Air Pilots Award pay rates
Award code MA000046, with rates in force from 14 July 2026.
Minimum pay for 192 adult classifications under the Air Pilots Award 2020, from 14 July 2026: $52,257 to $236,988 a year before tax.
Lowest adult rate
$52,257a year
For Single engine 1360 kg–3359 kg. Up 5.73% from $49,426.
Its lowest adult rate is $52,257 a year. Of the 14 awards that set annual rates, 8 have a higher minimum. Each tick is another award.
Pay by group of classifications
Dollars a year, from 14 July 2026- Aircraft classification28 classifications$52,257 to $100,233
- Larger aircraft classifications20 classifications$75,738 to $236,988
- Full-time pilots87 classifications$66,317 to $182,826
- On-shore helicopter pilots27 classifications$71,985 to $93,733
- Off-shore helicopter pilots30 classifications$75,183 to $107,226
Every classification in each group is in the tables below.
Minimum pay by classification from 14 July 2026
Annual rates are full-time salaries; weekly rates are for a full-time week; hourly rates apply to full-time and part-time hours.
Aircraft classificationClause A.1.1
| Classification | Annual |
|---|---|
| CaptainDash 8 100–15650 kg MTOW | $93,682 |
| CaptainDash 8 200–16466 kg MTOW | $93,682 |
| CaptainDash 8 300–19505 kg MTOW | $93,682 |
| CaptainDash 8 400–28998 kg MTOW | $100,078 |
| CaptainMulti engine 12000 kg UTBNI 15000 kg | $85,967 |
| CaptainMulti engine 15000 kg UTBNI 19000 kg | $93,682 |
| CaptainMulti engine 19000 kg & above, unless otherwise listed | $100,233 |
| CaptainMulti engine 3360 kg UTBNI 5660 kg | $70,496 |
| CaptainMulti engine 5660 kg UTBNI 8500 kg | $74,353 |
| CaptainMulti engine 8500 kg UTBNI 12000 kg | $79,984 |
| CaptainMulti engine UTBNI 3360 kg | $67,795 |
| CaptainSingle engine 1360 kg–3359 kg | $60,702 |
| CaptainSingle engine 3360 kg & above | $70,496 |
| CaptainSingle engine UTBNI 1360 kg | $58,226 |
| First Officers Second PilotsDash 8 100–15650 kg MTOW | $69,621 |
| First Officers Second PilotsDash 8 200–16466 kg MTOW | $69,621 |
| First Officers Second PilotsDash 8 300–19505 kg MTOW | $69,621 |
| First Officers Second PilotsDash 8 400–28998 kg MTOW | $73,359 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine 12000 kg UTBNI 15000 kg | $64,901 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine 15000 kg UTBNI 19000 kg | $69,621 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine 19000 kg & above, unless otherwise listed | $73,359 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine 3360 kg UTBNI 5660 kg | $55,083 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine 5660 kg UTBNI 8500 kg | $57,388 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine 8500 kg UTBNI 12000 kg | $60,952 |
| First Officers Second PilotsMulti engine UTBNI 3360 kg | $53,036 |
| First Officers Second PilotsSingle engine 1360 kg–3359 kg | $52,257 |
| First Officers Second PilotsSingle engine 3360 kg & above | $55,083 |
| First Officers Second PilotsSingle engine UTBNI 1360 kg | $52,257 |
Larger aircraft classificationsClause A.1.2
| Classification | Annual |
|---|---|
| CaptainBAe-146 | $174,391 |
| CaptainBoeing 717 | $174,391 |
| CaptainCRJ-50 | $161,088 |
| CaptainFokker 100 | $174,391 |
| CaptainFokker 28 | $161,088 |
| CaptainNarrow body aircraft | $182,826 |
| CaptainWide body aircraft–double deck | $236,988 |
| CaptainWide body aircraft–single deck | $209,905 |
| First OfficerBAe-146 | $115,162 |
| First OfficerBoeing 717 | $115,162 |
| First OfficerCRJ-50 | $106,780 |
| First OfficerFokker 100 | $115,162 |
| First OfficerFokker 28 | $106,780 |
| First OfficerNarrow body aircraft | $120,407 |
| First OfficerWide body aircraft–double deck | $155,846 |
| First OfficerWide body aircraft–single deck | $138,126 |
| Second OfficerWide body aircraft–double deck | $94,420 |
| Second OfficerWide body aircraft–single deck | $83,788 |
| Second Officer under TrainingWide body aircraft–double deck | $75,738 |
| Second Officer under TrainingWide body aircraft–single deck | $75,738 |
Full-time pilotsClause B.1.1
| Classification | Annual |
|---|---|
| CaptainAero Commander 500 | $73,481 |
| CaptainAero Commander 680 | $75,979 |
| CaptainAero Commander 690 | $81,368 |
| CaptainBeechcraft 55 | $73,481 |
| CaptainBeechcraft 58 | $73,481 |
| CaptainBeechcraft 65 | $75,979 |
| CaptainBritten Norman BN2 | $73,481 |
| CaptainCessna 206 | $66,317 |
| CaptainCessna 207 | $66,317 |
| CaptainCessna 210 | $66,317 |
| CaptainCessna 310 | $73,481 |
| CaptainCessna 337 | $73,481 |
| CaptainCessna 402 | $73,481 |
| CaptainCessna 404 | $75,979 |
| CaptainCessna 414 | $73,481 |
| CaptainCessna 421 | $75,979 |
| CaptainCessna 441 | $81,368 |
| CaptainNomad N22 | $81,368 |
| CaptainNomad N24 | $81,368 |
| CaptainPartenavia P68 | $73,481 |
| CaptainPiper PA23 | $73,481 |
| CaptainPiper PA30 | $73,481 |
| CaptainPiper PA31 | $73,481 |
| CaptainPiper PA34 | $73,481 |
| CaptainPiper PA60 Aerostar | $73,481 |
| Captain340 A | $105,218 |
| CaptainAirbus A319 | $182,826 |
| CaptainAirbus A320 | $182,826 |
| CaptainATR 42-300 | $113,588 |
| CaptainBae-146 | $174,391 |
| CaptainBeach 1900 | $94,791 |
| CaptainBeechcraft 200 | $92,292 |
| CaptainBoeing 737-300 | $182,826 |
| CaptainBoeing 737-400 | $182,826 |
| CaptainCasa 212 | $92,292 |
| CaptainCessna 550 | $98,560 |
| CaptainDash 8-100, 102, 200 and 300 | $113,588 |
| CaptainDash 8-400 | $121,376 |
| CaptainDC3 | $98,560 |
| CaptainDe Havilland | $113,588 |
| CaptainDe Havilland 6-100 | $92,292 |
| CaptainDe Havilland 6-200 | $92,292 |
| CaptainDe Havilland 6-300 | $92,292 |
| CaptainEmbraer 110 | $92,292 |
| CaptainEmbraer 190/195 | $174,391 |
| CaptainFokker 50 | $113,588 |
| CaptainFokker 70 and Fokker 100 | $174,391 |
| CaptainJetstream 31 | $94,791 |
| CaptainMcDonnell Douglas | $98,560 |
| CaptainMetro 23 | $94,791 |
| CaptainMohawk | $98,560 |
| CaptainSaab-Fairchild | $105,218 |
| CaptainShorts SD-330 | $98,560 |
| CaptainShorts SD-360 | $98,560 |
| CaptainSwearingen 226 | $92,292 |
| CaptainSwearingen 227 | $92,292 |
| Co-pilot340 A | $72,110 |
| Co-pilotAirbus A319 | $120,407 |
| Co-pilotAirbus A320 | $120,407 |
| Co-pilotATR 42-300 | $76,390 |
| Co-pilotBae-146 | $115,162 |
| Co-pilotBeach 1900 | $67,656 |
| Co-pilotBeechcraft 200 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotBoeing 737-300 | $120,407 |
| Co-pilotBoeing 737-400 | $120,407 |
| Co-pilotCasa 212 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotCessna 550 | $68,756 |
| Co-pilotDash 8-100, 102, 200 and 300 | $76,390 |
| Co-pilotDash 8-400 | $81,580 |
| Co-pilotDC3 | $68,756 |
| Co-pilotDe Havilland | $76,390 |
| Co-pilotDe Havilland 6-100 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotDe Havilland 6-200 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotDe Havilland 6-300 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotEmbraer 110 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotEmbraer 190/195 | $115,162 |
| Co-pilotFokker 50 | $76,390 |
| Co-pilotFokker 70 and Fokker 100 | $115,162 |
| Co-pilotJetstream 31 | $67,656 |
| Co-pilotMcDonnell Douglas | $68,756 |
| Co-pilotMetro 23 | $67,656 |
| Co-pilotMohawk | $68,756 |
| Co-pilotSaab-Fairchild | $72,110 |
| Co-pilotShorts SD-330 | $68,756 |
| Co-pilotShorts SD-360 | $68,756 |
| Co-pilotSwearingen 226 | $66,833 |
| Co-pilotSwearingen 227 | $66,833 |
Aerial Application OperationsClause C.9.1
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| 0–1000 | $978.10 |
| 1001–2000 | $1,004.90 |
| 2001–3000 | $1,035.80 |
| Over 3000 | $1,116.80 |
Aerial Application OperationsClause C.9.3
| Classification | Daily |
|---|---|
| Aerial application pilot engaged on a casual basis | $301.05 |
On-shore helicopter pilotsClause D.5.1
| Classification | Annual |
|---|---|
| Single engine1st year of service | $71,985 |
| Single engine2nd year of service | $73,671 |
| Single engine3rd year of service | $75,285 |
| Single engine4th year of service | $76,871 |
| Single engine5th year of service | $78,555 |
| Single engine6th year of service | $80,241 |
| Single engine7th year of service | $81,929 |
| Single engine8th year of service | $83,617 |
| Single engine9th year of service | $85,301 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs1st year of service | $76,871 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs2nd year of service | $78,555 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs3rd year of service | $80,241 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs4th year of service | $81,929 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs5th year of service | $83,617 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs6th year of service | $85,301 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs7th year of service | $86,989 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs8th year of service | $88,675 |
| Twin 0–9000 lbs9th year of service | $90,362 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs1st year of service | $80,241 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs2nd year of service | $81,929 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs3rd year of service | $83,617 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs4th year of service | $85,301 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs5th year of service | $86,989 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs6th year of service | $88,675 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs7th year of service | $90,362 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs8th year of service | $91,858 |
| Twin over 9000 lbs9th year of service | $93,733 |
Casual on-shore adult helicopter operations employeesClause D.5.1 - Casual
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 1st year of service | $78.74 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 1st year of service | $84.08 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 1st year of service | $87.76 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 2nd year of service | $80.58 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 2nd year of service | $85.93 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 2nd year of service | $89.61 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 3rd year of service | $82.34 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 3rd year of service | $87.76 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 3rd year of service | $91.45 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 4th year of service | $84.08 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 4th year of service | $89.61 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 4th year of service | $93.30 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 5th year of service | $85.93 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 5th year of service | $91.45 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 5th year of service | $95.15 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 6th year of service | $87.76 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 6th year of service | $93.30 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 6th year of service | $96.99 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 7th year of service | $89.61 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 7th year of service | $95.15 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 7th year of service | $98.84 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 8th year of service | $91.45 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 8th year of service | $96.99 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 8th year of service | $100.48 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 9th year of service | $93.30 |
| Co-pilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 9th year of service | $98.84 |
| Co-pilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 9th year of service | $102.53 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 1st year of service | $112.48 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 1st year of service | $120.11 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 1st year of service | $125.38 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 2nd year of service | $115.11 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 2nd year of service | $122.74 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 2nd year of service | $128.01 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 3rd year of service | $117.64 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 3rd year of service | $125.38 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 3rd year of service | $130.65 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 4th year of service | $120.11 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 4th year of service | $128.01 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 4th year of service | $133.29 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 5th year of service | $122.74 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 5th year of service | $130.65 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 5th year of service | $135.93 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 6th year of service | $125.38 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 6th year of service | $133.29 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 6th year of service | $138.55 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 7th year of service | $128.01 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 7th year of service | $135.93 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 7th year of service | $141.19 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 8th year of service | $130.65 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 8th year of service | $138.55 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 8th year of service | $143.53 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 9th year of service | $133.29 |
| PilotTwin 0-9000 lbs - 9th year of service | $141.19 |
| PilotTwin over 9000 lbs - 9th year of service | $146.46 |
Off-shore helicopter pilotsClause D.6.1
| Classification | Annual |
|---|---|
| All other operations command1st year of service | $83,617 |
| All other operations command2nd year of service | $85,301 |
| All other operations command3rd year of service | $86,986 |
| All other operations command4th year of service | $88,675 |
| All other operations command5th year of service | $90,362 |
| All other operations command6th year of service | $92,046 |
| All other operations command7th year of service | $93,733 |
| All other operations command8th year of service | $95,421 |
| All other operations command9th year of service | $97,108 |
| All other operations command10th year of service | $98,797 |
| All other operations command11th year of service | $100,480 |
| All other operations command12th year of service | $102,167 |
| All other operations command13th year of service | $103,854 |
| All other operations command14th year of service | $105,539 |
| All other operations command15th year of service | $107,226 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs1st year of service | $75,183 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs2nd year of service | $76,871 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs3rd year of service | $78,555 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs4th year of service | $80,241 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs5th year of service | $81,929 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs6th year of service | $83,617 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs7th year of service | $85,301 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs8th year of service | $86,986 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs9th year of service | $88,675 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs10th year of service | $90,362 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs11th year of service | $92,046 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs12th year of service | $93,733 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs13th year of service | $95,421 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs14th year of service | $97,108 |
| UTBNI 9000 lbs15th year of service | $98,797 |
Casual off-shore adult helicopter employeesClause D.6.1 - Casual
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 1st year of service | $105.01 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 1st year of service | $95.79 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 2nd year of service | $106.86 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 2nd year of service | $97.64 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 3rd year of service | $108.70 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 3rd year of service | $99.48 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 4th year of service | $110.55 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 4th year of service | $101.33 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 5th year of service | $112.39 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 5th year of service | $103.18 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 6th year of service | $114.24 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 6th year of service | $105.01 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 7th year of service | $116.08 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 7th year of service | $106.86 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 8th year of service | $117.93 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 8th year of service | $108.70 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 9th year of service | $119.78 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 9th year of service | $110.55 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 10th year of service | $121.61 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 10th year of service | $112.39 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 11th year of service | $123.46 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 11th year of service | $114.24 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 12th year of service | $125.30 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 12th year of service | $116.08 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 13th year of service | $127.15 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 13th year of service | $117.93 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 14th year of service | $128.99 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 14th year of service | $119.78 |
| Co-pilotAll other commands - 15th year of service | $130.84 |
| Co-pilotSingle Engine - 15th year of service | $121.61 |
| PilotAll other commands - 1st year of service | $144.21 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 1st year of service | $131.04 |
| PilotAll other commands - 2nd year of service | $146.84 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 2nd year of service | $133.68 |
| PilotAll other commands - 3rd year of service | $149.48 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 3rd year of service | $136.30 |
| PilotAll other commands - 4th year of service | $152.11 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 4th year of service | $138.94 |
| PilotAll other commands - 5th year of service | $154.75 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 5th year of service | $141.58 |
| PilotAll other commands - 6th year of service | $157.38 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 6th year of service | $144.21 |
| PilotAll other commands - 7th year of service | $160.01 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 7th year of service | $146.84 |
| PilotAll other commands - 8th year of service | $162.65 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 8th year of service | $149.48 |
| PilotAll other commands - 9th year of service | $165.29 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 9th year of service | $152.11 |
| PilotAll other commands - 10th year of service | $167.93 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 10th year of service | $154.75 |
| PilotAll other commands - 11th year of service | $170.56 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 11th year of service | $157.38 |
| PilotAll other commands - 12th year of service | $173.20 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 12th year of service | $160.01 |
| PilotAll other commands - 13th year of service | $175.83 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 13th year of service | $162.65 |
| PilotAll other commands - 14th year of service | $178.46 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 14th year of service | $165.29 |
| PilotAll other commands - 15th year of service | $181.10 |
| PilotSingle Engine - 15th year of service | $167.93 |
Helicopter Operations, AircrewClause E.3.2
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue aircrewperson | $1,183.00 | $31.13 |
| Surveillance aircrewperson | $1,183.00 | $31.13 |
| Aircrewperson | $1,251.70 | $32.94 |
| Surveillance mission coordinator | $1,251.70 | $32.94 |
Penalty and overtime rates
Percentages as the award sets them, and what they come to an hour at the first adult level. Higher classifications get the same percentages of their own rate. The tick on each bar marks 100%, the ordinary rate.
Evenings, weekends and public holidays
Full-time and part-time aerial application operations employees
Dollars an hour at 0–1000
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$25.74 |
Casual aerial application operations employees
Dollars an hour at Aerial application pilot engaged on a casual basis
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum daily rate | 100%$301.05 |
Casual airlines/general aviation employees
Dollars an hour at First Officer/Second Pilot
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| $ per flying hour | 100%$81.65 |
Casual off-shore adult helicopter pilots
Dollars an hour at Single Engine - 1st year of service
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| $ per flying hour | 100%$95.79 |
Casual on-shore adult helicopter pilots
Dollars an hour at Single Engine - 1st year of service
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| $ per flying hour | 100%$78.74 |
Casual regional airline employees
Dollars an hour at Captain
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| $ per flying hour | 100%$103.63 |
Overtime
Casual helicopter aircrew: overtime
Dollars an hour at Surveillance aircrewperson
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hourly rate | 125%$38.91 |
| Overtime – first 2 hours | 175%$54.48 |
| Overtime – after 2 hours | 225%$70.04 |
Allowances paid on top
45 allowances are for the work itself, paid when the job calls for it, and 38 cover costs you'd otherwise pay yourself, like meals, laundry or travel. The amounts are the Commission's, in force today; the award sets out exactly who gets each one and when.
For the work
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Work on a rostered duty-free dayClause 15.8(f)(ii) | $138.85 per day worked | |
| Engineering and other duties | ||
| 50 hourly inspectionClause 20.2(a)(ii) | $110.85 per inspection | |
| Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer qualificationClause 20.2(a)(iii) | $55.99 per hour or part thereof | |
| Excessive freight weight, pilot required to load/unload aircraftClause 20.2(a)(iv) | $134.37 per tour of duty | |
| Night operations, personal inconvenience allowanceClause 20.2(b)(ii) | $20.16 per night operation flown | |
| Night vision goggles (other than helicopter aircrew): Co-pilotClause 20.2(c)(ii) | $5,568.75 a year | |
| Night vision goggles (other than helicopter aircrew): Multi pilot commandClause 20.2(c)(ii) | $7,428.96 a year | |
| Night vision goggles (other than helicopter aircrew): Single pilot commandClause 20.2(c)(ii) | $11,147.58 a year | |
| Overseas duty allowanceClause 20.2(d)(i) | $43.67 each time | |
| Piston engine aircraft | ||
| Commuter operationsClause A.1.3(a) | $2,049.11 a year | |
| Commuter operations, additional entitlement (see A.1.3(a))Clause A.1.6 | $1,331.92 a year | |
| Airline Transport Pilots Licence (excluding Fokker-28 pilots)Clause A.1.3(b) | $6,763.17 a year | |
| Turbo-prop aircraft allowance | ||
| Turbo-prop aircraft allowanceClause A.1.3(c) | $8,924.25 a year | |
| Additional entitlement (see A.1.3(c))Clause A.1.6 | $5,800.76 a year | |
| Turbo jet aircraft allowance (excluding Fokker-28 pilots)Clause A.1.3(d) | $14,332.54 a year | |
| Instrument flying rating | ||
| Pilots (excluding Fokker-28 pilots): Co-pilot or Class 2Clause A.1.4 | $5,329.91 a year | |
| Pilots (excluding Fokker-28 pilots): Command or Class 1Clause A.1.4 | $8,196.42 a year | |
| Pilots (excluding Fokker-28 pilots): Night VFR or Class 4Clause A.1.4 | $2,049.11 a year | |
| First Officer/Second Pilot: Co-pilot or Class 2Clause A.1.6 | $5,329.91 a year | |
| First Officer/Second Pilot: Command or Class 1Clause A.1.6 | $8,196.42 a year | |
| First Officer/Second Pilot: Night VFR or Class 4Clause A.1.6 | $2,049.11 a year | |
| Flight instruction: Co-pilot or Class 2Clause A.1.8 | $5,329.91 a year | |
| Flight instruction: Command or Class 1Clause A.1.8 | $8,196.42 a year | |
| Flight instruction: Night VFR or Class 4Clause A.1.8 | $2,049.11 a year | |
| Pilot (helicopter operations): Co-pilotClause D.4.1(b) | $4,546.10 a year | |
| Pilot (helicopter operations): CommandClause D.4.1(b) | $6,998.31 a year | |
| Pilot (helicopter operations): Night LVMCClause D.4.1(b) | $1,746.78 a year | |
| Turbo jet aircraft allowance, additional entitlement (see A.1.3(d))Clause A.1.6 | $9,316.15 a year | |
| Flight instruction | ||
| Single engine: Grade I single engine charterClause A.1.7(a)(i) | $9,338.55 per annum on appointment | |
| Single engine: Grade II single engine charterClause A.1.7(a)(i) | $4,669.27 per annum on appointment | |
| Multi engine: Grade I multi engine charterClause A.1.7(a)(ii) | $9,338.55 per annum on appointment | |
| Multi engine: Grade II multi engine charterClause A.1.7(a)(ii) | $4,669.27 per annum on appointment | |
| Single engine (Grade I instructor), 8 years of serviceClause A.1.7(c) | $1,186.91 per annum of sixth, seventh and eighth year of service | |
| Freight weight allowance, in excess of 500kg, pilot required to load/unload aircraftClause B.3.1 | $174.68 per tour of duty | |
| Training and/or checking allowanceClause C.9.7 | $33.59 per hour* | |
| Senior commercial pilot's licence allowanceClause D.4.1(a) | $5,766.61 a year | |
| Cattle mustering allowanceClause D.5.3(a) | $27.99 per day or part thereof | |
| Police operations: Single engine operationsClause D.5.3(b) | $7,950.08 a year | |
| Police operations: Twin engine operationsClause D.5.3(b) | $11,701.18 a year | |
| Overnight allowance: Australia and dependenciesClause D.5.4 | $27.99 per night spent away from home base | |
| Overnight allowance: OverseasClause D.5.4 | $27.99 per night spent away from home base | |
| Specific off-shore additions, special dutiesClause D.6.3 | $8,677.91 a year | |
| Mobile intensive care ambulanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause E.4.1(a) | $85.87 a week | |
| Night vision goggles (helicopter aircrew): Aircrewperson / Surveillance mission coordinatorCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause E.4.1(b) | $112.40 a week | |
| Night vision goggles (helicopter aircrew): Rescue aircrewperson / Surveillance aircrewpersonCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause E.4.1(b) | $70.35 a week | |
To cover costs
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and meals | ||
| Additional amountClause 20.3(a)(ii) | $28.72 a night | |
| Hardlying allowanceClause 20.3(a)(iii) | $127.37 per layover | |
| Allowance to replace clauses 20.3(a)(ii) and 20.3(a)(iii)Clause 20.3(a)(iv) | $182.89 per layover | |
| Meals for tours of duty commencing from layover port: 0630–0800 hoursClause 20.3(a)(v) | $36.52 each time | |
| Meals for tours of duty commencing from layover port: 1200–1330 hoursClause 20.3(a)(v) | $40.91 each time | |
| Meals for tours of duty commencing from layover port: 1800–2000 hoursClause 20.3(a)(v) | $70.34 each time | |
| Meals for tours of duty commencing from layover port: IncidentalsClause 20.3(a)(v) | $28.72 each time | |
| Camping out allowanceClause 20.3(a)(vi) | $140.02 per night or part thereof | |
| Pilot securing ownClause B.4.6 | $182.89 per layover | |
| Vehicle allowanceClause 20.3(b)(v) | $1.00 a km | |
| Loss of pilot’s licence allowance, an amount of up toClause 20.3(c) | $3,092.00 a year | |
| Uniform allowanceClause 20.3(e)(ii) | $284.97 upon employment and annually | |
| Clothing allowance, excessive wear and tearClause 20.3(e)(iii) | $5.34 a week | |
| Transport allowance | ||
| Return travelClause 20.3(g)(ii) | $9.51 each time | |
| Transport allowanceClause D.6.4(d)(i) | $1.00 a km | |
| Private vehicleClause D.6.4(d)(iv) | $1.00 a km | |
| Accident insurance | ||
| Death benefit, pilots: Aerial application operationsClause 21.11(a) | $127,399.00 Not less than | |
| Death benefit, pilots: All other pilotsClause 21.11(a) | $458,630.00 Not less than | |
| Helicopter aircrewClause 21.11(b) | $409,134.00 Not less than | |
| Accident insurance reimbursement: Aerial application operations, an amount of up toClause 21.11(e) | $1,274.00 a year | |
| Accident insurance reimbursement: All other operations, an amount of up toClause 21.11(e) | $764.37 a year | |
| Accommodation | ||
| Not of an appropriate standardClause B.4.2 | $164.12 a night | |
| Camping out allowanceClause B.4.3 | $140.02 a night | |
| Disability allowance, an amount of up toClause D.5.6(f) | $32.85 a night | |
| Layover allowance: | ||
| Australia and dependenciesClause B.4.4 | $28.72 per layover | |
| ElsewhereClause B.4.4 | $63.21 per layover | |
| Meals on layover: | ||
| BreakfastClause B.4.5(a) | $36.52 each time | |
| DinnerClause B.4.5(a) | $70.34 each time | |
| LunchClause B.4.5(a) | $40.91 each time | |
| Camping out allowance | ||
| Camping out allowanceClause D.4.2(c) | $44.12 a night | |
| AdditionalClause D.6.4(c) | $45.94 a night | |
| Travelling and working away from home base | ||
| Meals:, BreakfastClause D.5.6(b)(ii) | $36.52 each time | |
| Meals:, DinnerClause D.5.6(b)(ii) | $70.34 each time | |
| Meals:, LunchClause D.5.6(b)(ii) | $40.91 each time | |
| Not relieved for duty between fourth and fifth hourClause D.5.6(c) | $27.88 each time | |
| Shut down away from home base between 1200 and 1400 hoursClause D.5.6(d) | $27.88 each time | |
| Pilots operating away from home base | ||
| Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided, daily travelling allowanceClause D.6.6(c)(i) | $2.70 per hour or part thereof | |
| Daily travelling allowanceClause D.6.6(c)(i) | $7.56 per hour or part thereof | |
The award is the final word
These are the minimum rates the Fair Work Commission publishes for the award. Shift rules, rostering and who each classification covers are in the award itself, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay. Employees no award or agreement covers get the National Minimum Wage: $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Questions people ask
- What is the minimum pay rate under the Air Pilots Award?
- From 14 July 2026, the lowest adult rate is $52,257 a year, for Single engine 1360 kg–3359 kg. The highest adult classification is $236,988 a year.
- How does the Air Pilots Award minimum compare?
- Its lowest adult rate is $52,257 a year. Of the 14 awards that set annual rates, 8 have a higher minimum.
- How much did Air Pilots Award rates go up on 14 July 2026?
- The lowest adult rate rose 5.73%, from $49,426 to $52,257 a year, in the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. The table shows each classification's rate before and after.
- What allowances are paid under the Air Pilots Award?
- 83 allowances have a dollar amount set by the Commission, including a work on a rostered duty-free day of $138.85 per day worked, an engineering and other duties, 50 hourly inspection of $110.85 per inspection and an engineering and other duties, Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer qualification of $55.99 per hour or part thereof. The full list, with the clause each comes from, is on this page.
- Where do these rates come from?
- The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database, which publishes every award's minimum rates; we read it when the Commission changes an award. The award itself prevails if the two ever differ, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay.
Source: Fair Work Commission, Modern Awards Pay Database, licensed CC BY 4.0, read 27 Oct 2026 and arranged by The Finance Algorithm. Not endorsed by the Fair Work Commission. Read with the award: if they differ, the award prevails. General information, not legal or payroll advice.