10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots in 2026: Salaries & Requirements

Kritika Pandey

7 min read

Updated On Dec 29, 2025

Wondering where pilots make the big bucks? Well, the top 10 highest paying countries for pilots include Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the USA, where salaries can easily cross six figures. If you’re aiming for a flying career that pays well, scroll through.

Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots in 2026

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Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots in 2026
Top Jobs for Pilots Globally With Average Salaries in 2026
Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries Globally in 2026
Ready to Soar? Start Your Pilot Career with Expert Guidance!

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.

Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots in 2026

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:

Rank	Country	Average Annual Salary	Average Annual Salary (in INR)
1	Switzerland	CHF 166,495	1,89,34,976
2	Luxembourg	EUR 143,532	1,51,65,734
3	USA	USD 143,214	1,28,72,267
4	Denmark	DKK 946,720	1,33,91,534
5	Belgium	EUR 116,241	1,22,82,140
6	United Kingdom	GBP 82,176	99,62,393
7	Canada	CAD 148,362	97,40,917
8	Germany	EUR 111,934	1,18,27,058
9	Australia	AUD 118,487	71,25,279
10	Norway	NOK 1,262,686	1,12,85,097

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 2026.

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.

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Switzerland	CHF 209,700
Pilot Salary Range in Switzerland	CHF 102,700 - CHF 326,600
Pilot Salary in Switzerland by Education Level	Certificate/Diploma: CHF 156,200 Bachelor’s Degree: CHF 210,400 Master’s Degree: CHF 324,100
Pilot Salary in Switzerland by Experience Level	Entry-level Pilots (0-2 years experience): CHF 123,000 Experienced Pilots (10-15 years): CHF 267,200 Senior pilots (20+ years): CHF 307,400

Also Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

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.

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Luxembourg	EUR 101,960
Pilot Salary Range in Luxembourg	EUR 49,700 - EUR 161,600
Pilot Salary in Luxembourg by Education Level	Certificate/Diploma: EUR 66,680 Bachelor’s Degree: EUR 107,680 Master’s Degree: EUR 148,300
Pilot Salary in Luxembourg by Experience Level	Entry-level Pilots (0-2 years experience): EUR 54,560 Experienced Pilots (10-15 years): EUR 136,100 Senior pilots (20+ years): EUR 154,700

3. United States

Pilots in the US 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.

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in the US	USD 143,214
Pilot Salary Range in the US	USD 58,419 - USD 189,950
Pilot Salary in the US by Education Level	Certificate or Diploma: USD 78,378 Bachelor's Degree: USD 126,570 Master's Degree: USD 174,317
Pilot Salary in the US by Experience Level	0-2 years: USD 64,131 2-5 years: USD 92,271 5-10 years: USD 128,663 10-15 years: USD 159,976 15-20 years: USD 167,264 20+ years: USD 181,839

Also Read: USA Study Visa Without IELTS

4. Denmark

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

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Denmark	946,720 DKK
Pilot Salary Range in Denmark	DKK 657,234 - DKK 1,176,863
Pilot Salary in Denmark by Education Level	Certificate/Diploma: DKK 573,233 Bachelor’s Degree: DKK 890,989 Master’s Degree: DKK 1,227,176
Pilot Salary in Denmark by Experience Level	0-2 years: DKK 558,616 2-5 years: DKK 720,036 5-10 years: DKK 940,559 10-15 years: DKK 1,112,148 15-20 years: DKK 1,175,699 20+ years: DKK 1,263,083

5. Belgium

Pilots in Belgium are also offered competitive salaries averaging around 129,000 EUR with experienced captains earning over 180,000 EUR. The details to the average salaries in this highest paying country for pilots in as follows:

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Belgium	EUR 129,000
Pilot Salary Range in Belgium	EUR 66,140 - EUR 195,200
Pilot Salary in Belgium by Education Level	Certificate or Diploma: EUR 90,540 Bachelor's Degree: EUR 137,400 Master's Degree: EUR 194,600
Pilot Salary in Belgium by Experience Level	0-2 years: EUR 74,560 2-5 years: EUR 103,600 5-10 years: EUR 130,400 10-15 years: EUR 159,500 15-20 years: EUR 174,000 20+ years: EUR 185,100

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.

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in the UK	GBP 82,176
Pilot Salary Range in the UK	GBP 24,000 to GBP 168,000
Pilot Salary in the UK by Education Level	No formal Degree: GBP 24,000 - GBP 60,000 Degree Holders: GBP 30,000 - GBP 120,000 Advanced Qualifications: GBP 140,000 - GBP 170,000
Pilot Salary in the UK by Experience Level	0-3 years: upto GBP 65,000 4-9 years: upto GBP 120,000 10-20 years: GBP 150,000+ 20+ years: GBP 170,00

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. The details to the average salaries in this highest paying country for pilots in as follows:

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Canada	CAD 97,500
Pilot Salary Range in Canada	CAD 40,000 to CAD 250,000
Pilot Salary in Canada by Education Level	Certificate or Diploma: CAD 157,600 Bachelor’s Degree: CAD 201,000 Master’s Degree: CAD 290,200
Pilot Salary in Canada by Experience Level	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

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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. The details to the average salaries in this highest paying country for pilots in as follows:

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Germany	EUR 78,500
Pilot Salary Range in Germany	EUR 35,340 to EUR 125,100
Pilot Salary in Germany by Education Level	Certificate or Diploma: EUR 47,180 Bachelor’s Degree: EUR 73,260 Master’s Degree: EUR 119,900
Pilot Salary in Germany by Experience Level	0-2 years: EUR 42,040 2-5 years: EUR 52,300 5-10 years: EUR 79,000 10-15 years: EUR 96,520 15-20 years: EUR 107,680 20+ years: EUR 113,740

9. Australia

Australian pilots earn close to AUD 154,000, with experienced captains at major airlines like Virgin Australia making over AUD 270,000. The details to the average salaries in this highest paying country for pilots in as follows:

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Australia	AUD 153,700
Pilot Salary Range in Australia	AUD 79,600 - AUD 238,200
Pilot Salary in Australia by Education Level	Certificate or Diploma: AUD 50,000 - AUD 100,700 Bachelor’s Degree: AUD 153,800 Master’s Degree: AUD 225,500
Pilot Salary in Australia by Experience Level	0-2 years: AUD 79,600 3-10 years: AUD 120,000 10-20 years: AUD 200,000 20+ years: AUD 238,000+

10. Norway

Norwegian pilots earn about 1,021,800 NOK; salaries rise with experience and education, with Oslo-based pilots earning the highest. The details to the average salaries in this highest paying country for pilots in as follows:

Particular	Details
Average Pilot Salary in Norway	AUD 153,700
Pilot Salary Range in Norway	AUD 79,600 - AUD 238,200
Pilot Salary in Norway by Education Level	Certificate or Diploma: NOK 609,700 Bachelor’s Degree: NOK 957,800 Master’s Degree: NOK 1,610,700
Pilot Salary in Norway by Experience Level	0-2 years: NOK 536,200 2-5 years: NOK 714,300 5-10 years: NOK 1,061,900 10-15 years: NOK 1,289,500 15-20 years: NOK 1,401,600 20+ years: NOK 1,520,900

Also Read: Best Universities in Norway

Top Jobs for Pilots Globally With Average Salaries in 2026

The salaries of Airline pilots worldwide can vary widely based on career path, region, airlines, and the aircraft type. The overview of top pilot jobs in 2026 along with global salary ranges is as follows:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (USD)
Airline / Line Pilot (First Officer to Captain)	220,000 - 250,000
Corporate / Business Jet Pilot (Part 91/135)	140,000 - 160,000
Regional Airline Pilot	90,000 - 120,000
Cargo Pilot	180,000 - 230,000
Military Pilot (pre-civilian transition)	60,000 - 100,000
Air Ambulance / Medivac Pilot	90,000 - 130,000
Flight Instructor / Simulator Instructor	45,000 - 65,000

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Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries Globally in 2026

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries offer the highest salaries for airline pilots?

The highest salaries for airline pilots are Switzerland, Luxembourg, the USA, Denmark, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Norway

What factors influence pilot salaries across different countries?

A pay of pilots varies across different countries due to geographic location, airline size, pilot experience, the ongoing global pilot shortage, union agreements, education, flight hours, and route assignments.

How much do entry-level pilots typically earn in these top countries?

Entry-level salaries range widely, from around CHF 115,000 in Switzerland to approximately USD 87,900 in Denmark. The average salary of a pilot varies based on airline scale and local market conditions.

Does educational qualification affect pilot pay?

Yes. Pilots who have higher degrees, such as a Bachelor's or Master's, typically earn more than those with certificates or diplomas.

How has the pilot shortage impacted salaries?

The global shortage of qualified pilots has increased competition among airlines, driving salary growth and better benefits worldwide.

Are there additional benefits apart from base salary for pilots?

Yes. Pilots often receive travel perks, pension plans, allowances, and bonuses that contribute significantly to total compensation.

What is the salary range for experienced pilots?

The salary range for experienced pilots ranges from extensive experience can earn upwards of CHF 300,000 in Switzerland, USD 178,000 in the USA, and comparable figures in other top-paying nations.

How many flight hours to be a captain?

Most airlines require 3,000 to 6,000 total flight hours to upgrade to captain, along with type rating and command training. At major international airlines pilots typically become captain after 6 to 12 years, depending on fleet growth, their performance and vacancies.

Which country pays pilots best after tax?

Countries with low or zero personal income tax offer the highest take home pay for pilots. The UAE and Qatar consistently rank at the top, followed by Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, where tax advantages, housing allowances, and benefits significantly increase net earnings, making them top choice in list of the highest paying countries for pilots after tax.