Cebu Pacific Pilot Salary 2026
First Officer & Captain pay scales · Updated May 2026
Philippines' largest airline with rapid fleet expansion. Lower pay but fast captain upgrades and low cost of living.
| First Officer (entry) | $36,000 /yr |
|---|---|
| First Officer (mid-career) | $50,000 /yr |
| Captain (year 1) | $82,000 /yr |
| Captain (top of scale) | $130,000 /yr |
| Currency | USD · Philippines |
| Minimum hours | 1,500 total time |
| Type rating | Required before joining |
| Hiring status | Actively hiring |
| Fleet you will fly | A320, A321neo, A330neo |
Cross-check these numbers against the broader 2026 pilot pay benchmarks before you commit, and if you are still building hours, see how a sponsored seat at a 2026 airline cadet program shortcuts the path to Cebu Pacific.
Most pilots get to Cebu Pacific the long way: a regional first. Compare these scales against the 2026 regional airline pay scales to see what your first 3–5 years actually look like, or the cargo pilot salary guide if FedEx or UPS is on your shortlist. Aiming for a US legacy seat? The step-by-step how to get hired at Delta playbook breaks down what the US legacy interview panels actually weigh.
Salary by Seat × Year
| Position | Year 1 | Year 5 | Year 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | $36,000 | $50,000 | $62,000 |
| Captain | $82,000 | $108,000 | $130,000 |
All figures in USD. Base pay only — does not include per diem, profit sharing or 401k/pension match where applicable.
How Cebu Pacific Pay Compares
Same currency (USD), captain top-of-scale ranked. Helps you sanity-check whether Cebu Pacific pays above or below market for its peer group.
| Airline | FO Year 1 | FO Year 10 | Captain Year 1 | Captain top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesa Airlines | $50,000 | $88,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| Volaris | $32,000 | $55,000 | $85,000 | $140,000 |
| Garuda Indonesia | $36,000 | $62,000 | $85,000 | $135,000 |
| Cebu Pacific (this page) | $36,000 | $62,000 | $82,000 | $130,000 |
Salary Progression
First Officer
Captain
Benefits & Total Compensation
Base pay is only the floor. Cebu Pacific also includes the following package items, which can lift total comp by 20–40% above advertised base.
Fleet Types
3 pilot bases worldwide
Requirements & Career
Minimum Flight Hours
1,500
Type Rating Provided
No
Career Progression
Fast
Unionized
No
Quality of Life Rating
Based on schedule flexibility, base locations, commutability, travel benefits, and overall pilot satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cebu Pacific pilot make?
A First Officer at Cebu Pacific earns $36,000 in year 1, rising to $62,000 by year 10. Captains earn $82,000 initially, reaching $130,000 at year 10.
Is Cebu Pacific hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes, Cebu Pacific is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 1,500.
What are the minimum hours to fly for Cebu Pacific?
Cebu Pacific requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. You may need to obtain a type rating at your own expense.
Does Cebu Pacific provide type rating training?
No, Cebu Pacific typically requires pilots to have a type rating before joining. Self-sponsored type ratings on A320, A321neo, A330neo are common.
What is the career progression like at Cebu Pacific?
Career progression at Cebu Pacific is rated as "Fast". Pilots are not unionized; progression depends on company policies and growth. Quality of life is rated 3/5.
Compare With Other Asia-Pacific Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Captain: S$400,000
Cathay Pacific
Captain: HK$2,000,000
Qantas Airways
Captain: A$380,000
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Captain: ¥25,000,000
Japan Airlines
Captain: ¥25,000,000
Korean Air
Captain: ₩200,000,000
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