AME CET 2026 Registration Starting From 1st September, 2025. Click Here to Apply Now

Ques: What kind of salary can a new CPL holder expect?

A career as a commercial pilot is exciting and rewarding. Many students choose this path because of the lifestyle, salary, and growth opportunities. After completing the CPL course, a student becomes eligible to work as a commercial pilot, commercial air pilot, commerce pilot, or commercial aircraft pilot in the aviation industry.

Starting Salary for New Commercial Pilots

For a new commercial pilot, the starting salary is usually moderate. In India, fresh CPL holders can earn around ?1 lakh to ?1.5 lakh per month in the beginning. With experience, the salary can increase significantly. Some pilots earn ?2–3 lakh per month on domestic routes, and senior pilots can earn even higher salaries.

The positive side is that salary growth is fast in aviation. As flight hours increase and skills improve, income rises steadily. The challenge is that the initial salary may feel low compared to the high training cost. But with patience and dedication, the financial rewards become much better over time.

Factors That Affect Pilot Salary

The salary of a commercial aircraft pilot depends on many factors. These include the airline company, type of aircraft, flying hours, and experience level. Different employers offer different pay packages, so income can vary from company to company.

Another positive point is that pilots also receive extra benefits like travel opportunities, allowances, and lifestyle perks. Over time, many commercial air pilots reach high-paying positions such as captain or senior pilot.

Growth and Long-Term Earnings

The long-term salary of a commerce pilot is much higher than the starting salary. With experience, pilots can earn ?5–6 lakh per month or more.

The negative side is that the CPL course requires strong commitment, discipline, and financial investment. Training is expensive and demanding. But the positive side is that the aviation industry offers stable growth and global opportunities for skilled pilots.

Final Outlook

Overall, the salary of a new commercial pilot starts modest but grows rapidly with experience. If you are passionate about flying and ready to work hard, the commercial pilot career can offer high income, respect, and a bright future. With the right skills and determination, becoming a commercial aircraft pilot can be a life-changing decision.


If you still have any query regarding career?