What is the minimum hourly rate for a Qantas pilot under the Air Pilots Award?

The award sets rates based on aircraft type and role. For example, a Captain on a narrow body aircraft (such as an Airbus A320) has a minimum hourly rate of $92.52 as of July 2026. However, Qantas pilots are covered by enterprise agreements that typically pay significantly more than the award.

How does the Qantas pilot salary compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 for casuals) from July 2026. Even the lowest award pilot rate (e.g., $26.45 for a First Officer on a single engine aircraft) is at or above that. Qantas pilots, flying larger aircraft, earn well above the national minimum.

Where can I find the actual Qantas pilot salary?

Actual salaries are set by enterprise agreements between Qantas and pilot unions. These agreements are lodged with the Fair Work Commission and can be accessed there. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the award rates as a legal minimum.

Qantas Pilot Salary: How the Award Minimum Compares to Your Rate

The Air Pilots Award sets minimum hourly rates for pilots; Qantas pilots are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above these award rates.

Qantas Pilot Salary: The Legal Minimum and What It Means for You

If you are searching for a "qantas pilot salary" figure, you are likely trying to work out whether a job offer or current pay is fair. The answer depends on whether you are covered by the Air Pilots Award or by an enterprise agreement. This guide explains the legal pay floor set by the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Air Pilots Award and how it compares to the national minimum wage, so you can check any hourly rate you see.

The Air Pilots Award: The Legal Minimum for Pilots

The Air Pilots Award 2020 [MA000046] covers air pilots, helicopter aircrew, and their employers across Australia. It sets minimum salaries and hourly rates for different aircraft types and roles. For example, a Captain flying a narrow body aircraft (such as an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737) has a minimum hourly rate of $92.52 as of the first full pay period on or after 14 July 2026. A First Officer on the same aircraft type has a minimum of $65.65 per hour. These rates are the legal floor – an employer cannot pay less unless a higher rate is set by an enterprise agreement.

The award also includes additions to salary for things like instrument ratings and multi-engine endorsements, and casual pilots receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate. Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings, so the total cost to an employer is higher than the hourly rate alone.

How the Award Compares to the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for adults ($33.05 for casuals). Even the lowest award pilot classification – a First Officer on a single engine aircraft under 1360 kg – has a minimum of $26.45 per hour, just above the national minimum. For Qantas pilots flying larger aircraft, the award rates are much higher, reflecting the skill and responsibility required.

Enterprise Agreements: Why Qantas Pilots Earn More

Qantas pilots are covered by enterprise agreements negotiated between the airline and pilot unions. These agreements set pay rates that are almost always above the award minimum. For example, a Qantas Captain on a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 would earn a base salary well above the award rate of $92.52 per hour, plus allowances and benefits. The exact figures are not published in the award but can be found on the Fair Work Commission’s agreement register. If you are comparing a job offer, check whether it references an enterprise agreement – if so, that agreement overrides the award as long as it pays more overall.

Practical Check: Comparing Your Hourly Rate

To see if a rate is above the legal minimum, find the award classification that matches the aircraft type and role. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help. For a Qantas pilot, the relevant classification is likely Captain or First Officer on a narrow body or wide body aircraft. If the offered rate is below the award minimum, the employer is breaking the law. If it is above, it may still be below the enterprise agreement rate – check the agreement for the exact figure.

Remember that the national minimum wage is a backstop. Even if an award or agreement does not cover you, you must be paid at least $26.44 per hour (or the appropriate junior rate). For award-free juniors, rates range from $9.73 per hour for under 16s to $25.84 for 20-year-olds, as set by the Fair Work Commission.

Where to Get More Information

Which minimum wage applies – use this to check if you are award-free or covered by an award.
Rate tables – see the full list of award rates for pilots and other occupations.
How the figures work – understand how the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum and how awards interact.

Important Notes

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.
A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum.
Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings, not included in the hourly rate.
The figures in this guide are for orientation only and are not a pay determination or legal advice.