The founder and CEO of Zino Aviation, Capt. Zino Mario, has revealed that monthly salaries for entry-level commercial pilots in Nigeria range widely from N800,000 to N9 million. According to Capt. Mario, the disparity depends on the airline, aircraft type, operational model, and the pilot’s experience level. While many entry-level pilots typically earn between N1.5 million and N3.5 million monthly, captains can command between N6 million and N18 million. Despite high earning potential, the industry faces a paradox: a surplus of newly licensed pilots who cannot afford the $15,000 to $25,000 required for aircraft type ratings, contrasted by a critical shortage of experienced captains and training pilots. As Nigerian airlines continue to expand their fleets to meet growing passenger demand, competition for qualified flight crew is expected to keep salaries on an upward trajectory.