A report has highlighted major regional differences in pilot pay and employment conditions.

The 2025 Global Pilot Pay & Market Insights Report from specialist recruitment agency AeroProfesional APAC and the Middle East lead in high pilot salaries, with over 12% and 11% respectively earning above $18,000 per month—far ahead of Europe and South America.

However, high pay does not automatically guarantee better working conditions with 65% of Middle East pilots are open to changing employers and 48% of APAC pilots surveyed saying they are considering moving to a different airline.

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The UK stands out for job security, with 90% of pilots on permanent contracts—the highest globally. The report makes the point that the country’s low use of flexible contracts may hinder adaptability. British pilots also prioritise quality of life, with a third citing better rosters as their top reason for seeking new roles. This is more than any other region.

Health insurance coverage varies widely, with Europe lagging at 51.2%, compared to North America (78.3%), the Middle East (73.3%), and the UK (68.7%).

Sam Sprules, Managing Director at AeroProfessional, said: “While salary remains a powerful factor in attracting pilots, it’s clear that wider employment conditions such as contract stability, benefits, and work-life balance play an increasingly decisive role in retention.

“Each region has its own distinct set of challenges, and airlines must adapt their employment strategies accordingly to remain competitive in a global talent market.”