EUR
• 5-10 years: 109,460 EUR
• 10-15 years: 136,100 EUR
• 15-20 years: 142,300 EUR
• 20+ years: 154,700 EUR

Salary by Education Level:

• Certificate or Diploma: 66,680 EUR
• Bachelor's Degree: 107,680 EUR
• Master's Degree: 148,300 EUR

Also Read: USA Study Visa Without IELTS in 2025-26

4. Denmark

Danish pilots get a chance of earning an average of roughly USD 127,500 with pay increasing significantly with experience. Education also impacts salaries, with master's degree holders earning the most.

Average annual salary: Approximately 127,515 USD (946,720 DKK)

Salary range: From around 87,900 USD (657,234 DKK) for entry-level to 198,750 USD (1,176,863 DKK) for experienced pilots

Salary by experience:

• 0-2 years: 87,900 USD
• 2-5 years: 113,300 USD
• 5-10 years: 148,000 USD
• 10-15 years: 175,000 USD
• 15-20 years: 185,000 USD
• 20+ years: 198,750 USD

Salary by Education Level:

• Certificate or Diploma: 90,200 USD
• Bachelor’s Degree: 140,200 USD
• Master’s Degree: 193,100 USD

5- Belgium 

Belgium offers competitive salaries averaging around 129,000 EUR with experienced captains earning over 180,000 EUR.

Average annual salary: Approximately 129,000 EUR (about 139,000 USD)

Salary range: From around 66,140 EUR to 195,200 EUR

Median salary: 125,100 EUR

Salary by experience:

• 0-2 years: 74,560 EUR
• 2-5 years: 103,600 EUR
• 5-10 years: 130,400 EUR
• 10-15 years: 159,500 EUR
• 15-20 years: 174,000 EUR
• 20+ years: 185,100 EUR

Salary by Education Level 

• Certificate or Diploma: 90,540 EUR
• Bachelor's Degree: 137,400 EUR
• Master's Degree: 194,600 EUR

6. United Kingdom

UK pilots earn from 25,000 pounds at entry-level to more than 170,000 pounds for captains, with large legacy carriers offering complex salary packages that prefer seniority and flight hours.

Average annual salary: £88,000 to £168,000 (approx. $110,000 to $210,000 USD) for captains

Low-Cost Carriers: Up to £170,000 ($220,000 USD) (e.g., EasyJet)

Entry-level private jet pilots: £25,000 to £35,000

Mid-range private jet pilots: £40,000 to £70,000

Senior private jet captains: Up to £200,000 

Also Read: United Kingdom Education System: Study Levels, Grading System, and More

7- Canada

Canadian pilots' average salary is CAD 97,500, reaching over CAD 300,000 for senior captains, supported by major airlines like Air Canada and WestJet. 

Average annual salary: Approximately CAD 97,500 (about USD 73,500)

Entry-level positions start: Around CAD 46,800 annually

Experienced pilots can earn: Up to CAD 128,780 or higher

Salary by experience:

• 0-2 years: CAD 128,200
• 2-5 years: CAD 157,600
• 5-10 years: CAD 222,300
• 10-15 years: CAD 257,500
• 15-20 years: CAD 285,300
• 20+ years: CAD 300,500

Salary by Education Level 

• Certificate or Diploma: CAD 157,600
• Bachelor’s Degree: CAD 201,000
• Master’s Degree: CAD 290,200

8- Germany

German pilots earn an average salary of 78,500 EUR , with captains at Lufthansa (Air Hanseatic) earning 145,000 - 250,000 EUR annually. 

Average annual salary: Approximately 78,500 EUR (about 85,700 USD)

Salary range: From 35,340 EUR to 125,100 EUR

Median salary: 84,040 EUR

Salary by Experience:

• 0-2 years: 42,040 EUR
• 2-5 years: 52,300 EUR
• 5-10 years: 79,000 EUR
• 10-15 years: 96,520 EUR
• 15-20 years: 107,680 EUR
• 20+ years: 113,740 EUR

Salary by Education Level 

• Certificate or Diploma: 47,180 EUR
• Bachelor’s Degree: 73,260 EUR
• Master’s Degree: 119,900 EUR

9- Australia

 Australian pilots earn close to AUD 154,000, with experienced captains at major airlines like Virgin Australia making over AUD 270,000.

Average annual salary: Approximately AUD 153,700 (about USD 105,000)

Entry-level pilots: Between AUD 79,600 and AUD 100,700

Mid-career pilots: AUD 120,000 to AUD 180,000

Senior captains: Can earn over AUD 238,200, with top captains at major airlines like Virgin Australia making upwards of AUD 277,000 annually

First officers salary range: Around AUD 90,000 to AUD 180,000 depending on experience and airline. 

10- Norway 

Norwegian pilots earn about 1,021,800 NOK; salaries rise with experience and education, with Oslo-based pilots earning the highest. 

Average annual salary: Approximately 1,021,800 NOK (about USD 108,000)

Salary range: From 469,800 NOK to 1,628,100 NOK

Median salary: 1,109,200 NOK

Salary by experience:

• 0-2 years: 536,200 NOK
• 2-5 years: 714,300 NOK
• 5-10 years: 1,061,900 NOK
• 10-15 years: 1,289,500 NOK
• 15-20 years: 1,401,600 NOK
• 20+ years: 1,520,900 NOK

Salary by Education Level 

• Certificate or Diploma: 609,700 NOK
• Bachelor’s Degree: 957,800 NOK
• Master’s Degree: 1,610,700 NOK

Also Read: Best Universities in Norway in 2025

Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries Globally

Pilots’ salaries vary depending on the country, influenced by certain factors like experience, airline, aircraft type, and geographic location. Here are the major factors influencing pilot salaries: 

• Experience & Seniority: More years of flying and higher ranks, for instance, first officer vs captain, lead to significantly higher pay. Progression can take 5-15 years. 
• Airline & Location: Major international and Middle Eastern airlines pay more than average, while regional carriers offer lower compensation. Location impacts pay due to the cost of living and demand.
• Shortage of Pilots: Ongoing global pilot shortages drive salaries up as airlines compete for qualified talent.
• Union Agreements: Collective bargaining or agreeing or disagreeing on something as a union in some countries results in better base pay and benefits.
• Educational Qualifications: Higher education and specialized training can boost earning potential. 
• Flight Hours & Route Assignments: More flight hours and premium or international routes often mean higher pay.
• Benefits & Perks: Beyond salary, pilots get travel benefits, pensions, allowances, and bonuses, adding to total compensation.

Ready to Soar? Start Your Pilot Career with Expert Guidance!

Embarking on a pilot career in one of the world’s highest-paying countries requires the right training and support. Whether your goal is to fly commercially or become a senior captain, understanding salary trends and career pathways is crucial.

Let GetGIS help you take off with personalized advice on top aviation schools, visa processing, and immigration support tailored to your destination of choice. Navigate the competitive world of aviation with confidence and start earning what you deserve.

Book your free consultation today and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding pilot career!

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