A significant wave of international students and prospective pilots enrolled in flight training programs across Romania—an integral part of the European Union’s Schengen Area—are keeping a close eye on compensation dynamics across EU airlines. As aspiring aviators progress toward earning their EASA ATPL (Frozen) licenses, understanding regional earning potential and carrier structures is vital for long-term career planning.
So, what are the latest figures on the top-ten EU airline earnings among the flight crews – first officers and captains? Here is the latest info compiled by our research team:
| Airline Name | Operating / Pilot Base Countries | Expected Salary: First Officer | Expected Salary: Captain |
| Ryanair Group | Ireland, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria, Germany, Malta | €85,000 | €140,000 |
| Lufthansa Group | Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy (via ITA) | €171,000 | €225,000 |
| International Airlines Group (IAG) | Spain, Ireland, France | €150,000 | €210,000 |
| Air France-KLM | France, Netherlands | €170,000 | €235,000 |
| easyJet Europe | Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain | €85,000 | €145,000 |
| Wizz Air | Hungary, Poland, Romania, Italy | €70,000 | €130,000 |
| SAS Scandinavian Airlines | Denmark, Sweden | €95,000 | €160,000 |
| Aegean Airlines | Greece, Cyprus | €60,000 | €115,000 |
| TAP Air Portugal | Portugal | €68,000 | €125,000 |
| Finnair | Finland | €82,000 | €150,000 |
(Note: Salaries represent estimated higher-tier gross annual compensation including fixed pay and flight-hour premiums. Figures vary based on contract type, base country tax structures, and long-haul vs. short-haul operations).
Immigration and Career Pathways for Non-EU Student Pilots
Navigating employment eligibility in European airlines as a non-EU citizen requires a clear, strategic path. Graduates holding an EASA ATPL (Frozen) obtained in EU Schengen countries like Romania can utilize several proven steps to secure long-term work rights:
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EASA ATPL (Frozen) Certification: Non-EU students complete integrated flight training to acquire an EASA CPL/MEIR with 14 passed theoretical exams and Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training. This qualifies pilots for First Officer positions starting at 200 total flight hours.
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Flight Instruction and Hours Accumulation: Rather than remaining inactive while waiting for airline assessments, graduates earn a Flight Instructor (FI) rating. Working as an instructor in Romania provides a stable monthly income (€2,500–€3,000) while logging hours toward the 1,500 total hours required to unfreeze an ATPL.
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Establishing Permanent Residency (PR): Under EU immigration guidelines (such as Romanian residence frameworks), legally residing in an EU member state for 5 consecutive years—which includes the 18-month student phase plus time spent working as an instructor—allows non-EU pilots to apply for long-term residency. This grants full access to the EU labor market without requiring independent visa sponsorship.
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Direct ULCC & Non-EU Jet Opportunities: Ultra-low-cost carriers outside the strict EU work permit boundary (such as Turkish carriers Pegasus, SunExpress, or Freebird) often recruit non-EU pilots directly for First Officer roles on A320 or B737 fleets. Additionally, middle-eastern operators like FlyDubai offer direct pathways for qualified EASA license holders. (Read full article on the EU immigration options for the non-EU flight students on our blog page here >>>)
Strong Hiring Momentum and Positive Market Outlook
The outlook for incoming aviators in Europe remains bright. Major carriers and regional low-cost operators are actively expanding fleets to meet sustained air travel demand. Due to ongoing pilot retirements and fleet growth across short-haul European routes, airlines are competing heavily for qualified crew. Pilot compensation in the EU is projected to continue its upward trajectory on an annual basis, supported by revised collective bargaining agreements, retention bonuses, and steady career progression opportunities for dedicated First Officers.
Want to be a pilot in the EU?
Launching a commercial aviation career starts with securing a structured, high-yield training path. The FPAP-EU (Full Professional Airline Pilot Program in the EU) stands out as one of the most budget-friendly, high-value Zero-to-EASA ATPL license programs available on the market today. Operating out of modern flight training centers in Romania—a full EU and Schengen Area member state—the program takes ambitious student pilots from zero flight experience through to a full EASA ATPL (Frozen) certification.
What sets this pathway apart is its seamless bridge between flight school and active employment. Instead of leaving fresh graduates to navigate waiting lists or idle candidate pools, the program features integrated pilot internships directly upon program completion. Cadets transition immediately into paid Flight Instructor (FI) roles, earning a competitive monthly income while systematically logging the multi-engine, multi-crew, and instrument flight hours necessary to unfreeze their ATPL and secure First Officer placements with major EU airlines.
Safe flying!
Aerocadet News Team