flydubai Pilot Salary 2026
First Officer & Captain pay scales · Updated May 2026
Dubai's LCC partner to Emirates. Fast-growing B737 fleet with tax-free salary. Good stepping stone to Emirates for some pilots.
| First Officer (entry) | $80,000 /yr |
|---|---|
| First Officer (mid-career) | $100,000 /yr |
| Captain (year 1) | $160,000 /yr |
| Captain (top of scale) | $235,000 /yr |
| Currency | USD · United Arab Emirates |
| Minimum hours | 2,000 total time |
| Type rating | Provided by airline |
| Hiring status | Actively hiring |
| Fleet you will fly | B737, B737 MAX |
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 flydubai.
Most pilots get to flydubai 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 | $80,000 | $100,000 | $115,000 |
| Captain | $160,000 | $200,000 | $235,000 |
All figures in USD. Base pay only — does not include per diem, profit sharing or 401k/pension match where applicable.
How flydubai Pay Compares
Same currency (USD), captain top-of-scale ranked. Helps you sanity-check whether flydubai pays above or below market for its peer group.
| Airline | FO Year 1 | FO Year 10 | Captain Year 1 | Captain top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flydubai (this page) | $80,000 | $115,000 | $160,000 | $235,000 |
| Gulf Air | $72,000 | $105,000 | $150,000 | $225,000 |
| Turkish Airlines | $65,000 | $100,000 | $145,000 | $220,000 |
| Oman Air | $70,000 | $102,000 | $145,000 | $220,000 |
Salary Progression
First Officer
Captain
Benefits & Total Compensation
Base pay is only the floor. flydubai also includes the following package items, which can lift total comp by 20–40% above advertised base.
Fleet Types
1 pilot base worldwide
Requirements & Career
Minimum Flight Hours
2,000
Type Rating Provided
Yes
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 flydubai pilot make?
A First Officer at flydubai earns $80,000 in year 1, rising to $115,000 by year 10. Captains earn $160,000 initially, reaching $235,000 at year 10.
Is flydubai hiring pilots in 2026?
Yes, flydubai is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 2,000.
What are the minimum hours to fly for flydubai?
flydubai requires a minimum of 2,000 total flight hours. Type rating training is provided by the airline.
Does flydubai provide type rating training?
Yes, flydubai provides type rating training for new hires on their fleet types: B737, B737 MAX.
What is the career progression like at flydubai?
Career progression at flydubai is rated as "Fast". Pilots are not unionized; progression depends on company policies and growth. Quality of life is rated 3/5.
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