What is the average pilot salary in Australia?

There is no single average figure published by the ABS for pilots. Salaries depend on the type of aircraft, role (captain or first officer), and employer. Under the Air Pilots Award, minimum hourly rates range from $26.45 for a first officer on a light single-engine aircraft to $119.93 for a captain on a wide-body double-deck aircraft. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, that equates to annual minimums from about $52,265 to over $182,800. Many pilots, especially at major airlines, earn above these award rates.

How does pilot pay compare to the national full-time average?

The national full-time average ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Many pilot roles, particularly captains of larger aircraft, exceed this average. For example, a captain on a narrow-body aircraft at the award minimum earns $92.52 per hour, which is about $182,800 annually. However, entry-level first officers on small aircraft may earn near the national minimum wage, which is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.

What factors affect a pilot's salary in Australia?

Key factors include the type and size of aircraft (larger aircraft generally pay more), the pilot's role (captain vs first officer), years of experience, and the employer (major airlines often pay above award rates). Location can also play a role, as state full-time averages vary from about $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT.

Pilot salary in Australia: How it compares to the national average

Introduction

Pilot salaries in Australia span a wide range, from near-minimum-wage entry positions to six-figure incomes that far exceed the national average. Understanding where a specific pilot role sits against the national full-time benchmark helps both employers and employees gauge competitiveness. This page uses the latest ABS Average Weekly Earnings data and the Fair Work Air Pilots Award to show how pilot pay compares.

The national benchmark

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. That works out to about $108,352 per year on a 38-hour week. This figure is the line used on this site to compare any salary. For context, the full-time median (from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, August 2025) is about $90,532, 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 annually).

Pilot pay under the Air Pilots Award

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Air Pilots Award (MA000046) sets minimum hourly rates for pilots based on aircraft type and role. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 14 July 2026. For a full-time pilot working 38 hours per week, the annual minimum can be calculated by multiplying the hourly rate by 38 and then by 52.

Captain rates (examples)

Single engine under 1,360 kg: $29.47 per hour → $58,349 per year
Multi engine 19,000 kg and above: $50.73 per hour → $100,445 per year
Narrow body aircraft (e.g., Boeing 737): $92.52 per hour → $183,189 per year
Wide body double deck: $119.93 per hour → $237,461 per year

First officer rates (examples)

Single engine under 1,360 kg: $26.45 per hour → $52,365 per year
Multi engine 3,360 kg to 5,660 kg: $27.88 per hour → $55,204 per year
Airbus A320 / Boeing 737: $65.65 per hour → $129,987 per year

These are minimum rates. Actual salaries at major airlines are often higher, especially for experienced captains.

Above or below the line?

Comparing these award minima to the national full-time average of $108,352:

Below the line: Many first officer roles on light aircraft and some captain roles on small single-engine aircraft fall below the average. For example, a first officer on a single engine under 1,360 kg earns about $52,365, which is below the all-employees median of $74,100 and well below the full-time average.
Around the line: A captain on a multi-engine aircraft over 19,000 kg earns about $100,445, slightly below the full-time average but above the full-time median. A first officer on an Airbus A320 earns about $129,987, which is above the average.
Above the line: Captains on narrow-body and wide-body aircraft earn well above the average. A narrow-body captain at award minimum is about $183,189, and a wide-body double-deck captain is about $237,461.

Factors that move pilot pay

Several factors determine whether a pilot’s salary sits above or below the national average:

Aircraft type and size: Larger, more complex aircraft command higher pay. The award rates increase significantly with maximum take-off weight and complexity.
Role: Captains earn more than first officers on the same aircraft. The gap can be tens of thousands of dollars.
Experience: The award includes higher rates for pilots with more flying hours, especially in aerial application operations. Beyond the award, seniority at an airline boosts pay.
Employer: Major airlines (Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar, Rex) typically pay above award rates. Regional airlines may pay closer to the award. Charter and general aviation operators often pay at or near award minima.
Location: While the award is national, state full-time averages vary. For example, the ACT average is $119,090, while Tasmania is $96,008. Pilots based in higher-cost states may negotiate higher salaries.

Other benchmarks to consider

The full-time median of about $90,532 is a useful reference for typical Australian workers. Many first officer roles on larger aircraft exceed this median. The all-employees median of $74,100 is lower because it includes part-time and casual workers. The national minimum wage of $52,255 is the floor; most pilot roles pay above this, but entry-level first officers on very light aircraft may be close.

Conclusion

Pilot salaries in Australia are not uniform. The Air Pilots Award provides a clear minimum that ranges from below the national average to well above it. Actual earnings depend heavily on the aircraft, role, and employer. To see where a specific pilot salary sits, Place a salary on the line and compare it to the national full-time average. For a broader view of how different occupations compare, explore Job medians.