What is the minimum wage for a pilot under the Air Pilots Award in 2026?

The Air Pilots Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates for pilots based on aircraft type and role. For example, from 14 July 2026, a captain on a narrow-body aircraft (such as a Boeing 737) earns at least $92.52 per hour, while a first officer on the same aircraft earns $65.65 per hour. These rates are the legal minimum; enterprise agreements or individual contracts can provide higher pay.

How much do Qantas pilots actually earn in 2026?

Qantas pilots are employed under enterprise agreements that typically pay well above the award minimums. Exact 2026 salaries are not publicly available from the search results, but they are negotiated through collective bargaining and vary by aircraft type, experience, and role. For the most current figures, refer to the relevant Qantas enterprise agreement or contact the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA).

Does superannuation apply to pilot salaries?

Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This applies to all pilots, including those covered by the Air Pilots Award or an enterprise agreement. The super contribution is in addition to the hourly or salary rate.

Qantas pilots salary 2026: award minimums and enterprise agreement context

The Air Pilots Award 2020 minimum for a narrow-body captain is $92.52 per hour from 14 July 2026, but Qantas pilots are covered by enterprise agreements that set higher actual salaries.

Understanding the Qantas pilots salary 2026 landscape

When searching for "qantas pilots salary 2026", it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor and the actual earnings negotiated through enterprise agreements. Qantas, as a major airline, employs pilots under specific enterprise agreements that set rates above the minimums in the Air Pilots Award 2020. This guide explains the award rates that apply as a baseline and how they relate to Qantas pilot compensation.

The Air Pilots Award 2020 as the legal minimum

The Fair Work Commission maintains the Air Pilots Award 2020, which covers employers throughout Australia of air pilots and helicopter aircrew. From the first full pay period on or after 14 July 2026, the award includes updated hourly rates for captains and first officers based on aircraft maximum take-off weight and type. For example, a captain flying a narrow-body aircraft (such as a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320) must be paid at least $92.52 per hour. A first officer on the same aircraft receives a minimum of $65.65 per hour. These rates are the legal floor; no pilot can be paid less than these amounts unless a permitted junior, apprentice, or supported wage applies (which is rare for professional pilots).

How the national minimum wage interacts with pilot pay

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, this rate does not apply to pilots covered by the Air Pilots Award. The award contains its own minimum rates that are significantly higher due to the specialised nature of the work. The national minimum wage serves as a backstop for award-free employees, but pilots are almost always covered by the award or an enterprise agreement. Casual pilots under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate derived from the annual salary formula (clause 10.2 of the award).

Enterprise agreements and Qantas-specific pay

Qantas pilots are not paid the award minimum. Instead, their salaries are determined by enterprise agreements negotiated between Qantas and the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) or other bargaining representatives. These agreements typically include higher base rates, allowances, and conditions that reflect the airline's operational requirements and the pilots' experience. The exact figures for 2026 are not publicly available from the web search results, but they are generally well above the award rates. For example, a Qantas captain on a Boeing 787 or Airbus A380 would earn a salary that far exceeds the narrow-body award rate of $92.52 per hour.

Superannuation on pilot earnings

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This applies to all pilots, whether paid under the award or an enterprise agreement. The super contribution is calculated on the hourly or salary rate and is paid into a complying superannuation fund. It is not deducted from the pilot's pay; it is an additional payment by the employer.

Comparing award rates to other benchmarks

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. A pilot earning the award minimum for a narrow-body captain ($92.52 per hour) would earn approximately $3,515.76 per week for a 38-hour week, which is well above the national average. However, actual flying hours and duty time can vary, and enterprise agreements often include additional allowances for overnight stays, international flying, and other factors.

Key takeaways for readers

The Air Pilots Award sets minimum hourly rates that vary by aircraft type and role.
Qantas pilots are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above the award.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of all ordinary time earnings.
For the most accurate and current Qantas pilot salary information, consult the relevant enterprise agreement or contact the union.

For more information on how minimum wages apply to different industries, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

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For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.