Pilot salary: how award rates compare to the national minimum wage

What is a pilot salary under the Air Pilots Award?

A pilot salary in Australia is primarily governed by the Air Pilots Award 2020 (MA000046), which sets minimum pay rates for pilots working in airlines, general aviation, regional airlines, aerial application, and helicopter operations. The award classifies pilots by aircraft type, weight, and role (Captain or First Officer/Second Pilot). Unlike many awards that list hourly rates directly, the Air Pilots Award expresses minimum salaries as annual figures. Hourly rates are derived by dividing the annual salary by 52 weeks and then by 38 hours per week for full-time employees, or by 800 flying hours for casual employees.

How pilot salary compares to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, equivalent to an annualised $52,255 and a salary index of 48.2 (where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352). Many pilot award rates sit well above this floor. For example, a Captain on a single engine aircraft under 1360 kg earns $29.47 per hour (index ~53.8), while a Captain on a wide-body double deck aircraft earns $119.93 per hour (index ~219). However, some entry-level classifications fall below the national minimum wage. The award rate for an aerial application pilot with 0–1000 hours experience (first 6 months) is $25.74 per hour. Because the national minimum wage is the legal minimum, an employer must pay at least $26.44 per hour for that role, effectively overriding the award rate.

This illustrates a key point: award minima are not always the effective floor. The national minimum wage applies to all employees not covered by a higher award or agreement. When an award rate is lower, the national minimum wage prevails. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Guide for the Air Pilots Award (effective 14 July 2026) includes the updated rates after the 4.75% annual wage review increase, but it still lists some rates below the national minimum wage. Employers and pilots should always check the current national minimum wage as well as the award.

Salary index context for pilot roles

The Salary Index benchmarks gross annualised earnings against the national line of 100. For pilots, the index varies dramatically by role:

• Aerial application pilot (entry-level): $25.74/hr (award) but effectively $26.44/hr (national minimum) → index ~48.2
• First officer, multi-engine 3360–5660 kg: $27.88/hr → index ~51
• Captain, single engine under 1360 kg: $29.47/hr → index ~53.8
• Captain, narrow body aircraft: $92.52/hr → index ~169
• Captain, wide-body double deck: $119.93/hr → index ~219

These figures are based on the award minimum hourly rates for full-time employees. Actual pilot salaries can be higher under enterprise agreements or individual contracts, especially at major airlines. The index shows that even mid-level pilot roles can exceed the national average earnings significantly.

Casual and part-time pilot pay

Casual pilots under the award are paid per flying hour at 1/800th of the annual salary (including additions), plus a 25% casual loading. For example, a casual First Officer on a multi-engine 3360–5660 kg aircraft would have a base hourly rate of $27.88, then $34.85 after loading. This loading replaces entitlements to paid leave and other benefits. Part-time pilots are paid proportionally based on the full-time annual salary.

Additions to salary and allowances

The award requires employers to add certain amounts to the base salary for qualifications such as a Command Instrument Rating (e.g., $2,049.11 per year for some classifications) and multi-engine endorsements (e.g., $8,196.42 per year). These additions are included when calculating hourly rates. Pilots working on a rostered duty-free day receive an additional $138.85 per day on top of the hourly rate. These extras can significantly boost take-home pay.

State and industry comparisons

Pilot salaries are not directly tied to state indices, but the cost of living and demand for pilots vary. The states page shows that Western Australia (index 106.9) and the Australian Capital Territory (109.9) have higher average earnings, which may influence pilot pay in those regions. The industries page shows that mining (index 154.7) often employs pilots for fly-in-fly-out operations, potentially offering above-award rates. Retail trade (75.9) and accommodation (72.5) are lower, but pilots are not typically in those industries.

Tax and superannuation considerations

Pilot salaries are subject to the same tax rates as other employees. For 2026–27, the tax-free threshold is $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. The Medicare levy is 2%. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. A pilot earning $120,000 per year would have an estimated take-home pay of about $88,500 after tax and Medicare (excluding HELP or other deductions).

Where to find current pilot salary information

The most reliable source for minimum pilot pay is the Fair Work Ombudsman – specifically the Air Pilots Award and its Pay Guide. The pay guides page on Salary Index links to official award summaries. For actual market rates, industry surveys and job advertisements provide a more realistic picture, as many pilots are covered by enterprise agreements that exceed award minima.

Summary

Pilot salary under the Air Pilots Award ranges from near the national minimum wage for entry-level roles to well above average earnings for experienced captains on large aircraft. The award sets a floor, but the national minimum wage overrides any lower rate. Understanding the difference between award minima and the national minimum wage is essential for both employers and pilots to ensure compliance and fair pay.