The average pilot salary in Canada is $70,000-$200,000 per year depending on carrier and experience. This guide breaks down pilot pay by airline, aircraft type, and seniority.
Table of Contents
Airline Pilot Salary by Carrier
Airline
First Officer
Captain
Air Canada
$100,000-$180,000
$250,000-$350,000
WestJet
$80,000-$140,000
$180,000-$280,000
Porter
$70,000-$110,000
$140,000-$200,000
Jazz Aviation
$60,000-$90,000
$110,000-$160,000
Sky Regional
$55,000-$85,000
$100,000-$150,000
Flair
$65,000-$100,000
$130,000-$180,000
Sunwing
$70,000-$110,000
$140,000-$200,000
Salary by Aircraft Type
Aircraft Category
First Officer
Captain
Wide-body (777, 787)
$140,000-$180,000
$280,000-$350,000
Narrow-body (737, A320)
$90,000-$140,000
$180,000-$260,000
Regional Jet (CRJ, E175)
$60,000-$90,000
$110,000-$160,000
Turboprop (Dash 8, ATR)
$55,000-$80,000
$100,000-$140,000
Salary by Career Stage
Stage
Years
Salary Range
Flight Instructor (CFI)
0-2
$35,000-$55,000
Regional F/O
2-5
$60,000-$90,000
Regional Captain
5-8
$110,000-$160,000
Major Airline F/O
5-12
$100,000-$180,000
Major Airline Captain
12+
$200,000-$350,000
Non-Airline Pilot Salaries
Type
Salary Range
Corporate/Business Jet
$90,000-$180,000
Medevac
$70,000-$110,000
Cargo (Cargojet, FedEx)
$100,000-$250,000
Bush Pilot
$50,000-$80,000
Helicopter (Commercial)
$70,000-$120,000
Helicopter (Offshore)
$100,000-$160,000
Fire Fighting
$80,000-$140,000
Agricultural/Spray
$60,000-$100,000
Take-Home Pay (Ontario Example)
Gross Salary
Annual Take-Home
Monthly Net
$100,000
$72,500
$6,040
$180,000
$117,000
$9,750
$280,000
$172,000
$14,330
Training Costs
Training Stage
Cost
Private Pilot License (PPL)
$15,000-$20,000
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
$50,000-$70,000
Multi-Engine Rating
$8,000-$12,000
Instrument Rating (IFR)
$10,000-$15,000
ATPL Theory
$3,000-$5,000
Total to Airline-Ready
$80,000-$120,000
Career Timeline
Milestone
Timeline
Typical Earnings
Flight Training
18-24 months
-$100,000 (cost)
Flight Instructor
Years 1-3
$40,000-$55,000
Regional F/O
Years 3-6
$70,000-$90,000
Regional Captain
Years 6-10
$130,000-$160,000
Major F/O
Years 8-15
$140,000-$180,000
Major Captain
Years 15+
$250,000-$350,000
Benefits & Perks
Benefit
Details
Travel Benefits
Free/discounted flights
Pension
Defined contribution (major airlines)
Health/Dental
Full coverage
Per Diem
$40-$80/day on trips
Hotels
Paid by airline
Schedule
Seniority-based bidding
Is Being a Pilot a Good Career in Canada?
Pros:
High earning potential at majors
Travel benefits
Prestigious career
No office desk job
Pilot shortage = job security
Seniority system protects jobs
Cons:
Very high training costs ($100K+)
Years of low pay building hours
Time away from home
Irregular schedule
Medical certificate required
Industry vulnerable to downturns