To work as a pilot on a private jet is often seen as prestigious and of high reward for being responsible for high-profile clients. Indeed, the private jet clientele can be royals, government officials, top business executives, celebrities and UHNWIs.

Often, working on the most luxurious and technologically advanced aircraft, the role can be very appealing against the world of commercial aviation and being a traditional pilot. What is the salary for a private jet pilot, and what does the role in business aviation involve? Let’s take a closer look.

A look at the salary

The salary of a pilot working on a private jet can vary quite widely and will also depend on experience, the aircraft type and what kind of operation it is. Entry-level first officers in the private jet industry will earn around $60-$80,000 per year, assuming low flight hours (1,500 minimum) and fewer certifications. With experience and flight hours in the thousands, you can earn between $100-$200,000 per year as captain of a private jet.

The salary will also depend on the aircraft flown. Larger aircraft and the latest types will attract higher salaries. Aircraft like the Bombardier Global 7500 and the Gulfstream G650 and G700 are in high demand and will pay more than a light jet or lesser-known types.

The more advanced the aircraft, the more certifications are needed, and often the flights are ultra-long-range on these types. So you would expect to earn more than doing short hops of one to two hours.

Differences between working for an owner, corporation or charter operator

You can be employed by a private owner, a corporation, a charter operator, or a company that specializes in fractional ownership and all will have variations.

Working for a large corporation such as Starbucks, Walmart, or Coca-Cola, for example, who all have their own fleet of private jets, usually offer the best salary and stable contracts, with insurance, healthcare and retirement plans all-inclusive.

Charter operators do not always offer benefits and sometimes contracts are unstable (depending on the region and type of operation), but they do offer a diverse and interesting schedule with differing clients and destinations.

Private owners may fly a lot less, so the crew has more work/life balance and time at home, but often are on call, for last-minute flights.

Advantages and disadvantages

Depending on the company and the contract, there might be other perks. For example, if you work on a rotation of one month on, and one month off, accommodation is paid for downroute and business class flights to base are provided. A per diem payment (an overnight allowance) is also sometimes paid outside of base. Clients sometimes leave tips for the crew too, which is a bonus.

In general, private jet pilots earn more and fly less than commercial pilots, due to working on rotation or on call. However, the disadvantages are that it can be unstable work, contracts are not always reliable, being on permanent standby can be draining and there are usually no airline perks like staff travel, insurance and retirement plans. As a private jet pilot, you may also spend considerable amounts of time away from home, which may be difficult with a family.

Location also makes a difference to salary. Regions that have a high demand for private jets will in general pay more. Being based in Los Angeles or New York, London or Paris will bring in a better salary than other areas.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Africa and Russia, have a regular demand for private jets, so contracts can be lucrative.

A future in business aviation?

The role of a pilot on a private jet is very different from that of a commercial pilot. In a traditional role, flights are strictly scheduled whereas private flights allow for a certain amount of flexibility and often are on call, which may mean having 24 hours’ notice or 30 minutes’ notice.

The schedule will often change too, with clients arriving earlier or later or canceling altogether. Being adaptable to ever-changing circumstances is key.

Clients expect a very tailored and individual service, so excellent customer service is a must. As well as flying the aircraft, private jet pilots load and unload the client’s baggage and often personally brief the clients pre-flight.

Exclusivity is very important to clients, as well as discretion and flexibility to change the schedule at will. It can be a high-pressure environment at times. Contracts can change pretty quickly, so a high level of networking is needed to find the next contract.

Of course, once working in the private jet industry, it is easier to advance than in commercial airlines, which may take many years.

A private jet pilot can move up to chief pilot or director of flight operations or a management position such as head of crew training or head of safety.

New aircraft and new technology continue to fuel the private jet industry and the demand for private jet travel has risen since the pandemic. Opportunities for pilots in the private jet industry will continue as business aviation continues to thrive and grow.