Finance

Sky-High Salaries: What Singapore Airlines Pilots Earn in 2024!

2025-08-31

Author: Wei

Explore the Luxurious World of Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines (SQ), the flagship carrier of Singapore, stands tall among the globe's most opulent airlines, known for delivering an unmatched passenger experience. As the preferred choice for travelers across Asia and beyond, SQ boasts a fleet centered around heavyweights like the impressive Airbus A380, making it a coveted destination for aspiring pilots.

Unveiling Pilot Salaries at Singapore Airlines in 2024

Curious about how much SQ pilots take home? Here’s an inside look at the earnings across different ranks within the airline.

Second Officers: The Rookies of the Skies

Second officers at Singapore Airlines are often entry-level pilots just graduated from SQ's cadet program. These pilots primarily serve as standbys, accumulating flight hours under the mentorship of experienced officers. Their annual salaries range from SG$75,000 to SG$90,000, depending on their training and previous experience. Importantly, they enter a seven-year bond with the airline, reflecting the significant investment made in their training.

First Officers: The Right-Hand Crew

Moving up, first officers are crucial to flight operations, assisting captains in navigating and ensuring passenger safety. Their earnings sit between SG$120,000 and SG$180,000 annually, supplemented by SG$82 for each flying hour logged. Notably, SQ does not guarantee a minimum number of flying hours, although pilot satisfaction remains high due to ample flight opportunities.

Captains: The Commanding Authority

At the helm are the captains, responsible for overall aircraft operations, from takeoff to landing. They earn impressive salaries ranging from SG$250,000 to SG$350,000 yearly, and like first officers, they too receive SG$125 per flying hour. Captains enjoy some of the highest pay levels in the industry, surpassed only by a select number of airlines, primarily in the Gulf region.

Exceptional Benefits for SQ Pilots

In addition to competitive salaries, pilots at Singapore Airlines enjoy a wealth of benefits, including:

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

SQ offers extensive medical and life insurance for pilots and their families, providing peace of mind whether in flight or on the ground.

Retirement Support

The airline assists pilots in preparing for retirement, offering financial management courses and tailored agreements to secure their futures post-career.

Generous Travel Allowance

One of the most exciting perks includes heavily discounted or complimentary travel for pilots and their families in premium classes on SQ and partner airlines.

Housing Allowance

While SQ does not provide housing for its pilots, a compensation package helps to cover rental costs and essential living expenses.

Career Development Opportunities

Pilots looking to continue their careers beyond flying can transition into roles such as fleet managers or trainers, thanks to SQ's dedicated training programs.

Profit-Sharing Incentives

SQ has implemented a lucrative profit-sharing scheme, rewarding pilots based on their performance, with many employees now seeing bonuses reaching eight to nine months of their base salary post-COVID.

Pilot Requirements: The Path to the Cockpit

Aspiring pilots must meet several criteria, such as attaining a Class 1 Medical Certificate, holding valid pilot licenses, and accumulating specific flight hours. For second officers, 200 hours are needed; first officers require 1,500 hours; and captains must have at least 7,000 hours, including 3,000 in command.

Join the Ranks of SQ Pilots!

Singapore Airlines invites online applications for pilot positions, followed by interviews and simulator tests to ensure only the best candidates take to the skies.

With enticing salaries, abundant benefits, and a storied reputation, a career as a pilot at Singapore Airlines is a dream for many in the aviation industry. Stay tuned for more news and updates!