SpiceJet pilot salaries rise with rank, experience

Pilots are regarded as most important and highly paid professionals in aviation industry. SpiceJet is one of the prominent airlines in India’s civil aviation sector. Various figures on the salaries of its pilots were published in 2026.

However, pilots do not all earn the same salary. Their income varies significantly depending on experience, the type of flying they undertake, the aircraft model they operate and the airline they work for.

According to published figures, salaries increase significantly as pilots progress from first officer to captain and gain experience.

Monthly salary of first officers

According to information published on the FMS Aviation Academy website, first officers or co-pilots at SpiceJet may earn around 150,000 to 200,000 Indian rupees a month.

However, this is not a fixed salary. The amount may vary depending on a pilot’s flying experience and the type of aircraft they are responsible for operating.

First officers generally perform important duties in operating an aircraft while working alongside the captain in the cockpit. After gaining experience and the required qualifications, they have the opportunity to become captains.

How much do captains earn?

As captains have greater responsibility and experience in flight operations, their salaries are significantly higher than those of first officers. According to published information, SpiceJet captains may earn around 450,000 to 650,000 Indian rupees a month.

A captain’s actual salary depends significantly on their total flying experience and the type of aircraft they operate. In addition, differences in an airline’s own salary structure and other benefits can also affect total income.
Pilot salaries at other Indian airlines

Various figures have also been published on pilot salaries at other Indian airlines. According to the published information, IndiGo first officers may earn around 200,000 to 300,000 rupees a month, while captains may earn 600,000 to 900,000 rupees.

At Air India, first officers may receive monthly salaries of around 250,000 to 350,000 rupees. For captains, the amount may range from 700,000 to 1 million rupees.

Various reports have stated that at Vistara, first officers may earn around 200,000 to 300,000 rupees, while captains may receive between 550,000 and 800,000 rupees.

Meanwhile, first officers at Akasa Air may earn around 180,000 to 250,000 rupees a month. Published information states that captains may earn between 500,000 and 750,000 rupees.\

Income rises with experience

A comparison of pilot salaries shows that income generally increases with promotion and greater flying experience. However, salary is influenced not only by rank and experience but also by the type of aircraft being operated and the number of flying hours assigned each month.

A pilot’s actual income depends on their experience, responsibilities, type of aircraft operation and the salary structure of the relevant airline.