Pilot Salary at Thai Airways
By Renzo, CPL · Updated March 2026
Thailand's flag carrier post-restructuring. Lower salary but Bangkok offers exceptional cost of living and lifestyle.
Salary Breakdown
| Position | Year 1 | Year 5 | Year 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer | $42,000 | $58,000 | $72,000 |
| Captain | $95,000 | $125,000 | $155,000 |
Salary Progression
First Officer
Captain
Benefits & Perks
Fleet Types
1 pilot base worldwide
Requirements & Career
Minimum Flight Hours
2,500
Type Rating Provided
Yes
Career Progression
Slow
Unionized
Yes
Quality of Life Rating
Based on schedule flexibility, base locations, commutability, travel benefits, and overall pilot satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Thai Airways pilot make?
A First Officer at Thai Airways earns $42,000 in year 1, rising to $72,000 by year 10. Captains earn $95,000 initially, reaching $155,000 at year 10.
Is Thai Airways hiring pilots in 2026?
Thai Airways is expected to begin hiring pilots soon. Keep an eye on their careers page.
What are the minimum hours to fly for Thai Airways?
Thai Airways requires a minimum of 2,500 total flight hours. Type rating training is provided by the airline.
Does Thai Airways provide type rating training?
Yes, Thai Airways provides type rating training for new hires on their fleet types: A320, A330, A350, B777, B787.
What is the career progression like at Thai Airways?
Career progression at Thai Airways is rated as "Slow". Pilots are unionized, which provides structured seniority-based advancement. Quality of life is rated 4/5.
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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