Last Updated: February 2026 | Reviewed for accuracy by Captain Tariq Mahmud — ATPL holder, 14 years commercial aviation experience with Biman Bangladesh Airlines and regional carriers.
If you’ve ever looked out an airplane window and thought “that could be me up there,” you’re not alone. Aviation is one of the most aspired-to careers in Bangladesh — and for good reason. But before you invest years of training and lakhs of taka into a pilot’s license, there’s one question you need to answer honestly: what do pilots actually earn in Bangladesh in 2026?
This guide breaks it all down — from the monthly pay of a First Officer just starting out, to the full compensation package of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines captain, to how salaries compare across private airlines, charter operations, and corporate aviation. If you’ve already looked at how pilots are compensated in neighbouring countries, you might also find it useful to compare with our guides on Pilot Salary in India and Pilot Salary in Pakistan.
Pilot Salary in Bangladesh 2026: Quick Overview
Here’s a realistic snapshot of where pilot salaries stand in Bangladesh right now:
| Role | Monthly Salary Range (BDT) |
|---|---|
| First Officer (Entry Level) | BDT 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
| First Officer (Experienced) | BDT 4,00,000 – 6,00,000 |
| Captain (Regional Airline) | BDT 7,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
| Captain (Biman Bangladesh) | BDT 7,00,000 – 16,00,000 |
| Charter Pilot | BDT 1,30,000 – 3,50,000 |
| Corporate / Business Jet Pilot | BDT 8,00,000+ (often tax-free) |
These figures include base salary, flying hour pay, and standard allowances. Actual take-home can vary significantly based on employer, aircraft type rating, seniority, and negotiated contract terms.
How Pilot Pay Actually Works in Bangladesh?
Before diving into the numbers airline by airline, it’s important to understand that commercial pilots in Bangladesh are generally not paid a flat monthly salary the way most salaried employees are. Instead, their compensation is structured around flying hours — meaning the more they fly, the more they earn.
According to the Air Navigation Order (ANO) set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), a pilot can fly a maximum of 120 hours per month, extendable by 10–20% with CAAB’s permission. For Biman Bangladesh pilots, captains earn approximately BDT 4,900 per additional flying hour and first officers earn BDT 4,200. This flying hour component, stacked on top of base pay, can significantly boost monthly income — especially for pilots on international routes.
The bottom line: a pilot’s monthly income isn’t fixed. It fluctuates with scheduling, route assignments, and flight volume. Someone flying long-haul to London or New York for Biman will earn considerably more in a given month than a colleague doing domestic turnarounds between Dhaka and Chittagong.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines Pilot Salary
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the state-owned flag carrier, pays its pilots at a level that has drawn considerable attention — and some controversy. For years, Biman’s pilot pay structure has been among the most generous in the region, even while the airline itself operated at a loss.
The monthly salary of an entry level pilot at Biman starts from BDT 2.32 lakh and rises to BDT 16 lakh, including all allowances, for experienced pilots. That upper end of BDT 16 lakh per month is remarkably high, especially when you consider that Biman is not among the world’s top 100 airlines by any performance metric.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Biman implemented salary cuts. Pilots received a minimum of BDT 1.53 lakh and a maximum of BDT 5 lakh after the reduction initiative put in place to cope with the economic shock. Pilots’ unions pushed hard to restore those pre-pandemic levels, and by 2021–22, partial restoration was underway. As of recent reporting, a senior Biman Bangladesh pilot earns less than USD 5,900 a month under the current salary regime, with several additional benefits also reduced.
For context, mid-career Biman pilots with 5 to 10 years of experience earn monthly salaries of BDT 6 to 8 lakh, compared to Indian pilots at similar experience levels who average around BDT 4.5 lakh. The average salary of an international pilot in the United States is approximately BDT 5 lakh per month. Biman pilots, in some mid-career bands, actually outpace both.
The pay structure, in place since 2008 after an agreement with the Bangladesh Airline Pilots’ Association, has created a compensation model that the carrier’s board has repeatedly tried to review — particularly given Biman’s persistent financial losses and its limited fleet expansion relative to regional rivals.
Private Airline Pilot Salaries: US-Bangla, NovoAir & Air Astra
Bangladesh’s private aviation sector has grown considerably in the past decade. US-Bangla Airlines, NovoAir, and Air Astra are the primary private employers for commercial pilots. Their salary structures are generally lower than Biman’s but competitive within the regional private sector.
Any regional airline in Bangladesh pays approximately BDT 2 lakhs to 6 lakhs for a First Officer (FO) post at the beginner level. A Captain position, depending on seniority and contract terms, earns approximately BDT 7 lakhs to 13 lakhs per month.
For specialized roles, compensation climbs significantly. US-Bangla Airlines, when recruiting international Boeing 737 Type Rated Examiners and Instructors (TRE/TRI), has offered USD 12,000 per month net of tax, with furnished accommodation near the airport. This illustrates how dramatically demand for specific technical expertise can shift the pay ceiling in Bangladesh’s private aviation market.
It’s worth noting that training quality varies across private airlines. While Biman trains its pilots at British and American aviation schools, some private carriers use lower-cost training institutes. This distinction matters for a pilot’s long-term career trajectory and international career options, even if it doesn’t immediately affect starting salary.
Pilot Salary by Years of Experience in Bangladesh
Experience is the single biggest driver of salary growth in aviation anywhere in the world. Here’s how pilot pay typically scales across a career in Bangladesh:
0–2 Years: A newly licensed commercial pilot can expect approximately BDT 2.92 lakh per month as a First Officer on domestic or short-haul regional routes. At this stage, the priority is logging hours and securing a type rating.
2–5 Years: With two to five years of experience, the average airline pilot salary rises to approximately BDT 3,89,200. More hours in the logbook, possibly a type rating secured — this is when marketability starts to increase noticeably.
5–10 Years: Average monthly pay reaches around BDT 5,75,100. Many pilots at this stage are being groomed for command or have already transitioned to Captain on smaller aircraft. For comparison, this is also the experience band where Indian pilots earn an average of around BDT 4.5 lakh monthly.
10–15 Years: Pilots with over ten years see average salaries reach approximately BDT 7,01,400. With a Captain’s four stripes and a narrowbody type rating, this is where real earning power begins.
15–20 Years: Average pay rises to around BDT 7,62,400. Senior captains flying wide-body jets internationally sit at the upper range of this bracket.
20+ Years: An airline pilot with more than 20 years of experience can expect average pay of around BDT 8,25,900 per month. At Biman, these are the captains on long-haul international routes commanding the highest pay bands.
Charter Pilot and Corporate Pilot Salaries
Not every pilot in Bangladesh flies for a commercial airline. Charter and corporate aviation represent a smaller but financially significant segment of the market.
Charter pilot salaries in Bangladesh range from BDT 1,30,000 to BDT 3,50,000 per month, depending on aircraft knowledge, flying experience, and type ratings held. These roles often serve cargo operators and small charter companies, offering an important entry point for pilots building hours before moving to a commercial airline.
Corporate aviation — flying business jets and VIP aircraft — is a different story entirely. A corporate pilot’s salary is remarkably high, and the role often involves extended periods abroad. Many corporate pilots earn additional pay even when not on active duty, the salary is usually tax-free, and VIP passengers frequently provide substantial tips that don’t count toward the official net salary.
The aircraft type matters enormously here. A pilot flying a Gulfstream 700 can earn five times more than one flying a KingAir 350. For pilots with the right ratings and connections, corporate aviation in Bangladesh and the broader Middle East/Asia region offers income levels that rival or exceed even Biman’s top earners.
Bangladesh Pilot Salary vs. Regional Comparison
Here’s a straightforward comparison of how Bangladesh stacks up against its neighbours and the broader region:
| Country | Average Monthly Pilot Salary |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | BDT 2,45,000 |
| Sri Lanka | BDT 8,50,000 |
| India | BDT 4,50,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Pakistan | BDT 3,00,000 – 7,00,000 |
| UAE (Gulf carriers) | BDT 15,00,000+ |
The difficult truth is that Bangladesh is among the lower-paying countries for pilots in Asia. This correlates directly with the scale and profitability of the local aviation market. For deeper dives into how neighbouring markets compare, see our guides on pilot salaries in India and pilot salaries in Pakistan.
The Biman exception is real but narrow. Biman pilots at mid-to-senior level do earn well by regional standards, but that’s partly a function of a legacy pay structure rather than a competitive market outcome. And Biman has limited hiring capacity — it cannot absorb all of Bangladesh’s commercially licensed pilots.
For pilots with long-term income ambitions, the strategic move many make is to build hours and type ratings domestically, then pursue positions at Gulf carriers, Asian airlines, or eventually European and North American operators. The path is long, but the financial ceiling outside Bangladesh is considerably higher.
How to Become a Pilot in Bangladesh (CAAB Requirements 2026)
Understanding pilot salary means understanding the investment required to get there. The path to a commercial pilot license in Bangladesh is structured and runs through the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).
Educational Requirement: Candidates must pass HSC in the Science stream with Physics and Mathematics, achieving a minimum GPA of 2.5 in those subjects. GED qualifications are accepted where Physics and Mathematics are clearly indicated with equivalent marks.
Minimum Age: You must be at least 17 for initial flight training and 18 years old to apply for a Commercial Pilot License.
Licensing Pathway: The progression runs Student Pilot License (SPL) → Private Pilot License (PPL) → Commercial Pilot License (CPL) → Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). PPL requires a minimum of 40 flight hours under CAAB rules. CPL requires 150 hours. ATPL — required to serve as Pilot in Command (captain) on a commercial aircraft — requires 1,500 total flight hours.
CAAB Theory Exams: CPL candidates must pass 9 subjects including aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, crew communication, aircraft loading, and wind shear awareness. A skill test, oral test, and ICAO Aviation English Language Proficiency at minimum Level 4 are also required, with exams conducted through CAAB’s Computer Based Examination (CBE) system.
Medical Fitness: Class-I medical certification from CAAB is mandatory. Conditions including epilepsy, severe visual impairment, color blindness, blood diseases, vertigo, or insulin-dependent diabetes will disqualify an applicant.
CAAB-Approved Flight Schools in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Flying Academy (BFA), Galaxy Flying Academy, and Bangladesh Airlines Training Center (BATC) are the primary CAAB-approved flight training organizations locally.
Training Cost in Bangladesh:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): approximately BDT 9.75 lakh (7–8 months)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): approximately BDT 17.75 lakh (11–12 months)
- Overseas training (Philippines, Australia, USA, UK): BDT 40–80 lakh or more, but typically carries higher international recognition and training standards
One important note: after completing overseas training, pilots must convert their foreign license to a CAAB-issued license before they can fly commercially in Bangladesh.
Key Factors That Determine a Pilot’s Salary in Bangladesh
Pilot salary in Bangladesh isn’t a single figure — it’s shaped by real-world variables that every aspiring aviator should understand before committing to this career path.
Employer type is the single most decisive factor. Biman pays the most comprehensively at senior levels. US-Bangla is competitive for private sector work. Charter companies are more variable, and corporate aviation — particularly international business jet operations — can exceed all of them for the right role.
Aircraft type rating directly affects pay. A Boeing 737 type-rated pilot commands significantly more than one rated on an ATR-72 or Dash-8. Wide-body ratings — Boeing 777, Airbus A330 — command a further premium at Biman on long-haul international routes.
Flying hours per month matter because compensation is partly hour-based. Pilots logging maximum hours on international routes earn meaningfully more than those restricted to domestic sectors within Bangladesh.
Seniority and contract terms within a specific airline shape long-term pay progression. Pilots who stay and build institutional seniority access higher pay bands progressively — this is especially true at Biman, where the seniority-based pay structure rewards longevity.
Gender pay gap is an uncomfortable documented reality. Male pilots in Bangladesh earn approximately 21% more than female colleagues on average. This is a structural issue the industry has not yet meaningfully addressed.
Is a Pilot Career in Bangladesh Worth It in 2026?
The investment is substantial — BDT 17.75 lakh locally for a CPL, potentially BDT 80 lakh or more for overseas training. The return, however, can be compelling with patience and the right strategy.
A first officer’s starting pay of BDT 2–3 lakh per month is strong by Bangladeshi professional standards. A captain’s salary of BDT 7–13 lakh places pilots firmly in the country’s top earning tier. And at the very top — senior captains at Biman flying wide-body jets internationally — the total compensation package is genuinely exceptional for the South Asian market.
Bangladesh’s aviation sector has shown consistent growth over the past decade. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport handles growing international traffic, domestic connectivity is expanding, and newer carriers like Air Astra signal continued demand for qualified pilots locally. The long-term outlook for aviation employment in Bangladesh is positive.
That said, aspiring pilots should be clear-eyed: training quality at some local schools lags behind international standards, the path from CPL to a commercial airline seat can take years of hour-building and waiting, and salaries — even at Biman — fall short of what comparable roles pay in the Gulf or East Asia. For pilots who want to maximize lifetime earnings, Bangladesh is typically a launching pad, not the final destination. For more information, visit Crewdaily.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a pilot in Bangladesh?
An entry-level First Officer at a regional airline in Bangladesh typically earns between BDT 2,00,000 and BDT 4,00,000 per month, including flying hour pay and standard allowances.
What is the highest pilot salary in Bangladesh?
Senior captains at Biman Bangladesh Airlines can earn up to BDT 16,00,000 per month, including all allowances. Corporate jet pilots operating on international routes can also reach or exceed this level, often in tax-free compensation structures.
How much does it cost to become a pilot in Bangladesh?
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from a CAAB-approved school in Bangladesh costs approximately BDT 17.75 lakh over 11–12 months. A Private Pilot License (PPL) costs around BDT 9.75 lakh. Overseas training is considerably more expensive — typically BDT 40–80 lakh depending on the country and school.
Do Biman pilots earn more than US-Bangla pilots?
Generally, yes. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has maintained one of the highest pilot pay structures in South Asia for a national carrier. US-Bangla offers competitive private sector packages, but Biman’s senior pilot compensation exceeds it at the top of the scale — particularly for long-haul international captains.
What qualifications are needed to become a pilot in Bangladesh?
You need an HSC Science degree (minimum GPA 2.5 in Physics and Mathematics), be at least 18 years old, hold Class-I medical fitness certification from CAAB, pass 9 CPL theory subjects via CAAB’s CBE system, achieve ICAO English Level 4, and accumulate a minimum of 150 flight hours for CPL. A skill test and oral test are also required.
How does Bangladesh pilot salary compare to India and Pakistan?
Bangladesh’s average pilot salary is lower than both India and Sri Lanka, but Biman’s senior pilot pay is competitive with mid-tier Indian carriers. For a detailed country-by-country comparison, see our guides on Pilot Salary in India 2026 and Pilot Salary in Pakistan 2026.
