The paralysis of nearly 500 pilots of the Latam Pilots Union (SPL) not only forced the cancellation of more than 170 flights in November 2025, but also unleashed an inevitable question in public opinion: How much does a commercial airline pilot really earn in Chile?
Take a breath before knowing how much airline pilots earn
The union of pilots states that the economic demand of workers represents less than 1% of the profits obtained by the company in the last 18 months. This disagreement is not recent; It dates back to 2020, when pilots accepted a 30% pay reduction in an emergency plan, which also included the layoff of 246 airmen.
Be pilot commercial requires a rigorous and, above all, expensive training path. The degree requires highly technical preparation, which lasts between 24 and 36 months in specialized academies or Chilean universities, such as USM. The total investment to become a commercial pilot ranges between $40,000,000 and $60,000,000, a high figure that, according to experts, is offset by a quick return to work after the first contract.
Accurately estimate the remuneration of a pilot It is complex, since there is no standard salary. The industry agrees that multiple factors intervene that expand the income range of any pilot within the same airline. The salary difference is explained by:
- Type of Aircraft Operated: Larger aircraft or aircraft on international routes are usually associated with higher compensation for the pilot.
- Accumulated Flight Hours: A part of a pilot’s salary is fixed, but another is variable and depends directly on the hours flown.
- Position and Seniority: There is a great disparity between a First Officer and a Captain. In addition, pilots with more years in the company usually retain contracts with more advantageous conditions.
- Airline: Latam is positioned above low-cost airlines such as JetSmart and Sky. A Latam Captain pilot can earn about 15% more than his peers in other companies, with equivalent hours.
The recent strike of pilots in Latam has highlighted not only the economic recovery of the large airlines of Chilibut also the enormous income disparity within the sector, where experience and position can quintuple the salary. Beyond the shocking figures that exceed $10 million, the conflict highlights the constant tension between the profitability of companies and the efforts of professionals whose training is worth millions and their responsibility is incalculable.
