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LOT Polish Airlines Pilot Salary 2026

First Officer & Captain pay scales · Updated May 2026

Renzo Madueño, CPL
Renzo Madueño
Former Airbus A320 First Officer · FAA Commercial Pilot · Founder, Rotate Pilot
Ex-airline pilot, 1,400+ flight hours. Writes from real cockpit and checkride experience — not a content farm.

One of the world's oldest airlines. Growing fleet with B787 Dreamliners for long-haul. Low cost of living in Warsaw boosts effective salary.

First Officer (entry)€35,000 /yr
First Officer (mid-career)€48,000 /yr
Captain (year 1)€90,000 /yr
Captain (top of scale)€140,000 /yr
CurrencyEUR · Poland
Minimum hours1,500 total time
Type ratingProvided by airline
Hiring statusActively hiring
Fleet you will flyB737 MAX, B787, E170, E175, E195

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 LOT Polish Airlines.

Most pilots get to LOT Polish Airlines 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

PositionYear 1Year 5Year 10
First Officer€35,000€48,000€60,000
Captain€90,000€115,000€140,000

All figures in EUR. Base pay only — does not include per diem, profit sharing or 401k/pension match where applicable.

How LOT Polish Airlines Pay Compares

Same currency (EUR), captain top-of-scale ranked. Helps you sanity-check whether LOT Polish Airlines pays above or below market for its peer group.

AirlineFO Year 1FO Year 10Captain Year 1Captain top
TAP Air Portugal€48,000€80,000€105,000€170,000
Wizz Air€32,000€62,000€105,000€160,000
Vueling€40,000€68,000€105,000€155,000
LOT Polish Airlines (this page)€35,000€60,000€90,000€140,000

Salary Progression

First Officer

Year 1
€35,000
Year 5
€48,000
Year 10
€60,000

Captain

Year 1
€90,000
Year 5
€115,000
Year 10
€140,000

Benefits & Total Compensation

Base pay is only the floor. LOT Polish Airlines also includes the following package items, which can lift total comp by 20–40% above advertised base.

Free travel (Star Alliance)
Health insurance
Warsaw base

Fleet Types

B737 MAXB787E170E175E195

1 pilot base worldwide

Requirements & Career

Minimum Flight Hours

1,500

Type Rating Provided

Yes

Career Progression

Average

Unionized

Yes

Quality of Life Rating

3/5

Based on schedule flexibility, base locations, commutability, travel benefits, and overall pilot satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a LOT Polish Airlines pilot make?

A First Officer at LOT Polish Airlines earns €35,000 in year 1, rising to €60,000 by year 10. Captains earn €90,000 initially, reaching €140,000 at year 10.

Is LOT Polish Airlines hiring pilots in 2026?

Yes, LOT Polish Airlines is actively hiring pilots in 2026. Minimum flight hours required: 1,500.

What are the minimum hours to fly for LOT Polish Airlines?

LOT Polish Airlines requires a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours. Type rating training is provided by the airline.

Does LOT Polish Airlines provide type rating training?

Yes, LOT Polish Airlines provides type rating training for new hires on their fleet types: B737 MAX, B787, E170, E175, E195.

What is the career progression like at LOT Polish Airlines?

Career progression at LOT Polish Airlines is rated as "Average". Pilots are unionized, which provides structured seniority-based advancement. Quality of life is rated 3/5.

Compare With Other Europe Airlines

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