The glamour of flying may still captivate the imagination, but the business reality for Europe’s airline pilots is increasingly defined by rising training costs, labor shortages, and widening salary disparities across the continent.
In Switzerland, the issue has reached a tipping point. National carrier SWISS recently announced it would cancel roughly 1,400 flights until October due to a shortage of qualified pilots. The company noted that the cost of training a new pilot can climb to around €150,000, underscoring the steep financial barrier for those pursuing the profession.
At the same time, pilot salaries are climbing as airlines across Europe struggle to recruit and retain talent. With demand surging, understanding where pilots earn the most has become critical for both industry watchers and aspiring aviators.
Wide Gaps in Pay Across Europe
According to data from Euronews, entry-level pilots in the United Kingdom can expect salaries of about €54,283 (£47,000), with senior captains making up to €173,243 (£150,000). The ERI Economic Research Institute further reports that pilots with over eight years of experience often earn 60 to 80 percent more than those with just one to three years in the cockpit.
That progression can translate into seasoned captains earning more than triple the pay of their junior colleagues. Yet averages can obscure the reality. Eurostat’s industry-wide figures tend to understate pilot earnings, while national statistics agencies and independent research provide sharper insights.
The Big Three: UK, Germany, and France
Britain ranks among Europe’s highest-paying pilot markets. The Office for National Statistics found that median annual earnings for aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers stood at around €95,240 (£80,414) in April 2024. ERI estimates put the average at €90,253 (£78,146), rising to €115,562 (£100,060) in Greater London. Long-haul captains routinely cross six-figure thresholds, placing them among the U.K.’s top five professions by pay.
Germany also offers strong compensation. The Federal Statistical Office reports average monthly pilot earnings of €12,566—about €150,792 annually. For captains flying intercontinental routes, salaries can soar past €342,000. ERI data shows junior pilots start at €73,785, while experienced professionals average €132,117 or more.
In France, national data points to average pilot earnings of €9,300 per month, or €111,600 annually. ERI’s figures are lower at €87,903, but still rise to €109,292 for experienced aviators. Pilots rank consistently among France’s top five highest-paid professions.
Western and Northern Europe Lead
Western and Northern European countries dominate the salary charts. ERI data shows Belgium at €110,424 on average and Ireland at €108,007, with reports of Ryanair captains reaching €180,000. Both Austria and the Netherlands exceed €100,000, while Finland averages around €96,000.
By comparison, pilots in Italy earn about €80,427 and those in Spain €77,269. While lower, these salaries remain competitive thanks to strong aviation sectors tied to tourism.
Sweden presents a middle ground. Statistics Sweden reports average pilot pay of €6,492 per month, or €77,904 annually, with ERI estimates slightly higher. Salaries range from €56,125 for new pilots to just over €100,000 for veterans.
Eastern and Southern Europe Lag Behind
The disparity becomes stark moving eastward. In Portugal, pilots earn roughly €60,054 annually. Greece averages €56,523, with senior pilots climbing above €70,000.
In Poland, average salaries are about €50,000, while Czechia stands at €47,974. Romania anchors the bottom, with pilots earning €32,299 on average, though experienced flyers can approach €40,000.
Lower wages have fueled pilot migration westward, exacerbating shortages in lower-paying markets. While cost-of-living differences narrow the gap somewhat, airlines in Eastern and Southern Europe often struggle to retain their workforce.
Shortage Driving Pay Pressure
Consulting firm Oliver Wyman forecasts a global shortfall of nearly 80,000 pilots by 2032, including 19,000 across Europe. Training schools report that wages are already rising. BAA Training Aviation Academy noted, “pilot pay is climbing as airlines compete for qualified staff.”
Those unable to raise salaries may face service disruptions, as SWISS’s canceled flights have demonstrated. Yet the financial challenges remain steep: training costs of €150,000 mean only those willing to shoulder significant upfront risk can access the profession.
Despite these hurdles, pilots remain among Europe’s highest earners. In Germany, senior captains occupy the top rung of national pay scales. In France and the U.K., pilots and air traffic controllers rank in the top five professions. In Denmark, pilots earned €13,523 (DKK 100,890) per month in 2023, making them the country’s seventh best-paid group.
Bottom Line
From Romania’s €32,000 average to Switzerland’s €113,000, pilot salaries reveal a striking gap shaped by geography, airline profitability, and labor shortages. For those able to finance training and endure the rigors of the job, aviation remains one of Europe’s most lucrative professions.
As the shortage deepens, the skies are likely to become even more rewarding for those who make it into the cockpit.
