What is the minimum wage for a pilot in Australia?

The minimum wage for a pilot depends on the aircraft type and role. Under the Air Pilots Award 2020, rates start at $26.45 per hour for a first officer on a single-engine aircraft under 1360 kg and go up to $119.93 per hour for a captain on a double-deck wide-body aircraft. These rates are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. Many pilots are covered by enterprise agreements that set higher rates.

How do I calculate my hourly rate from an annual salary under the Pilots Award?

For full-time and part-time pilots, the Fair Work Ombudsman explains that you divide the annual salary by 52 to get a weekly rate, then divide by 38 to get an hourly rate. For casual pilots, the hourly rate is the annual salary plus applicable additions divided by 800, then multiplied by a 25% casual loading. The award itself lists hourly rates for many aircraft categories, which you can use as a direct comparison.

Does the Air Pilots Award cover all pilots in Australia?

The Air Pilots Award 2020 covers employers of air pilots and helicopter aircrew throughout Australia, including general aviation, airlines, and aerial application operations. However, some pilots may be covered by an enterprise agreement that overrides the award. If you are award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies, but most pilots in the industry are covered by the award or an agreement.

Pilot Salary Australia: Award Minimums and How to Check Your Hourly Rate

The minimum hourly rate for a pilot covered by the Air Pilots Award 2020 ranges from $26.45 for a first officer on the lightest single-engine aircraft to $119.93 for a captain on a double-deck wide-body, with most professional pilot roles paying well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Understanding pilot salary Australia: award minimums and your pay

When searching for "pilot salary Australia", you will find a wide range of figures. The legal minimum depends on the aircraft you fly, your role (captain or first officer), and whether you are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. This guide helps you check your hourly rate against the Air Pilots Award 2020, the main pay floor for most pilots.

The Air Pilots Award 2020: your starting point

The Fair Work Commission sets the Air Pilots Award 2020 (MA000046), which applies to employers of air pilots and helicopter aircrew across Australia. The award contains minimum hourly rates for captains and first officers based on aircraft type and weight. These rates are updated each year – the latest increase took effect from the first full pay period on or after 14 July 2026.

For example, a captain flying a multi-engine aircraft between 3360 kg and 5660 kg maximum take-off weight must be paid at least $35.68 per hour. A first officer on the same aircraft receives $27.88 per hour. At the top end, a captain on a double-deck wide-body aircraft earns a minimum of $119.93 per hour. These rates are significantly above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026).

How to find your classification

The award groups aircraft by type (single engine, multi engine, narrow body, wide body) and maximum take-off weight. It also lists specific aircraft models such as Dash 8, Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Embraer 190/195. You can find your exact classification in the award's schedule. If your aircraft is not listed, use the weight-based category that matches.

Casual and part-time rates

Casual pilots under the award are paid per flying hour at 1/800th of the annual salary (including additions) plus a 25% casual loading. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides an example: a casual captain on a multi-engine 3360–5660 kg aircraft would receive about $126.16 per hour after loading. Part-time pilots are paid the same hourly rate as full-time, but work fewer hours.

Superannuation is on top

Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. This is on top of the hourly or annual salary shown in the award. For example, if your award rate is $35.68 per hour, your employer contributes an extra $4.28 per hour to your super. Always check that super is being paid correctly.

Enterprise agreements can set higher rates

Many airlines and larger operators have enterprise agreements that override the award. These agreements often provide higher pay, better conditions, or different classifications. If you are covered by an agreement, the minimum rate in that agreement applies instead of the award. You can check your agreement on the Fair Work Commission website or ask your employer.

Comparing your rate to the national minimum

The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week). Every pilot must receive at least this amount, but the award rates are higher for almost all classifications. If you are award-free (rare for pilots), the national minimum applies. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower percentages.

Practical check: what to do with an hourly rate

If you have an hourly rate from your payslip or contract, compare it to the award rate for your aircraft and role. Use the Rate tables on this site to see the full list of award minimums. If your rate is below the award, your employer may be underpaying you. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help. If your rate is above the award, check that your enterprise agreement or contract is being followed.

Where to get more help

Which minimum wage applies – find out if you are covered by an award or agreement.
Guides – step-by-step explanations of pay calculations under the Pilots Award.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool that can calculate your exact entitlements. The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average earnings data, but remember that averages include senior pilots and may not reflect your situation.

Key points to remember

The Air Pilots Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates for most pilots.
Rates vary by aircraft type, weight, and role (captain or first officer).
The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) is a backstop; award rates are higher.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your salary.
Enterprise agreements can provide better pay – check yours.
If you are unsure about your classification, use the award's weight-based categories.

Understanding your pilot salary in Australia starts with knowing the award minimum. Use the tables and tools available to ensure you are paid correctly.