How is a commercial pilot salary calculated under the Air Pilots Award?

The Air Pilots Award sets minimum annual salaries for each classification. For full-time and part-time employees, the hourly rate is the annual salary divided by 52 (weeks) then divided by 38 (ordinary hours per week). For casual employees, the hourly rate is 1/800th of the annual salary (including applicable additions), plus a 25% casual loading. For example, a casual pilot flying a multi-engine aircraft under a command instrument rating may have a derived hourly rate of around $126 per hour before loading.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates for commercial pilots?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Employees not covered by an award or whose award rate is lower must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Under the Air Pilots Award, some classifications, such as aerial application operations with 0–1000 flying hours in the first 6 months, have a minimum hourly rate of $25.74 – below the National Minimum Wage. In that case, the employer must pay the higher National Minimum Wage. Most commercial pilot classifications, especially for airlines or general aviation, have award rates well above the minimum.

How does casual loading affect a commercial pilot's pay?

Casual loading under the Air Pilots Award is 25% on top of the base hourly rate derived from the annual salary. The loading replaces entitlements like paid leave, public holidays, and other benefits. The loading is not included in the base rate; it is added on top. For example, if a casual pilot's base hourly rate is $100, the casual loading adds $25, making the total $125 per hour. The loading is paid for each flying hour and is separate from penalty rates or allowances.

Commercial Pilot Salary: Converting Award Rates to Hourly and Annual Pay

For a full-time commercial pilot under the Air Pilots Award, the hourly rate is derived from the annual salary divided by 52 weeks and 38 hours per week; casual rates use 1/800th of annual salary plus 25% loading.

Converting a Commercial Pilot Salary: From Hourly to Annual Pay

If you know your hourly rate, you can estimate your annual gross pay using the standard formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For most full-time employees under the Fair Work system, the standard ordinary hours are 38 hours per week. This site assumes 38 hours unless your award or agreement states otherwise. The same formula works for part-time or casual, but the hourly rate may be calculated differently under your award.

The National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. However, many occupations are covered by modern awards that set higher minimum rates. For a commercial pilot salary, the relevant award is the Air Pilots Award 2020 (MA000046). The award contains only annual salaries, not hourly rates. To convert a commercial pilot salary to an hourly figure, you need to know the employment type.

Full-Time and Part-Time Commercial Pilots

For full-time and part-time employees, the hourly rate is the annual salary divided by 52 then divided by 38. For example, if a commercial pilot’s annual salary is $80,000, the weekly rate is $1,538.46 and the hourly rate is $40.48. This is the base rate before any allowances, penalties, or overtime. The award also includes additions to salary for certain qualifications, such as command instrument rating, which increase the annual salary before the hourly calculation.

Casual Commercial Pilots

Casual commercial pilots are paid per flying hour at 1/800th of the annual salary (including applicable additions). Then a 25% casual loading of 25% is added on top. The award states: casual loading is instead of leave and other entitlements. For example, a casual pilot with an annual salary of $70,496 plus additions of $10,245.53 gives a total of $80,741.53. Dividing by 800 gives $100.93 per hour, then multiplied by 1.25 gives $126.16 per hour. This is the casual hourly rate.

Aerial Application Operations

For aerial application (crop dusting), the award provides weekly and hourly rates directly. For a pilot with 0–1000 flying hours and less than 6 months experience, the weekly rate is $978.10 and hourly rate $25.74. These rates are below the National Minimum Wage. If you are covered by this classification, you must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage if the award rate is lower. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Guide for the Air Pilots Award for the latest rates.

Fortnightly Pay and Weekly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. The fortnight is simply weekly pay multiplied by 2. For a full-time commercial pilot earning $1,004.90 per week, the fortnight is $2,009.70 per fortnight. This can help you budget. The formula: hourly × 38 × 2 = fortnightly gross.

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation Guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. For 2026–27, the maximum contribution base is $270,830. If your annual gross is $80,000, super adds $9,600 per year. Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident rates: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. This site provides an estimate; your actual tax may differ due to HELP, Medicare surcharge, or salary packaging.

Using This Site

To estimate your annual pay, type your base hourly rate into the timesheet (home page). Check the box for casual loading if you are a casual employee – this adds 25% on top of the base rate. Do not type a rate that already includes casual loading. The calculator uses 38 hours per week. You can also explore pay guides for award summaries, minimum wage for the national floor, and casual loading for more details.

Summary

A commercial pilot salary under the Air Pilots Award is set as an annual figure. To compare with other jobs or to budget, convert to hourly by dividing by 52 and 38 (full-time) or 800 (casual). Remember the National Minimum Wage applies if the award rate is lower. Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 to get annual gross. Super is on top, tax is deducted. Use the tools on this site to get a quick estimate.