LATAM Airlines is the largest airline group in Latin America, with a major presence across Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and other markets in the region.
The group operates an extensive domestic and international network, connecting South America with destinations in North America, Europe, Oceania and the Caribbean.
LATAM Airlines Pilot Salary in 2026
For pilots, LATAM offers the opportunity to fly a mixed fleet ranging from Airbus narrow-body aircraft to Boeing 787 and 777 wide-body jets. The airline’s pilot compensation varies considerably depending on the country of employment, aircraft, seniority, and flying activity.
The figures below focus primarily on the Chilean LATAM operation, where detailed 2025–2028 pilot contract figures became available following collective bargaining negotiations.
LATAM Airlines First Officer Salary
In 2026, a LATAM Airlines first officer in Chile generally earns between CLP 5.3 million and CLP 5.9 million per month in base salary, equivalent to approximately CLP 63.6 million to CLP 70.8 million per year. That works out to roughly USD 70,000 to USD 78,000 annually, depending on the exchange rate. The figures formed part of the salary proposal accepted during the 2025 collective bargaining process.
The actual amount received can be higher because pilot compensation includes a variable component linked to flight hours and productivity. Under the negotiated proposal, first officers could receive an additional CLP 79,000 to CLP 118,500 per applicable flight-hour component, depending on the relevant salary level. Experience and seniority therefore play a major role in determining total earnings.
LATAM Airlines Captain Salary
In 2026, LATAM Airlines captains in Chile generally earn between CLP 8.9 million and CLP 10 million per month in base salary, equivalent to approximately CLP 106.8 million to CLP 120 million per year. This is roughly USD 118,000 to USD 133,000 annually based on approximate 2026 exchange rates. The salary figures were included in the company’s proposed terms during the 2025 pilot negotiations.
Captains can earn more through the variable flying component. The negotiated figures placed the productivity or flight-hour component between approximately CLP 121,000 and CLP 181,500, depending on the pilot’s applicable salary level. International wide-body flying and seniority can therefore make a considerable difference to total compensation.
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Benefits Enjoyed by LATAM Airlines Pilots
LATAM’s pilots are offered the following benefits.
- Competitive Salary – LATAM provides pilots with a strong salary package that increases with rank, seniority, and flying activity.
- Flight-Related Pay – Pilots can receive additional variable compensation linked to productivity and flight hours.
- Travel Privileges – Pilots receive employee travel benefits and access to discounted air travel.
- Health Benefits – Pilots receive healthcare coverage under the terms applicable to their country and employment contract.
- Retirement Benefits – Retirement and pension arrangements are provided according to the pilot’s country of employment and applicable LATAM contract.
- International Flying – Pilots can gain experience operating across South America and on long-haul international routes.
- Fleet Opportunities – LATAM’s mixed fleet allows experienced pilots to progress from narrow-body operations into wide-body flying.
- Career Progression – First officers can progress towards command as they gain the necessary experience, seniority and qualifications.
What Aircraft Do LATAM Airlines Pilots Fly?
LATAM’s pilots operate a diverse fleet consisting primarily of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Their current fleet includes.
- Airbus A319-100 – 39
- Airbus A320-200 – 135
- Airbus A320neo – 51
- Airbus A321-200 – 49
- Airbus A321neo – 17
- Boeing 767-300ER – 9
- Boeing 777-300ER – 10
- Boeing 787-8 – 10
- Boeing 787-9 – 28
LATAM Airlines also has the following aircraft on order.
- Airbus A320neo – 26
- Airbus A321neo – 48
- Airbus A321XLR – 13
- Boeing 787-9 – 19
- Embraer E195-E2 – 24
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Requirements To Become A Pilot for LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines’ first officers have to fulfil the following criteria.
- Be at least 20 years old
- Have a Commercial Pilot License or PCA
- Have 150 flight hours or more
- Have ICAO English Level 4 or higher
- Have a current Medical Certificate
- Have an IFR qualification
- Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- Have a B1/B2 Visa for United States operations
Captains, on the other hand, need to meet the requirements below.
- Have a Commercial Pilot License or PTL
- Have 5,000 total flight hours or more
- Have 3,000 flight hours on a Jet and 500 hours as PIC
- Have ICAO English Level 4 or higher
- Have a current Medical Certificate
- Have an IFR qualification
- Have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- Have a B1/B2 Visa for United States operations
Hiring Process for LATAM Airlines Pilots
LATAM follows the steps below in its recruitment for pilots.
- Online Application – Candidates begin by submitting their application through LATAM’s recruitment system, providing their personal details, qualifications, flight experience, employment history, and supporting documents.
- Initial Screening – LATAM reviews the candidate’s licence, medical status, flight hours, aircraft experience and other qualifications against the requirements of the vacancy.
- Aptitude Assessment – Shortlisted applicants complete aptitude and psychometric assessments designed to evaluate areas such as numerical reasoning, spatial awareness, memory, concentration and decision-making.
- Technical Assessment – Candidates are assessed on their aviation knowledge, aircraft systems, operational procedures, performance, navigation and other technical subjects relevant to the position.
- Interview – Applicants who progress through the earlier stages attend interviews covering professional experience, communication, leadership, teamwork, safety culture and motivation for joining LATAM.
- Simulator Assessment – Candidates complete a simulator evaluation to demonstrate aircraft handling, procedural accuracy, situational awareness, crew resource management and decision-making under operational conditions.
- Final Checks and Offer – Successful candidates complete the required medical, background, documentation, and employment checks before receiving a formal offer and beginning the airline’s training and induction process.
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Bottom Line
In 2026, LATAM Airlines offers a competitive pilot compensation package within the Latin American aviation market. In Chile, first officers generally earn around CLP 5.3 million to CLP 5.9 million per month, while captains receive approximately CLP 8.9 million to CLP 10 million per month in base salary.
That translates to roughly CLP 63.6 million to CLP 70.8 million per year for first officers and CLP 106.8 million to CLP 120 million for captains, before applicable variable flying payments. In approximate US dollar terms, these ranges are around USD 70,000 to USD 78,000 for first officers and USD 118,000 to USD 133,000 for captains.
The combination of a large international network, Airbus and Boeing fleets, opportunities for long-haul flying, and structured progression makes LATAM an appealing option for pilots seeking a career with one of Latin America’s largest airline groups.
FAQs
LATAM Airlines pilots in Chile generally earn approximately CLP 63.6 million to CLP 120 million per year, depending on rank, seniority, and the applicable salary scale.
LATAM pilots operate aircraft including the Airbus A319, A320, A321, Boeing 767, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787.
Current industry recruitment information indicates a minimum of approximately 150 total flight hours, although the exact requirement varies according to the position and LATAM operation.
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