At 12 percent, India’s proportion of female commercial pilots stands highest in the world. This figure is twice as high as that in most Western countries, including the United States and Australia. Globally, less than 5 percent of pilots are women, according to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots.
With benefits such as union-mandated equal pay, a safe workplace, day care services, maternity benefits policy, and a booming aviation sector, more Indian women want to become pilots. Since pilot pay is based on seniority and flying hours under union agreements, it is one of the rare professions in India where there is no gender pay gap. Additionally, airlines offer a pick-up and drop-off service from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The starting salary, including flying allowance for pilots in India is $25,000 to $47,000 a year depending on the airline and type of aircraft. The amount is similar to the starting salary for corporate lawyers or architects.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
