Pilot salary Australia: state and industry differences explained

Pilot salary Australia: where does it sit on the index?

When people search for "pilot salary Australia", they often want to know how much pilots earn and whether that pay stacks up against the average Australian worker. The answer isn't simple because pilot pay varies enormously by the type of aircraft, the role, and the employer. The Salary Index helps put these figures into perspective by comparing annual gross pay to the national line of 100 – full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).

Award minimums for pilots

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Air Pilots Award 2020 (MA000046), which sets minimum hourly rates for pilots in airlines, general aviation, and aerial operations. These rates are updated each year – from 14 July 2026, they reflect a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review. The award breaks down pay by aircraft weight and type, and by whether the pilot is a Captain or First Officer.

For example, a Captain flying a single-engine aircraft under 1360 kg earns $29.47 per hour. Annualised over a standard 38-hour week, that's about $58,200, giving an index of roughly 53.7 – well below the national line. A First Officer on the same aircraft earns $26.45 per hour, annualised around $52,300 (index 48.3). At the other end, a Captain on a wide-body double-deck aircraft earns $119.93 per hour, annualised about $237,000 (index 218.7). Regional airline rates sit in between – for instance, a Captain on an Airbus A320 earns $65.65 per hour (annualised ~$129,800, index 119.8).

These are minimums. Many pilots, especially those at major airlines or in specialised operations, earn above award through enterprise agreements. The award also includes allowances for working on rostered duty-free days (an extra $138.85 per day) and casual loadings of 25%.

State differences in pilot pay

While the Air Pilots Award applies nationally, actual pilot salaries can vary by state due to cost of living, demand, and the mix of employers. The states page on Salary Index shows how average full-time earnings differ across Australia. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania sits at 88.6 ($96,008). A pilot working in WA – perhaps in the resources sector – may command a premium over the award rate, whereas a pilot in Tasmania might earn closer to the minimum. However, award rates themselves are the same everywhere; the state difference reflects the broader labour market.

Industry context for pilots

Pilots don't fit neatly into one industry category. Many work in air transport (part of the transport industry), but others fly for mining companies, agricultural operations, or tourism. The industries page shows that mining has an index of 154.7 – well above the national line. Pilots in mining aviation often earn significantly more than those in general aviation. In contrast, accommodation and food services has an index of 72.5, but that's not directly comparable because pilots are rarely in that industry.

How the index works for pilots

To calculate a pilot's salary index, take their annual gross pay (including allowances but excluding super) and divide by $108,352, then multiply by 100. For example, a regional airline Captain earning $65.65 per hour for 38 hours a week over 52 weeks gives $129,764.40. Divide by $108,352 = 1.197, times 100 = 119.7. That pilot earns about 20% above the national average. A First Officer on a small aircraft earning $26.45 per hour gives $52,305.20, index 48.3 – about half the national line.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, applied on top of salary. So a pilot earning $100,000 would have $12,000 contributed to super. For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: tax-free up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that, plus the 2% Medicare levy. A pilot on $130,000 would pay about $30,867 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $99,133 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).

Key takeaways

• Pilot salary Australia is highly variable: from index ~48 for entry-level First Officers to over 200 for wide-body Captains.
• Award rates are a floor; actual pay can be much higher, especially in mining or major airlines.
• State and industry differences affect the broader earnings context, but award rates are national.
• The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.

Understanding where pilot pay sits on the index helps both job seekers and employers benchmark salaries against the Australian average. Whether you're considering a career in aviation or hiring pilots, the award provides a starting point, but real-world pay often tells a different story.