Wizz Air Pilot Career Guide
Central and Eastern Europe's largest LCC, rapidly expanding with new bases across Europe and the Middle East.
First Officer Salary
€30,000 - €60,000
Captain Salary
€100,000 - €160,000
Salary Progression
Year 1 FO
€35,000 - €50,000 (varies greatly by base)
Year 5 FO
€55,000 - €70,000
Year 10 Captain
€130,000 - €155,000
Year 20 Captain
€155,000 - €165,000
Bonuses & Perks
Sector pay supplements. Per diem for duty. Performance bonuses possible.
Retirement
Varies by base country. Follows local pension requirements.
Pilot Reviews & Ratings
Based on pilot forum data
Pros
- Rapid captain upgrade possible (3-5 years)
- Many base options across Europe and Middle East
- No overnight stays means sleeping at home
- Fast-growing airline with strong demand for pilots
- Modern all-Airbus A321neo fleet
Cons
- Among lowest-paying airlines in Europe
- Pilots must self-fund A320 type rating (€30,000+)
- Very high-intensity operations with tight turnarounds
- Management has faced criticism for workplace culture
- Contractor-style employment at some bases
Fleet & Routes
| Aircraft | Count | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320 | 30 | European short-haul |
| Airbus A320neo | 45 | European short and medium-haul |
| Airbus A321neo | 105 | European and Middle East routes |
| Airbus A321XLR (on order) | 47 | Longer routes (from 2026) |
Interview & Selection Process
Online application through Wizz Air pilot recruitment
License and type rating verification
Online aptitude screening
Technical interview on A320 systems and procedures
Simulator assessment on A320
Base preference selection and contract offer
Pilot Lifestyle
Work Schedule
5 on / 3 off or 5/4 roster. No overnight layovers—all flights return to base. High-utilization ULCC model.
Home Base
Choose from 40+ bases across Europe and Middle East. Must reside near chosen base.
Travel Benefits
Discounted Wizz Air flights. Limited interline travel. Staff standby fares on Wizz network.
Commutable?
Limited — may require relocation
Hubs & Pilot Bases
Main Hubs
Pilot Bases
Union & Representation
Wizz Air pilots are No single union; varies by base country. Historically limited representation..
Latest Developments
Wizz Air is one of Europe's fastest-growing airlines with 200+ aircraft on order
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi subsidiary expanding Middle East network
Pilot retention challenges with competitors offering better pay and conditions
Pilot Requirements
EASA frozen ATPL minimum
Class 1 medical
Airbus A320 type rating
ICAO English Level 4+
Compare Wizz Air With
Plan your Wizz Air career
See what Wizz Air pilots earn at every career stage, estimate training costs, and test your EASA theory knowledge.