Pilot Careers: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad

Updated on Dec 4, 2024 01:41 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

"Pilot Course" refers to a training programme for individuals who want to become commercial pilots. A Pilot course is often referred to as a trial or experimental educational programme or course that is created to test fresh curriculum, pedagogical approaches, or instructional resources before being used more widely. These courses are frequently utilised in training programmes as well as educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. The course includes both ground classes and flight training, and covers various topics such as private pilot, instrument rating, time building, and multi-engine rating.

Before completely integrating it into the normal curriculum or training programme, a pilot course's objectives include effectiveness evaluation, feedback gathering from students and instructors, identification of any potential problems or improvements, and necessary revisions. During this trial time, institutions and educators can adjust the course to make sure it achieves its goals and offers a worthwhile learning experience. 

At the entry level, Pilot course graduates can work as Student Pilot, Flight Instructor, etc. and earn an average salary ranging from INR 4 to 5 lakh. However, the positions at the mid-senior level can be First Officer, Captain, Cargo Pilot, etc. with pay ranging from INR 8 to 15 lakh.  At the senior level, they can earn a salary ranging from INR 15 to 50 lakh at job profiles like Senior Level Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Check Airman, and so on.

The colleges that offer the highest placement packages to Pilot students are Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, The Bombay Flying Club, Government Flying Training School, etc. Pilot graduates can get hired in both the public and private sectors. They can find employment in Indian Airlines, Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways, Vistara, and so on.

Also Read: Pilot Course Overview

Average Salary Based On Job Position

The average salary for various job positions after Pilot courses depends on experience, the type of aircraft, the airline or company you work for.

The table below provides the average salary ranges for several employment positions:

Job Profile Average Annual Salary (INR)
Commercial Pilot INR 15 LPA to INR 40 LPA
Airline First Officer INR 10 LPA to 25 LPA
Airline Captain INR 25 LPA to 80 LPA
Cargo Pilot INR 12 LPA to 30 LPA
Helicopter Pilot INR 8 LPA to 20 LPA
Corporate Pilot INR 15 LPA to 40 LPA
Agricultural Pilot INR 6 LPA to 15 LPA
Flight Instructor INR 4 LPA to 12 LPA
Bush Pilot INR 6 LPA to INR 18 LPA

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Careers in Pilot

After completing Pilot courses, the graduates can work at the following job positions and earn an average salary ranging from INR 3 lakh to 90 lakh. Candidates can work in either of the below-mentioned job profiles:

Job Profile Description Average INR Salary
Pilot A pilot is responsible for flying an aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. They must have a valid pilot's license and meet strict medical and fitness requirements. INR 3 lakh to INR 90 lakh
Co-Pilot A co-pilot assists the pilot in flying the aircraft and may be responsible for monitoring and operating aircraft systems. They must also meet the same medical and fitness requirements as pilots. INR 2.8 lakh to 4.5 lakh
Flight Instructor A flight instructor teaches students how to fly an aircraft and prepares them for pilot licensing exams. They must have a valid pilot's license and experience flying different types of aircraft. INR 2.5 lakh to 4 lakh
Air Traffic Controller An air traffic controller is responsible for directing aircraft in the sky and on the ground to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. They must have a valid degree in aviation or a related field and pass strict medical and fitness requirements. INR 4 lakh to 6 lakh
Avionics Engineer An avionics engineer designs, installs, and maintains electrical systems in aircraft. They must have a valid degree in electronics or avionics and experience working with aircraft systems. INR 4.5 lakh to 6.5 lakh

Also Read: Popular Colleges in Aviation

Specialisation Wise Salary for Pilot Graduates in India

Here is a table that provides information on specialisations within the field of aviation, along with estimated entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level annual compensation (CTC - Cost to Company) for pilots in Indian Rupees (INR). Please note that these figures can vary significantly based on factors like experience, the type of aircraft, airline, and location:

Specialization Entry-Level CTC (INR) Mid-Level CTC (INR) Senior-Level CTC (INR)
Commercial Pilot INR 15-25 LPA 30,00,000 - 50,00,000 60,00,000 - 80,00,000
Airline First Officer INR 10-20 LPA 25,00,000 - 40,00,000 50,00,000 - 70,00,000
Airline Captain INR 25-40 LPA 50,00,000 - 80,00,000 80,00,000 - 1,20,00,000
Cargo Pilot 12,00,000 - 20,00,000 25,00,000 - 35,00,000 40,00,000 - 60,00,000
Helicopter Pilot 8,00,000 - 15,00,000 18,00,000 - 30,00,000 35,00,000 - 50,00,000
Corporate Pilot 15,00,000 - 30,00,000 35,00,000 - 60,00,000 70,00,000 - 1,00,00,000
Agricultural Pilot 6,00,000 - 12,00,000 15,00,000 - 25,00,000 30,00,000 - 45,00,000
Flight Instructor 4,00,000 - 8,00,000 10,00,000 - 20,00,000 25,00,000 - 40,00,000

NoteThe salary data has been sourced from external links.

Top Recruiters for Pilot Students

A pilot course typically refers to a training programme that aspiring Pilots undergo to learn how to operate aircraft. Candidates can opt for job profiles such as Private Jet Pilot, Co-Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Air Force Pilot, Flight Instructor, etc.

Top Employment Areas for Pilots
Airlines Cargo Airlines
Helicopter Services Agricultural Aviation
Private Jet Companies -----

The various recruiters based on specialisation pursued in Pilot courses includes the following:

Airline Recruiters
Air India Vistara
Spice Jet Indigo
Cargo Airline Recruiters
Blue Dart Aviation SpiceXpress
Aryan Cargo Express Blue Bird Aviation
Private Jet Companies Recruiters
NetJets VistaJet
AirPartner JetSuite

Top Colleges for Placement of Pilots

A number of colleges are popular for their placement opportunities and the high range of domestic and international packages offered to the candidates. These colleges not only provide placement opportunities but also ensure good placements for the Pilot students.

Some of the top colleges and their placement report for 2023 are given in the table below:

College Name Average Annual Salary in 2023
Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd. INR 5.5 LPA 
Adventure Flight Education Private Limited - Hyderabad INR 6.2 LPA
CAE - National Flying Training Institute INR 4.8 LPA
IGIA (Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics)  INR 5.8 LPA
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi INR 4.8 LPA
PTC Aviation Academy, Chennai INR 6.2 LPA
Silver Oak University INR 5.9 LPA
The Bombay Flying Club INR 4.9 LPA
VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies  INR 7.1 LPA

Top Indian Cities to Get Lucrative Jobs After Pilot Courses

Here's a table that lists some Indian cities, the types of job opportunities available for pilots, and approximate average annual salaries in Indian Rupees (INR). Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, the type of aircraft, and the specific employer.

City Job Opportunities Average Annual Salary (INR)
Mumbai, Maharashtra Commercial, Cargo, Corporate, Flight Instruction 15,00,000 - 80,00,000
Delhi, National Capital Territory Commercial, Cargo, Corporate, Airline 10,00,000 - 1,20,00,000
Bangalore, Karnataka Commercial, Cargo, Corporate 15,00,000 - 60,00,000
Hyderabad, Telangana Commercial, Cargo, Helicopter 12,00,000 - 50,00,000
Chennai, Tamil Nadu Commercial, Cargo, Corporate 10,00,000 - 45,00,000
Kolkata, West Bengal Commercial, Cargo 8,00,000 - 30,00,000
Pune, Maharashtra Commercial, Corporate, Flight Instruction 12,00,000 - 40,00,000
Chandigarh, Punjab Commercial, Private, Training 6,00,000 - 25,00,000
Ahmedabad, Gujarat Commercial, Cargo, Corporate 10,00,000 - 40,00,000
Cochin (Kochi), Kerala Commercial, Cargo 8,00,000 - 35,00,000
Jaipur, Rajasthan Commercial, Private 6,00,000 - 25,00,000

Pilot Jobs in Private and Government Sectors

Here is a table that provides descriptions of various pilot job sectors and their approximate average annual Cost to Company (CTC) in Indian Rupees (INR):

Industry Description Average Annual CTC (INR)
Commercial Airlines 15,00,000 - 60,00,000
Cargo Airlines 12,00,000 - 40,00,000
Charter and Private Jet Companies 20,00,000 - 75,00,000
Helicopter Services 10,00,000 - 40,00,000
Agricultural Aviation 8,00,000 - 30,00,000
Corporate Aviation 20,00,000 - 80,00,000
Flight Instruction 6,00,000 - 20,00,000
Bush and Remote Area Flying 8,00,000 - 35,00,000
Air Ambulance and Medevac Services 15,00,000 - 50,00,000
Search and Rescue Organizations 8,00,000 - 30,00,000

Pilot Courses Study Abroad

Salaries for pilots can vary significantly based on factors such as the country, type of aircraft, experience, and the specific employer. Here are approximate entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level salaries for commercial pilots in the UKUSA, CanadaAustralia, Germany, New Zealand. etc. These figures are in US dollars (USD) for the US and Euros (EUR) for Germany, while the others are in their respective currencies:

Country Salary Offered
USA
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $40,000 to $55,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $55,000 to $90,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): $90,000 to $2,00,000 or more per year.
United Kingdom
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): £25,000 to £50,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): £60,000 to £1,20,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): £1,20,000 or more per year.
Canada
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): CAD 40,000 to CAD 80,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): CAD 80,000 to CAD 1,50,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): CAD 1,50,000 to CAD 2,00,000 or more per year.
 
Germany
 
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): €40,000 to €60,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): €60,000 to €1,20,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): €1,00,000 to €2,00,000 or more per year.
Australia
  • Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): AUD 50,000 to AUD 80,000 per year.
  • Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): AUD 70,000 to AUD 1,20,000 per year.
  • Senior-Level (10+ years of experience): AUD1,20,000 or more per year.

Disclaimer: The above salary data has been obtained from external sites.

Pilot Career FAQs

Q. What are the different types of Pilots?

A. The different types of Pilots are:

  1. Airline Pilot: This is the most common career path for commercial pilots. You can apply to various airlines and undergo their hiring process.
  2. Corporate Pilot: Many corporations and businesses have private jets or helicopters for transportation and other purposes. They often hire commercial pilots to fly these aircraft.
  3. Flight Instructor: If you enjoy teaching and sharing your knowledge with others, you can consider becoming a flight instructor. This can be a rewarding career path that allows you to work with aspiring pilots.
  4. Charter Pilot: Charter pilots fly private aircraft for various clients, such as tourists, business executives, or sports teams.
  5. Cargo Pilot: Cargo pilots fly aircraft that transport goods and cargo.

Q. What are the salaries in Aviation?

A. Students can have a look at the table below to get an idea of the average salaries at different levels and Job Profiles in Aviation sector:

Job Profiles Entry Level Mid Senior Level Senior Level
Commercial Airline Pilots INR 15 LPA-25 LPA INR 30 LPA-50 LPA INR 60 LPA-80 LPA
Flight Instructors INR 4 LPA-8 LPA INR 9 LPA-25 LPA INR 25 LPA-30 LPA
Air Traffic Controllers INR 3 LPA-5 LPA INR 6 LPA-12 LPA INR 12 LPA-25 LPA

Q. What are the responsibilities of a Pilot?

A. Pilots run both long and short flights in aircraft. They are responsible for checking the pre-flight planning (route and technical data) before takeoff. They attend the weather briefing, make takeoff and landing calculations. Also, they determine the amount of fuel needed and be sure to replenish according to the calculations.

Pilots are responsible to verify the instruments and equipments. Inform the crew monitoring loads to ensure compliance and make contact with air traffic control. Throughout the trip, they stay in touch with the air traffic controllers and the cabin crew.

Q. Can Indian Pilots work abroad?

A. Yes, Indian pilots can work abroad, and many Indian pilots have successful careers flying for international airlines and companies.

  1. To work as a pilot in another country, you typically need to hold a valid pilot's license issued by the aviation authority of that country. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues licenses for Indian pilots. Pilots may need to undergo additional training and obtain certification according to the regulations of the foreign country where they plan to work.

  2. You will require the necessary visas and work permits to legally work in a foreign country. The specific requirements and application process can vary depending on the country and the type of work you'll be doing.

Q. Where can Pilots find employment?

A. The employment opportunities for Pilots are plentiful. They can find work as:

  • National and International carriers
  • Businesses and corporations
  • Flying clubs as instructors
  • Security services
  • Flying academies
  • Military and paramilitary services
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  • National Aeronautics Limited

Q. Which are the popular colleges offering Pilot Courses?

A. Some of the prestigious institutes for Pilot courses are:

Q. What is the career scope of pilot?

A. The career scope for pilots is generally positive, although it can vary depending on the specific sector of aviation and the individual's career goals. Here are some key aspects of the career scope for pilots:

  1. High Demand for Commercial Pilots: Commercial aviation, particularly in countries with growing economies and expanding airline industries, offers a strong demand for pilots. As populations grow and air travel becomes more accessible, airlines need to hire more pilots to meet passenger needs.

  2. Diverse Career Opportunities: The aviation industry is diverse, and pilots can pursue various career paths, including commercial airline flying, cargo transport, corporate aviation, agriculture aviation, helicopter services, flight instruction, and more. Each specialization offers its unique challenges and opportunities.

  3. Steady Income Potential: Many pilot positions offer competitive salaries, and senior captains often receive lucrative compensation packages.

Q. Does Pilots need license?

A. Yes, pilots need a valid license to legally operate an aircraft. The specific type of license required depends on the type of flying they intend to do, such as private, commercial, airline, or other specializations. In most countries, including India, aviation authorities issue these licenses. Here are some common types of pilot licenses:

  1. Private Pilot License (PPL): A PPL allows individuals to fly for personal and non-commercial purposes. It's typically the first step in a pilot's training. PPL holders cannot be compensated for their services as pilots.

  2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): A CPL permits pilots to be compensated for their flying services, such as working for airlines, cargo carriers, or conducting aerial work (e.g., agriculture, photography, or banner towing).

  3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): An ATPL is required for pilots who want to serve as captains or first officers on large commercial airliners. It represents the highest level of pilot certification and carries more stringent requirements, including minimum flight hours and experience.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Pilot Course. Students interested in pursuing a career on Pilot Course, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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Popular Pilot Course Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Pilot Course Colleges in India. Learn more about these Pilot Course colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
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Popular Pilot Course UG Courses

Following are the most popular Pilot Course UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Pilot Course Specializations

Following are the most popular Pilot Course Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Pilot Course PG Courses

Following are the most popular Pilot Course PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

See, this depends on your personal interest areas and skill set. Both the job profiles offer promising work opportunities in the aeronautical industry with decent annual salary packages. If you are passionate about aircraft designing and manufacturing, you can consider the profile of an Aircraft Des

...more

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Vidhi Jain

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 5 days ago

Dear candidate, the Aircraft Stability and Control subject is of extreme importance for every aeronautical engineering graduate because it teaches you about the various ways in which an airplane could respond after facing some unforeseen disturbances, and further gives you an idea regarding differen

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Vidhi Jain

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Yes, you can specialize in areas like commercial jets, helicopters, military aircraft, avionics systems, or even specific aircraft models.

Specializing in a particular field can boost your career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

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