A report has highlighted significant regional differences in the pay and working conditions of pilots.
He Global Pilot Pay and Market Insights Report 2025 from specialist recruitment agency AeroProfesional APAC and the Middle East lead in high pilot salaries, with more than 12% and 11% respectively earning more than $18,000 a month, well ahead of Europe and South America.
However, high salaries do not automatically guarantee better working conditions: 65% of Middle Eastern pilots are open to changing employers and 48% of APAC pilots surveyed say they are considering moving to another airline.
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The UK stands out for job security, with 90% of pilots on permanent contracts, the highest globally. The report notes that the low use of flexible contracts in the country can hinder adaptability. British pilots also prioritize quality of life, with a third citing better staffing as their main reason for seeking new roles. This is more than any other region.
Health insurance coverage varies widely, with Europe lagging behind at 51.2%, compared to North America (78.3%), the Middle East (73.3%) and the United Kingdom (68.7%).
Sam Sprules, CEO of AeroProfessional, said: “While salary remains a powerful factor in attracting pilots, it is clear that broader employment conditions, such as contract stability, benefits and work-life balance, play an increasingly decisive role in retention.
“Each region has its own set of challenges and airlines must adapt their employment strategies accordingly to remain competitive in a global talent market.”
