Air Canada Pilots: Sky-High Salaries and Rewards

Air Canada Pilots: Among the Best-Paid Professionals in Canada

Air Canada pilots continue to rank among the highest-paid professionals in the country, with salaries in 2025 ranging from CA$50,000 for new First Officers to a staggering CA$350,000 for senior Captains. The compensation package is determined by a combination of factors, including aircraft type, years of service, and hours flown, with a baseline of 75 monthly flying hours.

For Captains, extra hours are compensated at up to CA$300 per hour, while First Officers receive CA$190 per hour. Notably, Captains, who carry full command responsibility, can earn upward of CA$300,000 annually, starting at around CA$215,000. First Officers, who typically begin their careers on narrow-body aircraft or as relief pilots on long-haul flights, earn between CA$50,000 and CA$190,000.

In addition to their lucrative salaries, Air Canada pilots enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and life insurance, unlimited staff travel privileges, layover allowances, and sponsored training for new aircraft type ratings. Pilots are based in four major Canadian cities – Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg – and operate a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A330s.

With their exceptional compensation and benefits package, it's no wonder that Air Canada pilots are considered among the best-paid professionals in Canada, and highly sought-after by aspiring aviators.