Commercial Pilot Salary: Not a Single Figure
If you search for a "commercial pilot salary" in Australia, you won't find a single official number published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Unlike broad occupational categories, the ABS does not break down earnings for commercial pilots specifically. Instead, pay is determined by a combination of the type of aircraft flown, the pilot's rank, years of experience, and the terms of the applicable industrial instrument—either the Air Pilots Award or a registered enterprise agreement.
This article explains how the national full-time average provides a benchmark, how the Air Pilots Award sets minimum rates, and why a pilot's location can also shift their pay relative to the national line.
The National Full-Time Average as a Benchmark
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (seasonally adjusted) were $2,083.70 per week. That works out to about $108,352 per year when multiplied by 52. This figure is the "line" used on this site to compare any salary against the national full-time average.
For context, the full-time median (from ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025) is about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year on a 38-hour week).
A commercial pilot's salary can sit anywhere from below the minimum wage (for some trainee roles) to well above the full-time average. The key is understanding the award structure and the influence of state-based labour markets.
How the Air Pilots Award Sets Minimum Pay
Fair Work's Air Pilots Award (MA000046) covers pilots in airlines and general aviation. The award provides minimum hourly rates for captains and first officers based on the aircraft's maximum take-off weight (MTOW) and configuration. For example:
- Captain, single engine under 1,360 kg: $29.47 per hour
- Captain, multi-engine 8,500 kg to 12,000 kg: $40.48 per hour
- Captain, narrow-body jet (e.g., Boeing 737): $92.52 per hour
- Captain, wide-body double-deck: $119.93 per hour
First officers earn lower rates, starting at $26.45 per hour for small single-engine aircraft and rising to $65.65 per hour for Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 types. Aerial application pilots have weekly rates based on flying hours, from $978.10 per week (first six months) to $1,116.80 per week (over 3,000 hours).
These are minimums. Many pilots, especially those at major airlines, are covered by enterprise agreements that pay significantly more. The award also includes allowances for things like command instrument rating, multi-engine endorsement, and working on rostered duty-free days.
Why State Can Move the Figure Off the National Line
Even within the same occupation, where a pilot is based can affect their pay relative to the national average. The ABS provides state-level full-time adult ordinary-time earnings for May 2026:
- New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week (~$109,658 per year)
- Victoria: $2,041.10 per week (~$106,137)
- Queensland: $2,039.70 per week (~$106,064)
- South Australia: $1,970.20 per week (~$102,450)
- Western Australia: $2,227.40 per week (~$115,825)
- Tasmania: $1,846.30 per week (~$96,008)
- Northern Territory: $1,984.10 per week (~$103,173)
- Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 per week (~$119,090)
A pilot working in Western Australia or the ACT is likely to earn more on average than one in Tasmania or South Australia, reflecting broader labour market conditions. However, these state averages cover all occupations, not just pilots. A pilot's actual pay may be influenced by the concentration of aviation employers in a state—for example, major airline bases in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, or FIFO operations in Western Australia.
Putting a Commercial Pilot Salary on the Line
To see where a specific commercial pilot salary sits against the national full-time average, you can place a salary on the line. The tool compares your figure to the ABS average, the medians, and the minimum wage. You can also explore how pay varies by states and territories or by job medians.
Because commercial pilot pay is so varied, it's important to use the right benchmark. A first officer on a regional turboprop may earn around $60,000–$80,000 per year—below the full-time average but above the all-employees median. A senior captain on a long-haul wide-body jet can earn $250,000 or more, well above the national line.
The Role of Enterprise Agreements
Many pilots at major airlines are covered by enterprise agreements that replace the award. These agreements often include higher base rates, better allowances, and productivity bonuses. For example, a captain on a Boeing 787 under an enterprise agreement might earn $150–$200 per flying hour, plus superannuation and other benefits. The award minimum for a wide-body single-deck captain is $106.23 per hour, so the agreement can add a significant premium.
Summary
There is no single "commercial pilot salary" in Australia. The national full-time average of $108,352 provides a useful reference point, but actual pilot pay depends on aircraft type, rank, experience, state, and whether the pilot is on award or an enterprise agreement. The Air Pilots Award sets a floor that ranges from about $26 to $120 per hour, while enterprise agreements can push earnings much higher. For a personalised comparison, use the How the figures are set page to understand the methodology behind the averages and medians.