First officers can earn roughly SAR 18,000–30,000/month (approx. US$4,800 to US$8,000) base, plus extras.  Saudia is the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, with its main hubs in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Madinah. The airline operates both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, covering domestic, regional, and international routes. It plays a key role not only in passenger transport but also in supporting governmental goals around tourism, pilgrimage, and national connectivity.

The airline employs a large number of pilots to provide an optimum level of connectivity to destinations primarily in Africa, Asia, and Europe, while some flights to the United States are also flown daily. Many pilots based in Saudi Arabia are expatriates, and here is how much they are paid, as well as a look at the rest of the benefits they enjoy over their career.

A first officer at Saudia in 2025 is likely to earn a monthly base salary in the ballpark of SAR 18,000 to SAR 30,000 (approx. US$4,800 to US$8,000), depending on experience, total flight hours, and aircraft type.
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In addition to the base, there would be extra pay for items such as flight hour bonuses, per-sector compensation (for specific routes), landing fees, and layover or overnight allowances. These extras can add a significant boost, depending on the schedule and the destinations flown.

Captains at Saudia, especially those commanding wide-body aircraft or with long service, are paid considerably more. A typical monthly base salary might be in the range of SAR 45,000 to SAR 80,000 and over (approx. US$12,000 to US$21,500+) depending on seniority, aircraft type, training roles, and other responsibilities.

With bonuses, long duty hours, leadership duties, and extra pay for routes, many captains may earn well above the base band, while those regularly operating on long-haul routes on the airline’s wide-body fleet of aircraft can take home nearly SAR 100,000 during a busy month.

In addition to industry-leading salaries, Saudia pilots are offered the following range of benefits.
    Housing support – Many pilots receive either furnished company-provided accommodation or a housing allowance to cover private rent. For expatriates, this is a key part of the deal since it offsets high living costs in major Saudi cities.

    Transport allowance – Pilots are given a monthly transport allowance, or in some cases a chauffeur-driven service to and from the airport, easing the stress of commuting.

    Per diems and layover allowances – Every time a pilot is rostered for flights that involve overnight stays, they receive per diem payments to cover meals and other incidental expenses. Layover hotels are arranged by the airline and are international-standard.

    Travel perks – Pilots and their families often enjoy discounted or free standby tickets on Saudia flights. There may also be reciprocal agreements with other airlines, which can significantly reduce the cost of personal travel.

    Insurance and healthcare – Medical insurance is standard, with access to reputable hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Life insurance and, in some cases, dental coverage are also included.

    Annual leave and tickets home – Pilots are entitled to paid annual leave, and expatriates often get tickets home once a year for themselves and sometimes for their dependents.

    Retirement provisions – Local Saudi pilots are usually enrolled in state pension schemes, while expatriates might receive end-of-service benefits or gratuity payments at the conclusion of their contracts.

    Training and career progression – Saudia invests in pilot training, offering type ratings, recurrent training, and career development opportunities. This not only helps maintain high safety standards but also allows pilots to upgrade to more advanced aircraft or command positions over time.

Saudia has the following aircraft in its fleet.

    Airbus A320-200 – 37
    Airbus A321-200 – 15
    Airbus A321neo – 12
    Airbus A330-300 – 33
    Boeing 777-200ER – 2
    Boeing 777-300ER – 37
    Boeing 787-9 – 13
    Boeing 787-10 – 8

In addition to the active fleet, Saudia has several aircraft on order, including 22 Airbus A321neo, 15 Airbus A321XLR, 17 Boeing 787-9, and 22 Boeing 787-10, which will gradually join the fleet over the coming years.
Saudia Airlines Pilot Salary in 2025Photo:

How to become a Saudia pilot

Saudia requires first officer candidates to meet the following requirements.    Valid commercial pilot license, ideally an ATPL or CPL + ATPL theory, recognized by Saudi aviation authorities.

    Class 1 medical certificate.
    Enough flight hours (both total time and cross-country/instrument / multi-crew). The exact minimum may vary depending on the range of experience the airline is looking for.
    English language proficiency per ICAO standards.     Completion of multi-crew cooperation (MCC) and other required training.

To become a Captain:

    Substantial experience as a first officer.     A high number of total flight hours (often several thousand), including command hours. Type rating for the specific aircraft command.


1. Online Application – Applicants submit their details through Saudia’s recruitment portal, including CV, licence copies, logbook, and medical certification.

2. Initial Screening – The airline reviews documents to confirm eligibility in terms of licences, medical status, flight hours, and training completion.

3. Aptitude and Technical Tests – Successful candidates are invited to complete online or in-person tests assessing aviation knowledge, reasoning, and psychomotor skills.

4. Assessment Day / Interviews – Candidates attend a day in Jeddah or Riyadh, which usually includes simulator checks, technical interviews focused on aircraft systems and operational knowledge, and HR rounds to measure communication, teamwork, and motivation.

5. Medical Examination – A valid EASA or equivalent Class 1 medical is required. Candidates must pass with no limitations that would hinder operations.

6. Type Rating Training – If the applicant does not yet have the Airbus or Boeing type rating needed for Saudia’s fleet, the airline may provide access to approved training. This could be partially funded or self-financed.

7. Line Training – New recruits fly under supervision with training captains on scheduled flights. This continues until they are assessed as competent to operate independently.

Flying for Saudia offers pilots a competitive salary and an attractive package of benefits, alongside the chance to operate a modern and expanding fleet.

While the recruitment process is thorough and the lifestyle in Saudi Arabia may require adjustment, the financial rewards and career progression opportunities are significant.

How much does Saudia pay its pilots?

First officers can earn roughly SAR 18,000–30,000/month (approx. US$4,800 to US$8,000) base, plus extras, whereas captains roughly make SAR 45,000–80,000+ per month (approx. US$12,000 to US$21,500+) depending on seniority, aircraft, and responsibilities.

Where are Saudia pilots based?

Saudia pilots are mainly based in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Madinah, which are three of the airline’s chief operating hubs in Saudi Arabia.
Is Saudia hiring pilots in 2025?

Yes, given its international expansion, fleet growth, and seasonal demand during pilgrimage periods, Saudia continues to recruit both first officers and captains. Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.  Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.