Understanding Pilot Salary in Australia: Hourly Rates, Casual Loading & Super
For a full-time pilot under the Air Pilots Award, annual salary is hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks, with super paid on top.
Understanding Pilot Salary in Australia
When you search for a pilot salary in Australia, you'll find that pay is often quoted as an annual figure, especially under the Air Pilots Award [MA000046]. But if you're paid by the hour or want to compare offers, converting between hourly and annual is essential. This guide explains the conversion, the role of casual loading, and how superannuation fits in.
How to Convert an Hourly Rate to Annual Salary
The basic formula is:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For full-time employees, the standard is 38 hours per week (as per the Fair Work Act and most awards). So:
- Weekly pay = hourly rate × 38
- Fortnightly pay = weekly pay × 2
- Annual pay = weekly pay × 52
This assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It's a starting point for budgeting and comparing job offers.
Pilot Salary in Australia Under the Air Pilots Award
The Air Pilots Award sets minimum annual salaries for full-time and part-time pilots based on aircraft type and role. For example, a Captain on a single-engine aircraft under 1360 kg has a minimum annual salary that, when divided by 52 weeks and 38 hours, gives an hourly rate of $29.47 (from the July 2026 Pay Guide). For larger aircraft, rates increase: a Boeing 737 Captain earns $65.65 per hour.
To get the hourly rate from an annual salary, the Fair Work Ombudsman explains:
- Full-time and part-time: Divide annual salary by 52 to get weekly, then by 38 to get hourly.
- Casual: Divide annual salary by 800 to get the rate per flying hour, then add 25% casual loading.
For example, a casual pilot flying a multi-engine aircraft (3360–5660 kg) with an annual salary of $70,496 plus allowances of $10,245.53 would have a casual hourly rate of $126.16 (as shown in the award's example).
Casual Loading and Superannuation
Casual employees under the Air Pilots Award receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave or other entitlements. Importantly, superannuation is paid on top of the loaded rate. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings (up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base for 2026–27).
So if your casual hourly rate is $126.16, your employer must also contribute $15.14 (12% of $126.16) to your super fund. Your total employment cost is higher than your take-home pay.
Using the Timesheet Tool
Our timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It then calculates weekly, fortnightly, and annual pay, plus estimated tax and super. Remember: the tool assumes 38 hours per week and uses the 2026–27 tax rates. It's an estimate, not a binding determination.
For more detailed award rates, see our pay guides page. If you're comparing different job offers, also check the casual loading and super and packaging topics.
Key Points to Remember
- The National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hr) is a floor; award rates for pilots are higher.
- Full-time pilot hourly rates are derived from annual salary ÷ 52 ÷ 38.
- Casual pilot rates use 1/800th of annual salary plus 25% loading.
- Super is paid on top of your hourly rate, not included in it.
- Always confirm your classification and any allowances with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Understanding your pilot salary in Australia means looking beyond the headline figure. Use the formula, check the award, and factor in casual loading and super to get the full picture.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.