What is the Salary of a Pilot in Malaysia?
Afterschool
September 28, 2020
The aviation industry has seen a surge in interest over the past few years, thanks to the rising demand both locally and abroad. And with the demand rising, so too has the salary of these aviator-donning sky wizards. But how much can a pilot actually earn? Here, we find out.
- Comprehensive Training is Key: Completing a flying course and obtaining a type rating is essential for piloting a commercial aircraft, taking 4-6 months with an initial stipend of RM400.
- Salary Progression Depends on Flight Hours: Pilot salaries significantly increase with accumulated flight hours, starting at RM9,000 as a Junior First Officer and reaching RM16,000–RM20,000+ after 2,500–3,000 hours.
- Captaincy Brings Prestige and High Pay: Captains earn RM35,000+ in their first year, with salaries rising to RM50,000+ after over a decade of service.
- Responsibilities Are Monumental: Beyond financial rewards, the role demands immense responsibility, irregular hours and adaptability to challenges, underscoring the importance of having a genuine passion for flying.
Training
Image via the national.ae
Upon completion of your flying course, you’ll have to obtain your type rating. The course prepares a fresh graduate to pilot a commercial plane, be it an Airbus or a Boeing. Usually done with an airline, a type rating involves ground school and simulator assessments.
Duration: 4 – 6 months
Salary: RM400
Junior First Officer/Second Officer
Image via flygosh.com
A junior first officer or second officer is a fully qualified pilot within his type rating, or in simple terms, a co-pilot. You will begin to earn a proper salary, which is broken down into the four aspects below. Do note that this breakdown will hold true even when you reach the higher ranks.
Salary (Basic salary + flying allowance + sector allowance + EPF) = RM9,000
First Officer (>1,500 hours/APTL)
Image via wwfc.ca
Upon completing more than 1,500 hours, a first officer moves up the ranks and is eligible to unfreeze his Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Passing this optional assessment comes with a nice bump in salary (for select airlines). It’s important to note that a pilot’s salary changes based on hours flown rather than years of experience – at least until he reaches the rank of captain.
Salary: RM12,000 – RM13,000
First Officer (>2,500 hours – 3,000 hours)
Image via wwfc.ca
While their rank technically does not change, first officers will see an increase in basic and overall salary after accumulating the required hours. Different airlines have different required hours before you can progress to the next bracket. Some even use the term senior first officer.
Salary: RM16,000 – RM20,000+
Captain
The highest rank a pilot can achieve is that of a captain. Upon the accumulation of enough flight hours (varying, depending on the airline), a pilot is eligible to be promoted to the rank of captain, subject to rigorous assessments. Promotion may depend on the seniority of the first officer at the airline as well. Salary increments as a captain will depend on number of years, rather than hours.
Salary:
- RM35,000+ (1st year)
- RM40,000 – RM45,000+ (8th year onwards)
- RM45,000 – RM50,000 (12th year onwards)
While being a pilot is a lucrative career, it’s important to remember that taking the plunge merely for the stipend is never recommended or advised. The responsibilities of a pilot are monumental, as he holds the lives of hundreds in his hands. This certainly cannot be taken lightly.
Additionally, pilots fly during odd hours as well as public holidays, giving them an irregular work schedule. Having said that, those who are truly interested will not mind but, rather, look forward to the adventure.
Are you interested in becoming a pilot? If so, click here to read our step-by-step guide on becoming one.
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