Aeroplane Pilot
Shortage Now
States / territories with a shortage signal
Snapshot
Median salary
A$157,200
Full-time annual
People employed
8,200
Estimated workforce
Shortage signal
Shortage (national)
Categories identify where a shortage occurs; they are not a severity score.
What you actually do
Flies aeroplanes to transport passengers, mail and freight, or provide agricultural, aerial surveillance or other aviation services.
Read official OSCA descriptionSkills & main tasks
Official main tasks
- Controls the positions of ailerons and elevators, and the thrust of engines, to determine the elevation, speed and direction of aeroplanes
- Operates controls and navigational instruments to fly the aeroplane safely and efficiently with the use of autopilot
- Takes off and lands aeroplanes on fixed runways
- Plans and records aeroplane flight operations, and completes flight documentation
- Performs pre-flight inspections of the aeroplane to ensure it complies with specifications
- Communicates with air traffic control, ground crew and other pilots to ensure safe and coordinated flight operations
- Performs emergency procedures and manoeuvres in response to in-flight emergencies or equipment malfunctions of the aeroplane
- May make announcements during the flight, and inform passengers about safety procedures and protocols
Where people work
State / territory distribution
Highest education
Share of workers
Education & work pattern
Part-time
39%
Female rate
7%
Median age
41
2030 & 2035 employment outlook
to 2030
+6%
876 projected jobs
to 2035
+14%
2,116 projected jobs
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OSCA skill level 1
A classification attribute describing the occupation; it is not a personal eligibility or qualification decision.
Registration or licensing
Registration or licensing is required.
Official VET pathways
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane)
Progression pathway
Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
Progression pathway
Diploma of Aviation (Chief Remote Pilot)
Progression pathway
Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Pilot in Command)
Progression pathway
Real jobs right now
Live signal from SEEK, Indeed & moreCurrent vacancy signal
WA · May 2026
15
VIC · May 2026
12
NT · May 2026
4
TAS · May 2026
2
NSW · May 2026
33
QLD · May 2026
34
Where could this career take you?
Compare state-level shortage signals, salary context, study options and visa information for Aeroplane Pilot.
Regional demand
Largest employment base
#1 Melbourne - North East
806 estimated employed
- 1
Melbourne - North East
806 employed
VIC
+18.88%
year on year
- 2
Sydney - Sutherland
796 employed
NSW
+6.56%
year on year
- 3
Gold Coast
737 employed
QLD
+9.84%
year on year
- 4
Brisbane Inner City
680 employed
QLD
+10.03%
year on year
- 5
Sunshine Coast
676 employed
QLD
+20.71%
year on year
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Ranked by current shortage signal and projected employment growth.
Workers in this occupation
8,525
Moved in from another occupation
590
Moved to another occupation
525
Recommendation score: shortage = 2 points, no shortage = 1 point, plus 1 point for each 10% of projected growth to 2035.
- 1
4
points
- 2
3
points
- 3
3
points
- 4
3
points
Data status
- Classification
- OSCA 299131
- Last updated
- Refresh pending
- Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia OSL · Jobs and Skills Australia DOM · ABS OSCA · OSCA 2024 — Jobs and Skills Australia
Labour-market data coverage
- Shortage signal and drivers: JSA Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO unit group where applicable).
- Work profile, state distribution and education: JSA Occupation Profiles (ANZSCO mapped).
- Regional employment: JSA NERO, June 2026.
- Career-move observations: JSA DOM, last available 2020–21. Observed Australian worker transitions are not personalised recommendations; many contractors and sole traders are excluded, as are transitions below 10 workers.
- Vacancy signal: JSA Internet Vacancy Index, 3-month average (ANZSCO unit group).
- Employment outlook: JSA employment projections (ANZSCO unit group).
- Training pathways: JSA Training Occupation Pathways.
Data confidence: estimate.