Regional Airline First Officer Salary: Global Comparison

If you are an aspiring pilot, then becoming a regional airline first officer can be an excellent way to launch your pilot career. Working in a regional airline provides valuable real-world flying experience, as well as exposing you to the inner workings of an airline. The role can also be your pathway to a major airline. If you are looking to become a regional airline first officer, then it is important to understand what the regional airline first officer salary looks like in various countries.

1. United Kingdom

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in the United Kingdom is quite competitive when compared to other European nations. The typical annual salary falls between £35,000 and £75,000 ($47,275.72 and $101,305.13). Various factors impact what one earns, such as airline, fleet type, and experience. As one progresses to Senior First Officer, the pay potential can exceed £90,000 ($121566.15) with allowances and sector pay. Popular regional airlines include Loganair, Eastern Airways, and Blue Islands.

Qualification: To become a regional airline first officer, you will require a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), frozen ATPL theory completion, Class 1 Medical, and strong English proficiency. UK pilots also need to complete MCC and Jet Orientation training before joining an airline. Additionally, CRM skills and simulator performance are also looked into by potential recruiters.

2. India

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in India is rapidly increasing, thanks to the burgeoning class of people availing air travel and airlines expanding their fleets. The pay for this designation typically falls in the range of ₹12 lakh and ₹35 lakh ($12,547.08 and $36,595.65) annually, depending on various factors like aircraft type, airline, and experience. Some of the popular names in this ecosystem include Alliance Air, Star Air, and IndiaOne Air. Aspiring pilots will find greater opportunities in cities like Bengaluru, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Qualification: To become a first officer in India, you will need a DGCA-issued CPL, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating, RTR licence, and Class 1 Medical Certificate. Most employers also look for a specific type rating on aircraft, such as ATR or Embraer jets. However, you do not need to complete 1,500 flying hours in India. This allows pilots to enter airlines earlier after CPL completion. What is required is a strong DGCA examination performance and simulator assessments.

3. United States

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in the United States is one of the highest in the world. One can earn anywhere between $90,000 to $150,000 annually. With more experience, the pay potential can exceed $170,000 annually. This also includes bonuses and per diem allowances. The demand for skilled pilots is going up, with the country facing an acute shortage owing to a rapidly aging pilot population. Popular regional carriers include SkyWest Airlines, Envoy Air, and PSA Airlines.

Qualification: To qualify as a regional airline first officer, you will need an FAA Commercial Pilot Licence, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, ATP or Restricted ATP eligibility, and usually 1,500 total flight hours. Many pilots build their flying hours while working as a flying instructor.

4. Canada

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in Canada is also quite competitive. The salary range usually falls between CAD 55,000 and CAD 110,000 ($40,160.17 and $80,320.35) annually. With more experience and the specific aircraft type one flies, the pay package can go higher than this. Some of the most popular names in this landscape include Jazz Aviation, PAL Airlines, and Central Mountain Air. Cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto are major hubs for aviation-related jobs.

Qualification: To become a regional airline first officer, you will need a Transport Canada CPL, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, IATRA or ATPL exams, and a Category 1 Medical Certificate. Airline recruiters highly value strong IFR and winter-flying experience. Experience gained in Canada is highly respected internationally and can lead to opportunities at Air Canada, WestJet, or international airlines. As an aspiring pilot, you can start your pilot journey by working in bush flying or flight instruction before transitioning into regional airlines.

5. Germany

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in Germany typically falls in the range of €45,000 and €90,000 ($52,691.40 and $105,382.80) annually. Various factors play a role in determining what one earns, such as airline contracts and experience. Pilots are also provided with additional benefits in the form of accommodation support, travel allowances, and pension schemes. Some popular regional airlines include Lufthansa CityLine, Eurowings, and German Airways.

Qualification: To become a regional airline first officer, you will need an EASA CPL with ATPL frozen theory completion, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, MCC certification, and an EASA Class 1 medical certificate. In most pilot interviews, you will also be assessed on simulator checks, aptitude alignment, and technical expertise. Fluency in the English language is another big plus and a highly valued trait in pilot jobs. European pilots also benefit from mobility across multiple EASA member states after licensing conversion.

6. Australia

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in Australia is at par with the rest of the world. A first officer can typically earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 140,000 ($50719.55 and $101439.10) annually. Salaries are also dependent on factors such as route structure, aircraft, and remote operations. Aspiring pilots will find many opportunities to choose from, with the demand for skilled pilots remaining consistent due to regional connectivity requirements and fleet growth. Popular regional airlines include Regional Express Airlines, QantasLink, and Airnorth.

Qualification: To become a regional airline first officer, you will need CASA CPL or ATPL theory credits, multi-engine Instrument rating, a Class 1 Medical, and strong English communication skills. Airlines also look for pilots who have gained experience in flying into remote airports and demanding weather environments. Many pilots who start their pilot journey in regional airlines eventually progress to opportunities at Qantas, Virgin Australia, or international carriers operating in Asia and the Middle East.

7. Brazil

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in Brazil typically falls in the range of BRL 120,000 to BRL 300,000 ($24514.31 and $61285.77) annually. Various factors play a role in determining what first officers can make, such as airline, aircraft type, and flight hours. Pilot demand is steadily increasing in South America due to the expansion of domestic aviation networks, increasing the number of pilot jobs. Popular airlines with regional operations include Azul Brazilian Airlines, Voepass Linhas Aéreas, and Gol Linhas Aéreas.

Qualification: To become a regional airline first officer, you will require an ANAC-issued CPL, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate. Most airlines also require pilots to have ICAO English proficiency certification and simulator evaluations. To build flying experience, most pilots go through flight schools, charter operators, or agricultural aviation before airline recruitment.

8. Kenya

Salary: The regional airline first officer salary in Kenya typically falls between KES 2.5 million and KES 8 million ($19,358.84 and $61,948.27) annually. Factors like airline, aircraft type, and international route exposure all play a role in determining what a first officer can earn. Pilots are also eligible for additional perks such as housing, transport, and travel allowances. Some of the popular names in this ecosystem include Jambojet, Safarilink Aviation, and Fly540.

Qualification: To become a first officer in Kenya, you will need a Kenya Civil Aviation Authority CPL, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, ICAO English proficiency, and a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate. Explore our blog to learn more about the different medical certificates required for pilots. Many airlines prefer candidates with experience in bush flying and regional operations. As an aspiring pilot, you can begin with charter or safari operators before joining scheduled regional airlines.

Enjoying the article?

Conclusion

What does the global regional airline first officer salary comparison reveal about where the aviation industry is headed? Airlines across regions are facing a pilot crunch. Rising salaries in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India are a clear indicator of how aggressively airlines are competing to attract and retain qualified crew members, including regional airline first officers.

The rise in regional first officer jobs also shows how important regional airlines are becoming to the aviation ecosystem. Many carriers now rely on regional operations to connect smaller cities and support major airline networks. For pilots looking to enter the industry, this is the right time. If you want to learn more about becoming a first officer, this blog will guide you through the process. Overall, the growth in regional airline salaries shows that aviation is entering a long-term expansion phase where skilled pilots will remain highly valuable.

Regional Airline First Officer Salary 2026: UK, USA & Global Outlook