Navigating the skies is an exciting career choice, but when it comes to compensation, not all airlines are created equal. Especially in Canada, where the aviation industry is bustling with activity, it’s worth exploring what pilots in the top 10 airlines of Canada earn in 2023.
The average salary for pilots in Canada is $76,000 per year. This amount can vary depending on the airline and type of aircraft being flown and many other factors such as experience of the pilot and seniority in the airline. But lets narrowing down to one category of aircrafts between different airlines can give a better perspective of comparing salaries.
This blog post delves into salaries for pilots across Canada’s top-tier airlines for narrowbody category, providing a clear picture of what you can expect in terms of remuneration. Whether you’re an aspiring aviator or a seasoned pilot contemplating a career move, this information could be of use to you.
Salary breakdown for top 10 airlines in Canada
We will look at the salaries of pilots in the top 10 airlines in Canada for first officers and captains of narrow body aircrafts based on the number of years of service in that position.
You can checkout the salary structure of an airline pilot and what is included in the compensation a pilot receives here.
Salary for pilots at Air Canada in 2023
Air Canada, as the country’s largest full-service airline, is known for its distinguished services and extensive global network. With a rich history dating back to 1937, it has grown to become one of the top 20 largest airlines worldwide. Servicing both national and international routes.
Following are the Air Canada First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for Boeing 737.
Salary for pilots at Swoop in 2023
Swoop Airlines, a subsidiary of WestJet, is Canada’s ultra-low-cost carrier. Launched in 2018, the airline is relatively new to the industry but has rapidly made a name for itself with affordable airfare and streamlined services.
Offering a range of domestic and international flights, Swoop is recognized for its commitment to providing cost-effective travel options, and democratizing air travel for a wider section of the population.
Following are the Swoop First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for its Boeing 737.
Salary for pilots at Cargojet in 2023
Cargojet is Canada’s leading provider of time-sensitive overnight air cargo services. With its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, the airline is the backbone of e-commerce in Canada, delivering over 1,300,000 pounds of cargo each business night.
Established in 2002, Cargojet has grown steadily to become an integral part of the supply chain for many Canadian companies. It operates a dedicated air express cargo network across North America, providing specialized charter services worldwide.
Following are the Cargojet First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for Boeing 575/767
Salary for pilots at Morningstar in 2023
Morningstar Air Express, established in 1970, is a prominent Canadian cargo airline based in Alberta. Known for its robust, dependable services, the company operates contracted cargo flights throughout Canada and parts of the United States.
With a dedicated fleet of aircraft, the company specializes in overnight freight services, helping businesses achieve their logistics and supply chain needs. Additionally, Morningstar is well-regarded for its commitment to safety and operational efficiency.
Following are the Morningstar First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for its Boeing 757.
Salary for pilots at WestJet in 2023
WestJet is one of Canada’s most esteemed airlines, renowned for its commitment to passenger comfort and exceptional service. Established in 1996, WestJet is a Calgary-based carrier that has rapidly expanded its operations to serve more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Holding a reputation for its affordability, punctuality, and high-quality service, WestJet plays a significant role in promoting Canadian tourism and business, making air travel more accessible to the masses.
Following are the WestJet First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for Boeing 737
Salary for pilots at Air Transat in 2023
Air Transat is a highly respected Canadian airline founded in 1987. With Montreal as its operational base, it specializes in charter flights, chiefly from Canada to various vacation destinations. As a leading name in holiday travel, Air Transat boasts a sizeable fleet of aircraft, providing services to over 60 destinations in 30 countries.
The company is recognized for its steadfast commitment to customer service and has been awarded the title of World’s Best Leisure Airline multiple times.
Following are the Air Transat First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service Airbus A321/A330
Salary for pilots at Canadian North in 2023
Canadian North is a distinguished airline operating primarily within the northern regions of Canada. Established in 1989, it plays a crucial role in connecting remote Arctic communities with major urban centers in the country.
Known for its reliable services, Canadian North is the lifeline for many isolated regions, facilitating the transportation of essential goods and individuals. Its commitment to safety and punctuality ensures it is a popular choice for travel in the country’s northern territories.
Following are the Canadian North First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service Boeing 737
Salary for pilots at Lynx in 2023
Lynx Air is a burgeoning Canadian air carrier with a strong focus on regional connectivity. Founded in 2021, it has quickly established a reputation for its emphasis on customer service and operational efficiency.
Offering both scheduled and charter services, Lynx Air serves an expanding network of destinations within Canada, contributing significantly to the accessibility and convenience of domestic air travel. Despite being relatively new in the industry, it has shown commendable growth potential and commitment to enhancing the Canadian aviation sector.
Following are the Lynx First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for Boeing 737
Salary for pilots at Sunwing Airlines in 2023
Sunwing Airlines is a leading Canadian leisure airline known for its impressive array of domestic and international destinations. Founded in 2005, the airline is committed to making travel more accessible to Canadians with its value-packed flights.
Known for its warm service and extensive flight network that includes several sun-soaked beach destinations, Sunwing Airlines is a popular choice for vacationers seeking affordable and convenient travel options. The airline’s dedication to creating memorable travel experiences is reflected in its multiple industry recognitions and consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
Following are the Sunwing First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service form Boeing 737.
Salary for pilots at Porter Airlines in 2023
Porter Airlines is an acclaimed Canadian airline, known for its personalized approach to passenger service. Established in 2006, Porter Airlines operates from the unique location of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and provides scheduled flights to destinations within Canada and the United States.
The airline prides itself on its premium services offered at competitive prices, making it a go-to choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. With its commitment to safety, punctuality, and exceptional in-flight service, Porter Airlines holds a strong position in the domestic and cross-border aviation market.
Following are the Porter First Officer and Captain Salaries in 2023 based on number of years in service for Embraer 195.
A direct comparison between top 10 Airlines in Canada
I understand the above salary data could be hard to visualize to see which one has the better salary for pilots, so I have created a quick comparison table that shows salaries for first officers and captains in each of the top 10 airlines.
In conclusion, the aviation industry in Canada is diverse, with each airline offering distinct advantages. Whether it’s Sunwing’s commitment to accessibility and customer satisfaction, or Porter’s premium services at competitive rates, prospective pilots have a variety of opportunities to consider.
The salary comparison provides a clear picture of the financial prospects at these top airlines. This data underscores the importance of carefully considering multiple factors when choosing an airline employer. All the data has been collected from authoritative sources in Canada
All that being said, at any given Canadian Airline, pilots have nearly half the salary their counterpart receive in USA. The only hope is for these salaries to increase at least to keep up with the inflation and in respect to the skill the pilots flying these sophisticated machinery and bearing the responsibility of everyone on the plane and on ground.
If you have enjoyed reading so far, I am sure you would enjoy reading the best flights schools Canada has or what most pilots in Canada do after their flight training before getting their first step through the aviation career.
Some other questions you might have about Canadian Airline Salaries for Pilots
What airline pays the most for pilots in Canada?
From our data, pilots in Swoop and WestJet can reach the highest pay of about 260,000 $CAD annually at the peak of their careers as Captains, followed by Air Transat pilots reaching upto 250,000 $CAD. Sunwing Airlines pilots have the lowest paying salary range with a top end of about 200,000 $CAD.
What is the minimum salary for pilots in Canada?
Canada has some of the least pays a pilot can get compared to the cost of living. The lowest pilot salaries in Canada in 2023 can be as low as 58,000 $CAD annually for a first officer on their first year