Everything You Need To Know

So what is a start pilot salary UK?

Starting salaries for first officers in the UK vary depending on factors like airline and aircraft type.

It’s also worth noting that some cadets fresh out of a training program, particularly the integrated course, will likely have a ‘bond’.

This is fairly difficult to explain, but regarding how it will benefit you, you will likely be paid about £12,000 less per year in terms of salary but then receive a £1000 payment each month tax-free.

This is far more tax efficient for you. It’s all nonsense to do with the airline and the flight school, so don’t worry too much regarding the details yet (make sure you know what’s going on before you sign the contract, though)!

As a rough guide, you can expect to make between £40,000 – £60,000 in your first year as a pilot in the UK.

For example, a ‘second officer’ at Easyjet will receive roughly £47,000 yearly, not including flight pay. You can expect to fly between 700-900 hours per year.

This flight pay is £25 an hour, which means cadets straight out of commercial pilot training have the potential to make over £60,000 a year. Not a bad starting salary!