In September 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officially updated its pay scale and allowances for pilots, making the profession even more appealing for young aviation enthusiasts.
Monthly Salary of PIA Pilots
PIA spends nearly Rs 430 million every month on pilot salaries and benefits. The pay varies depending on rank, experience, type of contract, and flying hours.
- Permanent Pilots: Basic salary starts around Rs 103,000. However, after including flying allowances, bonuses, and other benefits, their total monthly package goes up to Rs 1.2 million.
- Contract Pilots: They receive a basic salary of around Rs 114,000, with total monthly earnings reaching almost Rs 1.4 million after allowances.
Pay Scale by Rank
| Rank | Approximate Monthly Salary | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Officer | ~Rs 80,000+ | Entry-level position, pay increases with flight hours and aircraft type |
| Captain | Up to Rs 800,000 | Highly experienced pilots earn the highest pay, especially on international routes |
A fresh First Officer usually starts at Rs 80,000+, but with additional allowances, the figure increases quickly. Captains, especially with long service records, can earn up to Rs 800,000 or more each month.
Extra Allowances and Flying Hours
Apart from their basic salary, PIA pilots earn significant allowances.
- Guaranteed Flying Hours: Increased from 50 hours to 73 hours per month.
- Allowance Requirement: Pilots must complete at least 60 flying hours monthly to receive full allowance.
- Hourly Rates:
- Domestic flights – Rs 650 per hour
- International flights – $8 per hour
These changes ensure pilots are rewarded fairly for the actual time they spend in the cockpit.
Why Some Pilots Move Abroad
While PIA offers good pay by local standards, some experienced pilots choose to join international airlines, especially in the Gulf. Captains working for major Middle Eastern airlines often earn PKR 2 million or more per month, almost double the top salaries in Pakistan.
In addition, PIA has faced financial challenges, including delayed payments and job security concerns. These issues sometimes push skilled pilots to look for more stable opportunities abroad.
Benefits of Being a Pilot in Pakistan
Despite challenges, being a PIA pilot comes with strong perks:
- Tax benefits and allowances
- Free or discounted travel for family members
- High respect in society
- Opportunities to fly internationally
- Career growth with training on advanced aircraft
Final Thoughts
In 2025, pilot salaries in Pakistan continue to be among the highest-paying jobs inside the country. With First Officers’ incomes of Rs 8,000+ and Captains achieving up to Rs 800,000, plus attractive allowances, it’s a fantastically worthwhile career. Although some pilots depart for better worldwide opportunities, PIA’s current upgrades in pay scales, flying allowances, and fairer rules display efforts to retain talent.
