Ryanair (FR) is Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers and fleet size, operating more than 3,500 flights daily across over 40 countries.
Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the airline has transformed the European aviation market through its ultra-low-cost model while building one of the continent’s largest pilot workforces. Ryanair and its subsidiaries operate a vast network connecting hundreds of destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
The airline continues to expand aggressively and is preparing for the arrival of Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, which will support future growth and create additional opportunities for pilots.
With hundreds of aircraft already in service and a substantial order book, Ryanair remains one of the largest recruiters of pilots in Europe.
Ryanair Pilot Salary
In 2026, Ryanair pilots benefit from competitive European short-haul airline salaries, stable roster patterns, productivity-based pay and strong command upgrade opportunities. Compensation varies depending on rank, base location, experience and annual flying hours.
Ryanair First Officer Salary
In 2026, first officers at Ryanair generally earn between €55,000 and €95,000 per year, approximately USD 63,000 to USD 109,000 annually, depending on seniority, base location and flying hours. Newly qualified first officers usually begin near the lower end of the salary scale, while experienced Boeing 737 first officers operating busy schedules can earn considerably more through productivity-based pay and additional flying opportunities.
As pilots gain experience within the airline, annual earnings increase through salary progression, additional sector pay and operational incentives. Ryanair’s rapid growth and large fleet create regular opportunities for promotion, allowing first officers to progress towards command positions faster than at many traditional European carriers.
The airline’s extensive network and high aircraft utilisation provide pilots with consistent flying opportunities, making Ryanair one of Europe’s most popular employers for aspiring airline captains.
Ryanair Captain Salary
Captains at Ryanair earn significantly higher salaries due to command responsibilities and operational experience. In 2026, captains generally earn between €130,000 and €190,000 per year, equivalent to approximately USD 149,000 to USD 218,000 annually, depending on base location, seniority and yearly utilisation. Direct-entry captains and senior commanders operating high-productivity schedules can earn toward the upper end of the range.
In addition to their base salary, captains may receive productivity incentives, training pay and additional compensation for operational duties. Training captains, line training captains and examiner captains can earn beyond standard command salary scales through additional responsibilities and instructional duties.
Ryanair’s large-scale expansion plans and future Boeing 737 MAX 10 deliveries are expected to create continued demand for experienced captains across the network.
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Benefits Enjoyed by Ryanair Pilots
Ryanair’s pilots enjoy the following benefits during their employment.
- Travel Benefits – Pilots receive discounted travel opportunities across the Ryanair network.
- Stable Roster Patterns – Many pilots benefit from predictable roster structures, including popular 5-on, 4-off schedules.
- Rapid Command Upgrades – Continued fleet expansion creates opportunities for quicker promotion to captain positions.
- Base Choice Opportunities – Pilots can choose from numerous operational bases throughout Europe.
- Training and Development – Comprehensive recurrent simulator training and professional development programmes are provided.
- High Aircraft Utilisation – Consistent flying opportunities help pilots build experience quickly.
- Modern Fleet Operations – Pilots operate one of the world’s largest Boeing 737 fleets.
- Career Stability – Ryanair’s market-leading position supports long-term pilot employment opportunities.
What Aircraft Do Ryanair Pilots Fly?
Ryanair operates one of the largest airline fleets in the world, currently consisting of the following aircraft.
- Airbus A320-200 – 26
- Boeing 737-700 – 1
- Boeing 737-800 – 410
- Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 – 210
In addition to over 600 aircraft presently in its fleet, Ryanair also has 150 Boeing 737 MAX 10s on order.
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Requirements To Become A Pilot for Ryanair
Ryanair’s first officers must meet the requirements below.
- Unrestricted right to live and work in the EU
- Date of Birth – Not over 65.
- EASA Part FCL licence holder
- Valid EU (Part-MED) issued Class 1 medical certificate.
- Minimum 700 hours total flying time
- Must have a minimum of 500 hours operated in the capacity of a First Officer on a multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft engaged in commercial air transport operations (No Flight Instructor hours shall be considered).
- Candidates who hold a valid B737 Type Rating but do not have a minimum of 800 hours on type, including at least 1,000 hours on a CS-25 aircraft, or who have not operated the aircraft within the previous 36 months, will be required to complete a full Transition Type Rating course and will be considered non-type-rated candidates.
- Holds a minimum of CPL(A) with a valid multi-engine instrument rating, expiry date of MEIR cannot exceed 12 months from the date of commencement of the course. MEIR must be valid on date of assessment.
- Must have passed the ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge examinations in accordance with FCL.515.
- English Language Proficiency – minimum required proficiency level is Operational Level (Level 4). (Written proficiency is required at Operational level). (Reference: ICAO Doc 9835).
- Ability to pass an enhanced background check and meet all other regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, captains need to fulfil the following criteria.
- Unrestricted right to live and work in the EU
- Date of Birth – (Not over 65)
- EASA Part FCL licence holder
- Valid EU (Part-MED) Class 1 medical
- Minimum 3,500 hours total flying time
- Minimum of 2,000 hours on a Multi-crew, Multi-engine Jet aircraft weighing in excess of 30,000kg MTOW with an established airline, cargo operator or Military transport.
- Minimum of 800 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) for EASA Licence holders on a Multi-crew, Multi-engine jet aircraft weighing in excess of 30,000kg. (No PIC hours on Turboprop aircraft shall be considered).
- Minimum 500 hours PIC on the B737-300 to 900 series
- Applicant must have the B737 300-900 type rating listed on the licence.
- For EASA licence holders the application must be made within 36 months of the most recent B737 300-900 “Valid Until” date specified in Section XII “Certificate of Revalidation”. i.e. the B737 300-900 Rating must not have expired for longer than 3 years at the intended (OCC) course commencement date.
- Must have operated on B737 300-900 as Commander within the 36 months prior to the course start date.
- Candidates who hold a valid B737 Type Rating but have not operated the aircraft within the previous 36 months will be required to complete a full Transition Type Rating course and will be considered non-type-rated candidates.
- English Language Proficiency – minimum required proficiency Level is Operational Level (Level 4). (Written proficiency is required at Operational level). (Reference: ICAO Doc 9835).
- Ability to pass an enhanced background check and meet all other regulatory requirements.
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Hiring Process for Ryanair Pilots
Ryanair’s pilots need to pass the following steps in the airline’s recruitment process.
- Online Application – Candidates submit applications along with licences, medical certificates, flight records and supporting documentation.
- Initial Screening – Recruitment teams review qualifications, flight experience and regulatory compliance before shortlisting applicants.
- Technical Assessment – Applicants complete technical evaluations and aptitude testing to assess aviation knowledge and operational decision-making.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates undergo simulator evaluations where assessors review aircraft handling, crew resource management, standard operating procedures and situational awareness.
- Interview Stage – Successful applicants attend interviews with recruitment personnel and management pilots to evaluate technical competence, communication skills and professionalism.
- Medical And Background Verification – Final candidates complete medical verification, reference checks, employment screening and security clearance procedures before receiving a formal offer.
Due to Ryanair’s continued fleet growth and network expansion, pilot recruitment remains active across multiple European bases.
Bottom Line
In 2026, Ryanair continues to offer one of Europe’s strongest short-haul pilot career opportunities. First officers generally earn between €55,000 and €95,000 per year, while captains may earn between €130,000 and €190,000 annually, depending on seniority, base location and operational productivity.
With a massive Boeing 737 fleet, extensive route network, rapid promotion opportunities and continued expansion plans, Ryanair remains a highly attractive airline for pilots seeking long-term careers in European aviation.
FAQs
Ryanair pilots typically earn between €55,000 and €190,000 per year, depending on rank, experience and base location.
Ryanair pilots are based across numerous locations throughout Europe, including Dublin, London Stansted, Milan Bergamo, Madrid, Brussels Charleroi and many other operational bases.
Ryanair pilots primarily operate Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft, with Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft scheduled to join the fleet in the coming years.
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