Is Becoming an Airline Pilot Still Worth It? Let’s Talk About the Numb – Jet Bean Coffee

The Dream vs. the Debt

For many, the idea of becoming an airline pilot starts young - watching aircraft pass overhead, flying simulators, or that first time walking into a cockpit. It’s a dream career for thousands. But there’s one thing that grounds a lot of people before they even get airborne:

The cost.

If the cost doesn't wake you up, I'm sure some of our Jumbo Jet Espresso will!

Training to become an airline pilot can now exceed £100,000, especially through integrated programs. I get asked all the time: “Is it worth it?”
“Will AI replace us?”
“Is aviation a dying profession?”

Here’s the honest answer: it’s not cheap, and the path isn’t easy - but for the right person, it’s still one of the most rewarding careers in the world. And no, it’s not going anywhere.

Cheaper Ways to Become an Airline Pilot

Not everyone needs to spend £120,000 at a big-name flying school. There are several legitimate, more affordable routes into the flight deck:

Modular Training

Train step-by-step: Private Pilot Licence (PPL) → Hour building → ATPL theory → CPL/IR/MCC.

Pay as you go.

Often done while working a full-time job.

Potential savings: up to £30,000–£40,000 cheaper than integrated programs.

Military Route

Join the RAF or Royal Navy and train as a military pilot - free of charge.

Extremely selective.

After military service, many transition into commercial airlines with strong experience.

What Does It Really Cost — and What Do You Earn?

Let’s break down a real-world scenario using current EasyJet pay scales and a typical training loan.

Scenario:

Training Cost: £120,000

Loan Interest Rate: 4%

Loan Term: 20 years

Annual Repayment: £8,829.81 (total repaid over 20 years nearly 200k)

EasyJet Pilot Pay (gross)

Years 1–2 Second Officer: £60,440

Years 3–6 First Officer: £71,416 (plus sector pay 5-10K)

Year 7 onwards Captain: £144,597 (plus sector pay 10-20K)

7% Pension and Loyalty bonuses from 5-15%

Is It Worth It? The Verdict

While the upfront training cost is undeniably high, the earning potential over a 40+ year flying career is substantial.

By year 6 as a captain at easyJet, you're earning over £145,000 per year, and even in your first two years, you’re still taking home over £50,000 after loan repayments (before tax). It’s not instant return on investment - but the long-term payoff is strong.

Plus, the job comes with other benefits:

Generous annual leave

Travel perks for you and your family

A career with variety, structure, and progression

And most importantly - you get to fly for a living

If you're smart about your training pathway, it’s absolutely possible to become a commercial pilot without drowning in debt.

Final Approach - What You Need to Know

Becoming a pilot is a big decision. It takes discipline, patience, and yes — financial planning. But for those with the passion and persistence to see it through, it’s still one of the most exciting and respected careers out there.

Is it worth it?
If you’re willing to play the long game - absolutely.

Have you tried some of our Concorde Cappuccino yet?

Nathan Raab
Airline Pilot | Better Coffee Advocate | Jet Bean Founder

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Is Becoming an Airline Pilot Still Worth It? Let’s Talk About the Numbers