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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Median Salary
208,000
Job Outlook
+5%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 18,500 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$46,710

10%

$208,000

Median

$208,000+

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    61%

  • High school

    18%

  • Less than high school

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    6%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    5%

  • Some college

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
  • Flight Instructor

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Transportation
  • Geography
  • English Language
  • Mechanical
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.