What is the minimum hourly rate for a commercial pilot in Australia?

There is no single minimum. The Air Pilots Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates per flying hour based on aircraft type and crew role. For example, a captain on a single-engine aircraft under 1360 kg earns $29.47 per flying hour, while a first officer on the same aircraft earns $26.45. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) acts as a backstop for any pilot not covered by the award, but most commercial pilots are award-covered and therefore entitled to the higher award rate.

Are commercial pilots entitled to superannuation?

Yes. Under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, employers must pay superannuation contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This applies to all commercial pilots, whether paid under the Air Pilots Award, an enterprise agreement, or the national minimum wage.

Can a commercial pilot be paid less than the award rate?

Generally no. The Air Pilots Award sets the legal minimum for pilots it covers. An enterprise agreement registered with the Fair Work Commission can provide different rates, but they must not be less than the award overall when all benefits are considered. Some junior or trainee pilots may be paid introductory rates (e.g., $25.74 per hour for the first six months in aerial application operations), but only where the award expressly allows it. Award-free pilots (rare in commercial operations) would fall back to the national minimum wage.

Commercial pilot salary: award rates and minimum pay in Australia 2026-27

The minimum hourly rate for a commercial pilot under the Air Pilots Award ranges from $26.45 for a first officer on a small single-engine aircraft to over $119.93 for a captain on a wide-body double-deck aircraft, with superannuation paid on top.

Understanding the commercial pilot salary landscape

When you search for a "commercial pilot salary" in Australia, the figure you find depends heavily on the type of aircraft, your role (captain or first officer), and whether you are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. The legal floor is set by the Air Pilots Award 2020 (MA000046), which applies to most commercial pilots working for airlines, general aviation operators, and aerial application businesses. This guide explains the award minimums, how they compare with the national minimum wage, and what superannuation and enterprise agreements mean for your take-home pay.

Award rates: the legal minimum for most pilots

The Fair Work Commission's Air Pilots Award prescribes minimum hourly rates per flying hour for captains and first officers, categorised by aircraft maximum take-off weight and type. For example, from the first full pay period on or after 14 July 2026:

Captain, single-engine under 1360 kg: $29.47 per flying hour
Captain, multi-engine 3360–5660 kg: $35.68 per flying hour
Captain, narrow-body aircraft: $92.52 per flying hour
First officer, single-engine under 1360 kg: $26.45 per flying hour
First officer, Airbus A320 / Boeing 737: $65.65 per flying hour

These rates are the minimum. Many pilots are paid more under enterprise agreements negotiated by unions or directly with employers. The award also includes additional payments for working on a rostered duty-free day (e.g., $138.85 per day plus the hourly rate).

The national minimum wage as a backstop

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (for a 38-hour week). This rate applies to employees not covered by any award or registered agreement. However, almost all commercial pilots are covered by the Air Pilots Award, so their minimum is the award rate – which is almost always higher than the national minimum. Only in rare cases (e.g., a very small operator not covered by the award) would a pilot fall back to the national minimum.

What about enterprise agreements?

Many larger airlines operate under enterprise agreements that set pay rates above the award. These agreements must pass the “better off overall test” administered by the Fair Work Commission, meaning the total package (pay, penalties, allowances) must be no less favourable than the award. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, your salary will be specified in that document, not the award. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement.

Superannuation: paid on top

Regardless of whether you are paid under the award, an agreement, or the national minimum, your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For a captain earning $35.68 per flying hour, that means an extra $4.28 per hour goes into your super fund. This is on top of your hourly rate, not deducted from it.

Award-free pilots: a rare case

If you are a commercial pilot who is genuinely not covered by the Air Pilots Award (for example, because you are a manager or the operator is in a state system), your minimum pay is the national minimum wage. But the award has a very broad coverage clause – it applies to “employers throughout Australia of air pilots and helicopter aircrew” – so most commercial flying jobs are covered.

How does the commercial pilot salary compare to averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific median earnings figure for commercial pilots. The most reliable guide to the minimum is the award. For a sense of typical earnings, you would need to look at industry surveys or advertised salaries, but those are not official minimums. The award rates shown in our Rate tables give you the legal floor for each aircraft category.

Key takeaways

The Air Pilots Award sets minimum hourly rates per flying hour, varying by aircraft and role.
Enterprise agreements can (and often do) provide higher pay.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.
The national minimum wage is a backstop only for award-free pilots.
For more detail on how award rates are calculated, see our Guides section.

If you are unsure which award or agreement applies to your job, check with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman. This site provides orientation only – it is not a pay determination or legal advice.