How pilot salaries stack up against the national average
When you search for a pilot salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single figure. Pay varies enormously depending on the aircraft you fly, your role (captain or first officer), and whether you work in general aviation, regional airlines, or major carriers. The national full-time average salary – the line used on this site – is $108,352 a year, based on the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026 ($2,083.70 a week, multiplied by 52). That figure is the starting point for comparing any occupation.
The award rates that set the floor
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Air Pilots Award [MA000046] sets minimum hourly rates for pilots. These rates took effect from 14 July 2026. For a captain on a single-engine aircraft under 1,360 kg, the minimum is $29.47 per hour. A first officer on the same aircraft earns $26.45 per hour. At the other end, a captain on a wide-body double-deck jet earns at least $119.93 per hour. Using a standard 38-hour week and 52 weeks a year, that translates to annual salaries from about $52,265 to over $237,000 a year.
These are minimums – many pilots covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts often earn more. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($52,255 a year), so even the lowest pilot award rate is only just above that. Most professional pilots, especially those flying larger aircraft, quickly exceed the national average.
Where does this pay sit relative to the line
- Below the average: A first officer on a small single-engine aircraft ($26.45/hour) or a captain on a single-engine under 1,360 kg ($29.47/hour) yields about $52,265–$58,230 a year, which is below the $108,352 average. The full-time median salary across all jobs is $90,532, so these entry-level roles are below that too.
- Around the average: A first officer on a narrow-body jet like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 earns $65.65 per hour, or about $129,700 a year – above the national average. A captain on a Dash 8-400 earns $50.65 per hour ($100,084 a year), slightly below the average but close.
- Well above the average: Captains on wide-body aircraft (single or double deck) earn $106.23–$119.93 per hour, translating to $210,000–$237,000 a year. That is more than double the national average and places them in the top 10% of earners.
State differences matter too
The ABS also publishes average weekly earnings by state. The highest full-time average is in the Australian Capital Territory at $119,090 a year, while Tasmania is lowest at $96,008. A pilot based in a high-paying state like Western Australia ($115,825) or the ACT will find the average higher, but their own salary may still be above or below depending on their role. See the States and territories page for more detail.
How to use this site’s tool
The tool on this site accepts a yearly salary before tax. It then shows you the equivalent weekly and hourly amounts (based on a 38-hour week) and how far you are from the national full-time average. For pilots, you can enter your actual salary or a typical figure for your aircraft type. The tool uses the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 as the benchmark. Remember that the average is updated twice a year (May and November), so the line moves.
Other benchmarks to consider
- Full-time median: $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Half of all full-time workers earn less than this.
- All-employees median: $74,100 (including part-time and casual).
- National minimum wage: $52,255 a year (from 1 July 2026).
- Award minimums: rose by 4.75% in July 2026.
Pilot salaries often exceed the median, especially for experienced captains on larger aircraft. But entry-level and general aviation pilots may earn closer to the minimum wage. For a deeper look at how different occupations compare, visit the Job medians page.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy adds 2% (with possible reductions). A pilot earning $129,700 (first officer on a narrow-body) would be in the 30% bracket plus Medicare, so take-home pay would be around $88,000 after tax and levy. Higher earners face the 37% or 45% marginal rates.
Summary
Pilot salaries in Australia span a wide range. The lowest award rates are just above the minimum wage, while senior airline captains earn well into six figures. Compared to the national full-time average of $108,352, many professional pilots are above the line, especially those flying jets for major airlines. To see where your own salary sits, use the tool on this site. You can also explore Industry medians to see how aviation compares with other sectors.
For more guidance on how the figures are set, see How the figures are set.