Starting salaries for newly qualified second/first officers, working for a small operation, may be around £24,000. In larger companies, starting salaries can reach £28,000. Once you've built up your experience, salaries as a second officer tend to peak at around £58,000 while first officer salaries can reach £75,000.

As of early 2026, the salary for a commercial pilot in the United Kingdom varies significantly based on rank, airline, and years of experience. A newly qualified Second Officer at a regional or low-cost carrier can expect a starting base salary of £24,000 to £32,000, which often increases quickly with flight pay. First Officers at major airlines typically earn between £55,000 and £85,000, depending on their seniority. For those who reach the rank of Captain, salaries at medium-sized airlines range from £75,000 to £110,000, while Senior Captains at major long-haul carriers like British Airways or Virgin Atlantic can earn £150,000 to over £200,000 including bonuses and sector pay. In 2026, the average pilot salary across all levels in the UK is approximately £92,400. Beyond the base pay, pilots also receive "allowances" for time away from base and various pension contributions, making it one of the most lucrative, though high-pressure, career paths in the UK transport sector.