How much do modern day airline pilots get paid?

The prospect of receiving a high lucrative salary is one reason why many people aspire to become an airline pilot.

But the question of how much will I get paid? is one that is hard to answer.

Modern day airline pilot pay varies hugely depending on two main factors, seniority and equipment.

The more senior you are then the higher pay check you can expect. Also the bigger planes you fly the more you are likely to get paid.

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For example a boeing 747 captain with 20 years experience might get well over £100,000 for an airline like British Airways.

Where as a newly qualified co-pilot flying 737's can only expect around £30,000 a year.

Yes it's a big difference, airline pilot salaries vary significantly and you have to fly for many years before you can reach the big money.

It makes my blood boil when I hear people saying "your a pilot you must be minted". Yes some pilots are minted, but for us low end pilots we are not much different from you.

It is a common misconception of airline pilots that they are all on super high salaries.

When you start out you have to be realistic, pilot salaries will start low and you have to work hard if you are ever going to earn over £100,000.

And even if you do work hard it might take you many years to reach a pilot salary this high.

But saying that starting salaries are still very good compared to your average office job.

The good news is that if you stay with an airline then your pay will increase with time as you become more senior.

Probably the average pay for a first officer with 5-10 years experience would be around £40,00 to £60,000 but it all depends on the airline.

Overtime you may have the opportunities for promotion to a captain and then onto a training captain. On promotion to a captain you can expect a big pay rise.

In the UK British Airways are one of the highest payers. Salaries for long-haul captains can reach over £130,000.

Even some low cost airlines like ryanair can pay their senior captains up to £100,000.

All I say is be realistic, whilst some pilots get paid in excess of £100,000 the majority do not.

Yes pilot pay is very generally very good and can offer a comfortable lifestyle, just don't go out buying that super car just yet!