A spokesperson for Ryanair confirmed that between basic pay and allowances, their most senior captains could earn almost £11,000 sterling more than their Aer Lingus counterparts.
However, as yet it is unclear to what extent that gap would be narrowed by other benefits, including pensions, enjoyed by Aer Lingus staff.
These figures seen by RTÉ News are based on combining basic pay and allowances known as 'sector pay'.
The maximum pay on offer so far from Aer Lingus for a First Officer would be £59,100.
The equivalent rate in Ryanair would be £62,212, over £3,000 more.
Aer Lingus captains have been offered a maximum salary of £104,820, while Ryanair's maximum captain's salary would be £115,619 - almost £11,000 more.
However, how the two salaries would compare in terms of other benefits - like pensions, health insurance, payment for training and uniforms - is unclear.
For example, Aer Lingus is committed to contributing 9% of the pilots' salaries to a pension scheme.
The Irish Airline Pilots Association said it would not comment on these figures until it examines them in detail, particularly as it is still negotiating Belfast salaries with Aer Lingus.
However, if Ryanair stands by this offer, it seems inevitable that pilot negotiators will toughen their stance in pursuit of a better package from Aer Lingus, who plan to start operating from Belfast on 10 December.
