Many people wonder how much Red Arrows pilots earn. While exact salaries vary and are often confidential, we can offer a general overview based on publicly available information and insider insights.
Starting Pay During Officer Training
New RAF officers training to become pilots typically earn around £34,600 per year, along with benefits such as healthcare, accommodation allowances, and a pension scheme. This is the base pay during initial officer training.
Pay After Promotion and Experience
Promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) usually occurs after about three years of service, at which point salaries increase significantly. However, the timeline can vary:
- Officers with a master’s degree or certain qualifications may be promoted sooner—sometimes after as little as 1.5 years.
- Conversely, some may take longer depending on training progression and operational requirements.
At the Flt Lt rank, base pay ranges from approximately £50,500 to nearly £60,000 depending on years of service and increments.
Retention Pay and Total Earnings
In addition to rank-based pay, fast jet pilots, including those aiming for or serving with the Red Arrows, receive retention pay to reward and retain their highly specialized skills:
- Starting around £13.77 per day (~£5,000 per year)
- Increasing with experience to over £66 per day (£24,000+ annually)
A junior pilot might earn roughly £54,000 per year initially, rising to about £80,000–£85,000 after many years of service and experience.
Benefits and Pension
RAF pilots also receive extensive benefits:
- Comprehensive healthcare
- Accommodation allowances
- A pension scheme (which pilots do not contribute to directly)
- Training and career development opportunities
Why Pilots Don’t Stay for the Money Alone
Many RAF pilots choose military service for reasons beyond salary—such as flying opportunities, camaraderie, and public service. After gaining experience, some move to commercial aviation where pay can be higher.
Ongoing Changes to Pay
The RAF continues to review and adjust pay schemes. The Defence Aircrew Retention Review (DARR) aims to improve retention and earnings, though some older pay systems like the Professional Aviator spine are being phased out.
Summary
- Starting pay during training: £34,600+ plus benefits
- Promotion to Flight Lieutenant generally after 1.5 to 3 years, pay then from £50,500 to £60,000+
- Retention pay adds thousands annually, increasing with experience
- Total pay for experienced pilots can exceed £80,000 per year
- Benefits include pension, healthcare, and accommodation allowances
- Many pilots eventually transition to commercial flying for higher pay