Pilot Salary in Australia: Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage

Understanding the pilot salary in Australia

When you search for "pilot salary in Australia", you will find a range of figures. The legal minimum is set by the Air Pilots Award 2020, which covers most commercial pilots in the national system. The Fair Work Commission determines the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides and enforces compliance. This article explains the award minimums, how they compare to the national minimum wage, and what you need to know about superannuation.

Award minimum rates for pilots

The Air Pilots Award [MA000046] contains minimum hourly rates for captains and first officers, classified by aircraft type and maximum take-off weight (MTOW). The pay guide published by the Fair Work Ombudsman (effective from the first full pay period on or after 14 July 2026) lists these rates. For example:

• Captain, single engine under 1360 kg: $29.47 per hour
• Captain, single engine 1360–3359 kg: $30.72 per hour
• Captain, multi engine 19000 kg and above: $50.73 per hour
• Captain, wide-body aircraft – double deck: $119.93 per hour
• First officer, single engine under 1360 kg: $26.45 per hour
• First officer, Airbus A320: $65.65 per hour

These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees. For aerial application operations (crop dusting etc.), the award provides weekly rates based on flying hours experience, ranging from $978.10 per week (first 6 months) to $1,116.80 per week (over 3000 hours).

provides the complete pay guide.

How to convert annual salaries to hourly rates

The Air Pilots Award expresses most minimums as annual salaries. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains the conversion method on its website . For full-time and part-time pilots:

• Weekly rate = annual salary ÷ 52
• Hourly rate = weekly rate ÷ 38

For casual pilots, the flying-hour rate is annual salary ÷ 800, plus a 25% casual loading. Casual aerial application employees have a set daily rate instead.

Example: A captain on a multi-engine aircraft 3360–5660 kg has an annual salary of $70,496. The weekly rate is $70,496 ÷ 52 = $1,355.69. The hourly rate is $1,355.69 ÷ 38 = $35.68 (matching the pay guide).

Comparing award rates to the national minimum wage

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Most pilot award rates are above this floor. However, the national minimum wage acts as a backstop: if an award classification rate were lower, the national minimum would apply. For example, the first officer rate for a single engine under 1360 kg is $26.45 – just one cent above the national minimum. Introductory rates for new entrants (first 6 months) are capped at $25.74 per hour ($978.10 per week) under the award, but the national minimum does not override these introductory rates because they are a permitted training or probationary rate.

If you are award-free (not covered by any award or agreement), the national minimum wage applies. But most commercial pilots are covered by the Air Pilots Award or an enterprise agreement.

The role of enterprise agreements and individual negotiations

The award sets the minimum. Many pilots are employed under enterprise agreements that provide higher pay, better allowances, or improved conditions. Individual contracts can also exceed the award, but cannot undercut it. When comparing a "pilot salary in Australia", always check whether the figure is an award minimum, an agreement rate, or a survey average. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings for all employees, but does not break out pilot-specific data. Survey averages from industry groups may include senior captains on large aircraft, which can skew the figure upward.

Superannuation

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of the pilot's ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This is paid in addition to the salary or hourly rate shown in the award or agreement. For example, a captain earning $30.72 per hour would have an additional $3.69 per hour contributed to super (12% of $30.72). The award also allows employees to make additional voluntary contributions.

Practical check: what to do with an hourly rate

If you are a pilot or employer, start by identifying the correct aircraft classification and role (captain or first officer). Use the Rate tables on this site to see the national minimum wage and award summary. Then compare your hourly rate to the award minimum. If you are paid below the award, you may be entitled to back pay. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies. Remember that junior rates, apprentices, and trainees have different minimums – see our Guides for details.

This information is a guide only. For a binding determination, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional.