It’s safe to say we have all dreamed of becoming pilots once in our lives—I know I have. As a kid, I was fascinated by the idea of being the one in charge of the big bird that swallows people at one point and vomits them at another.
But I can’t say quite what happened to that dream, just as I never really knew what pilot salary in Nigeria was like at the time.
Thanks to age knowledge and, of course, Google, I now know what an average pilot in Nigeria earns as a salary.
While I may not have lofty dreams of becoming a pilot myself any longer, I can help you understand what is required of you as a prospective pilot in this article.
Oyr will also examine some of the best pilot training schools in Nigeria, their fees, and, of course, the time it takes to become a pilot in Nigeria.
Table of contents
- What are the different types of pilot careers?
- Which type of pilot career is right for me?
- How Much is Pilot Salary in Nigeria Per Month?
- How Much is Commercial Pilot Salary in Nigeria
- Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries in Nigeria
- What subjects do you need to become a pilot in Nigeria?
- Pilot Training or Flight Training Schools in Nigeria
- How much is pilot training in Nigeria?
- Do pilots get paid monthly?
- How much is an airline pilot’s salary in Nigeria?
- How many years is a pilot school in Nigeria?
- How old can you be to start pilot training?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Read Also
What are the different types of pilot careers?
Some of the most common types of pilot careers include:
- Airline pilot: Airline pilots fly commercial aircraft for airlines, transporting passengers and cargo worldwide.
- Corporate pilot: Corporate pilots fly private aircraft for businesses and individuals. They may fly executives to meetings, transport cargo, or provide air taxi services.
- Charter pilot: Charter pilots fly aircraft for hire, transporting passengers and cargo to various destinations.
- Helicopter pilots: They maneuver helicopters, which are versatile aircraft capable of fulfilling various tasks, such as law enforcement, medical evacuation, and construction.
- Cargo pilot: Cargo pilots fly aircraft that transport cargo, such as freight and packages.
- Aerial photography pilot: Pilots specialising in aerial photography use aircraft to capture images and movies of the earth below. Numerous businesses, such as construction, real estate, and surveying, employ their labor.
- Flight instructor: Flight instructors and teachers instruct pupils in flying. They could be self-employed or employed by a flying school.
- Military pilot: Military pilots fly aircraft for the military. They may fly fighter jets, bombers, or transport aircraft.
Read Also: List of Bowen University Courses and Cut Off Marks | 2024 Fees
Which type of pilot career is right for me?
Your interests, abilities, and professional objectives will determine the ideal kind of piloting job for you.
If you enjoy flying big aircraft and exploring new places, an airline pilot career may be a good fit for you.
A corporate or charter pilot career can be a better fit if you would instead fly smaller aircraft and have more scheduling flexibility.
Whatever the case, you need to determine what Qualifications You Need to Become an A-Level Pilot.
How Much is Pilot Salary in Nigeria Per Month?
Pilot salaries in Nigeria range from 300k to 7 million naira monthly, depending on factors such as experience, whether you are flying local or international, and whether you fly for private or commercial airlines.
We will further break down these earnings according to qualifications. Meanwhile, below are some reasons why the pilot salary in Nigeria is what it is right now.
Over the past few decades, Nigeria’s aviation sector has grown tremendously, bolstering the country’s economy and supplying essential connectivity domestically and internationally.
As the backbone of this sector, pilots are essential to guaranteeing the efficient and safe movement of both people and goods.
In Nigeria, the pay scale for pilots as of 2024 varies greatly depending on the kind of airline, the rank and experience of the pilot, and the particular routes that are flown.
Below are the salary expectations of pilots in Nigeria according to their level of experience and qualifications.
Want to be a pilot? Check out Fun Facts About Naps to Boost Your Energy Levels so you never snooze in the cockpit!
Entry-Level Pilots
For people who have never flown before, getting a commercial pilot license (CPL) is the first step in starting a career.
After graduation, entry-level pilots, often known as First Officers or Co-Pilots, work for local or regional airlines.
In Nigeria, the average monthly salary for entry-level pilots is between ₦300,000 and ₦800,000. This range may change depending on the airline and the particular aircraft being flown.
Compared to major domestic airlines, salaries for regional airlines are typically lower.
Read Also: Godfrey Okoye University Courses and Fees | 2024 Requirements
Experienced First Officers
First Officers get a significant boost in pay after a few years of experience. Usually, once they have accrued approximately 1,500 flying hours, their monthly pay would increase from ₦900,000 to ₦1,500,000.
First, Officers with experience can typically advance to international routes, where the higher compensation is attributed to longer flight durations and more responsibilities.
If you like flying, you would like to learn how to Fly Unblocked For Online | 2024
Captains
The highest position in a pilot’s career is that of captain. Captains oversee the entire aircraft’s operation, make crucial choices, and guarantee everyone’s safety.
Captains in Nigeria with much expertise and work for big airlines can make anywhere from ₦2,000,000 to ₦5,000,000 a month. The type of aircraft flown impacts the salary; larger, more sophisticated aircraft tend to attract more excellent salaries. Captains on foreign routes make more money than those on domestic routes.
Pilots in International Airlines
In the Nigerian aviation industry, pilots employed by foreign airlines—particularly those doing lengthy flights—usually receive the most significant compensation.
These pilots, who fly bigger aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A380, frequently have great experience.
Pilots salaries in Nigeria for International Airlines range from ₦4,000,000 and ₦7,000,000,000 per month.
Additional benefits like housing allowances, health insurance, and incentives are frequently included in the compensation package, which raises the total salary even more.
Get cracking with Plane Games Unblocked For College Students In 2024 if you are into pilot games and simulation.
Helicopter Pilots
Helicopter pilots, who frequently operate in the oil and gas industry, are paid according to a different scale.
These pilots make lucrative pay due to the specialist nature of their employment, which frequently entails moving individuals to offshore installations.
Experienced helicopter pilots can make up to ₦2,000,000. Entry-level pilots can expect to make between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 monthly.
The higher pay range results from the demanding nature of the work and the high-risk environment.
Private and Corporate Pilots
Another subset of the sector is made up of pilots who operate private aircraft or are employed by businesses. Their pay can differ significantly depending on the affluence and frequency of the client’s flights.
Private and business pilots often earn between ₦1,500,000 and ₦3,500,000 per month. In addition to their regular pay, these pilots frequently receive benefits like first-class lodging, adjustable work schedules, and substantial bonuses.
How Much is Commercial Pilot Salary in Nigeria
All the above-listed categories of pilots can fall under commercial pilots. Therefore, salaries are not different from what we already discussed, which is heavily decided by one’s experience.
If you are not built for the rigorous demands of becoming a pilot you can always work as a clerk! Check out the Salary Of A Clerk Per Week, Qualifications, Job Descriptions, Vacancies
Factors Influencing Pilot Salaries in Nigeria
The following affect Nigerian pilot salaries:
- Type of Airline: Major international carriers pay substantially more than regional or local airlines.
- Experience and Rank: Pilots with greater understanding and those at higher positions, such as captains, make more money.
- Routes flown: pay on international routes is higher than on domestic ones.
- Type of Aircraft: Pilots who operate more sophisticated, larger aircraft are paid more.
- Sector: Due to the specialist nature of their jobs, private jet and helicopter pilots in the oil and gas industry can make more money.
Read Also: Lagos Business School Courses, School Fees, Location & Admission Requirements
What subjects do you need to become a pilot in Nigeria?
- Minimum of five (5) credits in O’Level certificate, including credit in English and Mathematics.
- Physics and Geography can be added advantages.
- You have to be 17 years of age for the Pilot Course.
- Minimum of 21 years of age for Flight Dispatcher Course.
Pilot Training or Flight Training Schools in Nigeria
Nigerian pilot training and flight training schools provide some of the top flight training programs for students from local, regional, and international backgrounds. Graduates from these programs work as flight attendants, aircraft engineers, and airline pilots.
- FlyEagleair
- International Aviation College
- Gibair Aviation Academy
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
- Landover Aviation Business School (LABS)
- Universal School of Aviation (USA)
- Dhaewood Aviation Business School
- Falcon Aviation Training
- PTM Academy
- Sky Aviation Training Center
- Skywalker Training Center
- Helicopter Pilot Training Academy, Ikeja
- Javi Aviation Support Services, Ikeja
- Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management
- Crew Training Institute
- International Institute Of Aviation Training
- Institute Of Aviation and Maritime Studies
- Lagos Aviation Academy
- Lagos Aviation And Maritime Business Academy
- Riteway Aviation School
- Belgrade Aviation Training Institute
- Dot Aviation Training Institute
- Continental Aviation School
- Obafemi Awolowo University Aviation Training Institute
- Top Flight International School of Aviation
- College of Aviation and Management Studies
How much is pilot training in Nigeria?
The cost of pilot training in Nigeria varies depending on the flight school, pilot license type, and duration of the training program. Generally, the cost ranges from ₦7 million to ₦12 million (approximately $9,000 to USD 15,000).
Here’s a breakdown of the costs for different types of pilot training:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): The cost of obtaining a PPL in Nigeria ranges from ₦2 million to ₦4 million (about $2,500 to USD 5,000). This license allows you to fly as a private pilot but not for commercial purposes.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): To obtain a CPL, which allows you to work as a commercial pilot, the cost ranges from ₦5 million to ₦8 million (about $6,500 to USD 10,500). This includes flight hours, ground school, exams, and other fees.
- Multi-Engine Rating & Instrument Rating: Additional ratings such as Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating (ME/IR) may cost another ₦1.5 million to ₦2 million (approximately $2,000 to USD 2,500).
These costs typically include ground school, simulator training, flight hours, exam fees, and other administrative costs. However, flight schools often do not include additional expenses such as accommodation, uniforms, books, and personal gear. It’s advisable to check directly with the flight schools for the most accurate and up-to-date fees.
Read Also: Read Also: What Course Can I Study with 165 Jamb Cut off mark in 2024? | Universities and Fees
Do pilots get paid monthly?
Most airlines provide pilots with a minimum one-month guarantee. This ensures that pilots are compensated if weather, maintenance, or other factors force them to cancel part of their flights.
How much is an airline pilot’s salary in Nigeria?
According to Glassdoor.com, the estimated salary for a Pilot is NGN 60,076,500 per year in the Nigeria area.
This number represents the median, the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and is based on salaries collected from their users.
How many years is a pilot school in Nigeria?
Pilot school in Nigeria typically takes 18 to 24 months, depending on the type of license and training program chosen. The duration may be extended if a student pursues advanced certifications or requires additional flight hours.
The cost of training can be high, but it offers significant rewards, as pilot salaries in Nigeria range from ₦500,000 to ₦2,000,000 monthly, depending on experience and the airline. Many aspiring pilots also consider training abroad for a broader range of opportunities and potentially higher pilot salaries in Nigeria upon their return.
How old can you be to start pilot training?
Although most airlines require applicants to be at least 21 to be eligible for the Airline Transport Pilot certificate, you can hold a commercial pilot certificate as early as 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gaining access to the aviation sector with a professional pilot degree is possible regardless of your preference for private or commercial flying. You will learn about business and management and the background of aviation and operations in your core studies.
On average, airline pilots log 75 hours of flight time every month and 150 hours of non-flying tasks, such as weather monitoring and flight planning. Pilots work erratic schedules, alternating between working and taking days off.
The time required to become a Captain is not predetermined. It relies on several things, including prior experience, airline regulations, and accruing the necessary number of flight hours as a first officer (co-pilot). Generally, to be eligible as a captain, India Airlines requires a minimum of 1,500 flying hours.
Switzerland pays the most, with an average salary of $172,610.
Read Also: 15 Best Architecture Courses in Nigeria | Universities, Requirements and Fees
Conclusion
Many Nigerian pilots have bright and successful careers in the aviation sector. Although being a pilot requires a large financial outlay for training and education, there are major income benefits and advancement potential.
For those who want to become pilots in Nigeria, the future appears bright due to the industry’s ongoing growth and the rising need for air travel. Pilot salaries in Nigeria reflect how rewarding the sector can be.
References
- Different Types of Pilot Careers – https://www.maverickaviation.in
- How Much A Nigerian Pilot Earns (2024) – https://kashgain.net/blog
Read Also
- Official List of Health Science Courses in Nigeria| Schools, Fees, and Requirements
- UCH School of Nursing Ibadan Cut Off Mark, Fees and Requirements | 2024
- List of Human Kinetics Courses in Nigeria | Schools, Fees and Requirements
- List of Courses Offered in TASUED and Their Cut-off Mark | 2024
- Bells University of Technology School Fees, Courses, and Requirements | 2024
