Salary of a Pilot in Canada (2025)
Are you considering a career as a pilot in Canada? Piloting is a rewarding profession that offers opportunities to travel and work with some of the world's top airlines. If you’re wondering, "What is the salary of a pilot in Canada?", this guide will provide a detailed breakdown.
How Much Do Pilots Earn in Canada?
The salary of a pilot in Canada varies based on experience, airline, and aircraft type. According to the Canadian Job Bank, the median salary for pilots in Canada is $78,099 per year.
However, pilot salaries can range widely. An entry-level pilot earns an average of $65,000 per year, while an experienced captain can earn significantly more.
Pilot Salaries by Experience and Airline in Canada
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Pilot | $65,000 - $80,000 |
| Mid-Level Pilot | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| Senior Captain | $200,000+ |
Pilot Salaries by Airline in Canada
| Airline | Captain’s Salary | First Officer’s Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | $226,192 | $64,307 |
| WestJet | $191,360 | $66,022 |
| Air Transat | $250,000 | $98,229 |
Factors That Affect a Pilot’s Salary in Canada
1. Experience Level
Pilots with more flying hours and experience earn higher salaries, with captains making significantly more than first officers.
2. Type of Aircraft
Pilots who operate larger commercial jets generally earn more than those flying smaller regional aircraft or private planes.
3. Airline & Employer
Salaries vary significantly between airlines, with larger international airlines offering higher salaries than regional carriers.
4. Private vs. Commercial Pilots
Private jet pilots may earn a competitive salary, averaging $110,382 per year, but job availability and schedules may vary.
Additional Earnings for Pilots
Many pilots supplement their salaries through:
-
Overtime and long-haul flights
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Flight instructor roles
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Private charter services
FAQ: Pilot Salaries in Canada
How much money do pilots make in Canada?
The median salary for pilots in Canada is $78,099 per year, according to the Canadian Job Bank. However, earnings can vary significantly based on experience, airline, and role.
What is the highest paying pilot job?
The highest paying pilot jobs are typically found in long-haul international airlines, corporate aviation, and airline captains at major carriers. Salaries can exceed $300,000 per year.
Which country pays pilots the most?
Pilots in Qatar, Switzerland, and the United States tend to earn some of the highest salaries globally, with captains in these countries making upwards of $400,000 per year (Indeed).
How many years does it take to become a pilot in Canada?
Becoming a pilot in Canada typically takes between 3 to 6 years, depending on whether you pursue a private pilot license (PPL) first, complete aviation school, and accumulate the required flight hours (Talent).
See Other Salaries in Canada
Interested in learning more about high-paying careers in Canada? Explore other salary guides for professionals across various industries.
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Qayyum Rajan, CFA
Qayyum is the CEO of Wealth Awesome, a leading Canadian personal finance publication. As a CFA charterholder with extensive experience in fintech, data science, and quantitative finance, he brings a unique analytical perspective to investing and wealth management.
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This content has been reviewed by CFA® charterholders and Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) with over a decade of experience in Canadian financial markets. All information is fact-checked against official Canadian sources and regulations.
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