It’s the question almost everyone asks before considering this career. How much does an airline pilot earn in Spain doesn’t have a single answer, because it depends on the airline, the rank, and seniority.
In this article you’ll find real figures, not generic estimates. They come from collective bargaining agreements registered in the BOE (Spain’s Official State Gazette) and official statements from SEPLA, the pilots’ union.
How Much Does an Airline Pilot Earn by Rank
A pilot’s salary changes a lot throughout their career. There are three factors that determine it:
- Rank: first officer (co-pilot) or captain.
- The specific airline, since each one has its own collective bargaining agreement.
- Seniority within the company, known in the industry as seniority.
The figures you’ll see below are based on the collective bargaining agreements of pilots at Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa and Ryanair, and on data released by the pilots’ union (SEPLA) and by specialized reports on pilot salaries in Spain.
How Much Does a First Officer (Co-pilot) Earn
A newly trained pilot’s first contract is almost always as a first officer. Based on these agreements and union data, these are the gross annual reference figures in base salary:
- Iberia: between €40,000 and €80,000 gross per year, depending on seniority and level within the pilots’ agreement.
- Vueling: between €40,000 and €70,000 gross per year for a first officer, according to its pilots’ collective agreement.
- Air Europa: around €30,000-40,000 gross per year in the early stages as a first officer, according to its agreement and data released by SEPLA.
- Ryanair: between €30,000 and €45,000 gross per year for a first officer, based on the agreement tables registered in the Official State Gazette and their interpretation in salary reports.
How Much Does an Airline Captain Earn
The salary rises notably upon promotion to captain. Based on the same collective bargaining agreements and union data, these are the approximate gross annual figures:
- Iberia: between €100,000 and €120,000 gross per year as the typical captain base salary range, with the possibility of exceeding this figure at the highest levels.
- Vueling: between €70,000 and €115,000 gross per year for captains, according to its agreement and seniority within the company.
- Air Europa: between €70,000 and €100,000 gross per year for captains, according to the pilots’ agreement and recent salary updates.
- Ryanair: over €100,000 gross per year for captains, according to the registered agreement and information released by the airline and SEPLA, with levels that can exceed €140,000-150,000 in the top brackets.
The salary jump between first officer and captain can double the base salary, especially when combined with seniority, fleet type and high annual activity. That’s why career progression within the company is a key long-term factor in a pilot’s earnings.
How Salary Evolves Throughout a Career
A pilot’s salary trajectory follows a fairly predictable pattern at most Spanish airlines.
- First years as first officer: the salary is the lowest of the career, but it already exceeds the Spanish average salary.
- Consolidation as senior first officer (SFO): after accumulating flight hours, the salary increases progressively.
- Promotion to captain: the salary can double compared to the early years.
- Senior captain: seniority continues to increase the salary even within the same rank.
This progression depends on accumulated flight hours and seniority within the company, not just the passage of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a newly hired airline pilot earn in Spain?
As a first officer, the gross annual salary usually ranges between €28,000 and €40,000 depending on the airline, not including allowances and benefits.
How much does an airline captain earn in Spain?
Between €70,000 and €120,000 gross per year, depending on the airline and seniority.
Which Spanish airline pays its pilots the best?
According to available public data, Iberia has the highest salary range for captains, up to €120,000 gross per year.
Does a pilot’s salary include allowances and benefits?
Not in the base collective agreement figure. Allowances for overnight stays away from base, working on a day off, or aircraft type are added separately and can significantly increase net salary.
How long does it take a pilot to become a captain?
It depends on accumulated flight hours and seniority at the airline. There’s no fixed timeframe, since each company sets its own internal requirements.
Now that you know the industry’s real salaries, the next step is to plan your training with data, not assumptions. Tell us where you stand and we’ll help you assess your options.