Exclusive: The Highest-Paying Airlines for Pilots in Europe (2025 Data)
There’s no single answer. Ask five European pilots about their pay and you’ll get five different figures—and probably five different opinions. Some fly long-haul widebodies. Others hop between short-haul destinations in narrowbodies. Their base matters. So does their contract. In 2025, pilot pay in Europe is more layered than ever.
But if you’re wondering which airlines actually pay the most, here’s what current data and real-world feedback suggest.
British Airways: Prestige with a Paycheck
Speak to a BA pilot at Heathrow and they’ll likely agree on this: long-haul captains are well looked after. Figures from The Sun (2024) put top-end pay at around £167,000, with most captains falling between £100,000 and £160,000. For First Officers, it’s typically £50,000 to £90,000, depending on experience and fleet.
But it’s not just about the number on paper. Schedules can be intense. Competition for long-haul fleets is strong. And while the travel perks are excellent, some pilots weigh that against time away from home.
Lufthansa: Seniority Has Its Privileges
In Germany, Lufthansa pilots are among the best-paid in the region. A 2025 salary breakdown from Pilots Diary suggests captains can take home €12,600 to €20,200 per month. That’s £130K to £175K per year, depending on rank and aircraft type.
It’s a career that builds over time. Lufthansa has a strong union presence and clear pay bands—but advancement is often slower. For new pilots, the long runway to the top can be daunting.
Air France: Big Numbers, Layered Structure
Pay at Air France varies—sometimes more than you’d expect. Glassdoor data (2025) lists captain salaries from €120,000 to €200,000, with First Officers between €55,000 and €150,000.
Much depends on aircraft type and time in role. The airline offers a generous pension and travel perks, but some junior pilots report a slower climb. Paris bases also come with higher living costs, which can eat into take-home value.
Ryanair: More Than Just Budget?
Ryanair may not have the same legacy feel as Lufthansa or BA, but some pilots are earning competitive pay. PilotJobsNetwork (2025) estimates top captains, especially those with training or management duties, can earn up to €175,000.
The catch? Many operate under contractor models, and schedules can be demanding. Still, for high-hour flyers who value simplicity and rotation-based home time, it works. First Officers reportedly earn €53,000 to €85,000.
easyJet: Stability Meets Scale
At easyJet, the structure is clearer. According to The Independent (2024), captains can reach £170,000 when factoring in bonuses and incentives. First Officers tend to earn between £55,000 and £80,000.
Many pilots value the UK-based contracts, predictable rosters, and broader internal promotion system. Compared to Ryanair, it’s a more traditional employer.
SWISS: Quietly Competitive
SWISS is sometimes left out of salary discussions, but maybe it shouldn’t be. Their pay scales, via PilotJobsNetwork (2025), put captains at up to CHF 210,000 (around £190,000). First Officers typically earn between CHF 89,000 and CHF 167,000.
Living in Switzerland is expensive, but pilots there cite better rostering and structured schedules. There’s also strong labor protection and stable contracts.
KLM: Steady, Not Spectacular
Pilots at KLM generally earn less than at Lufthansa or SWISS, but contracts are solid and union support is strong. Captain salaries are usually between €110,000 and €180,000, and First Officers earn €60,000 to €100,000, per PilotJobsNetwork.
There’s a sense of long-term career viability—without the peaks (or risks) of some low-cost rivals.
The Bigger Picture: What Really Affects Pay?
Salary isn’t everything. A Ryanair captain flying five days a week might out-earn a Lufthansa First Officer. But what about pensions? Layover time? Time at home?
The key drivers behind pilot pay include:
- Fleet Type: Wide-bodies pay more—especially for long-haul trips.
- Base Location: Living in Zurich is not the same as Lisbon.
- Seniority: Pay bands still rule—especially at legacy carriers.
- Extras: Instructor roles, sim duties, and night ops often come with bonuses.
Final Word: What’s It Worth to You?
So which airline really pays the most? On paper, it’s likely SWISS or Lufthansa. But plenty of Ryanair and easyJet captains will say they’re doing just fine—especially when they’re home for dinner.
As one British Airways pilot put it: “The money’s good. But that’s not why I stay. I stay for the flying.”