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.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
SOC: 53-2011 O*NET: 53-2011.00
Median Salary
$226,600
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.9%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
11.7
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$98,560
10th percentile
Early Career
$154,360
25th percentile
Median
$226,600
50th percentile
Experienced
$0
75th percentile
Top Earners
$0
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$98,560
25th
$154,360
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$226,600
Mean: $280,570
75th
$0
90th
$0
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans -$98,560 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $154,360 and $0
- •Salary spread is -68.1% around the median, showing low variation
- •Total national employment: 99,300 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:100,000
Top Industries
Air Transportation87.6%
Scheduled Air Transportation87.1%
Couriers and Express Delivery Services3.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.9%
Annual Openings:11,700
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)100,000
Current
2034 (Projected)103,900
+3.9%
+3,900
Employment Change
+3.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 40 locations
Texas
10,050 jobs$214,6701.13x
California
9,890 jobs$00.85x
Florida
6,640 jobs$220,3501.05x
New York
6,530 jobs$01.06x
Illinois
6,440 jobs$01.65x
Colorado
5,840 jobs$211,8603.14x
North Carolina
4,310 jobs$154,3601.37x
Pennsylvania
4,030 jobs$172,7101.04x
Washington
3,650 jobs$01.60x
Michigan
2,650 jobs$00.94x
Arizona
2,070 jobs$198,8001.01x
Utah
1,780 jobs$133,2301.61x
Nevada
1,710 jobs$180,6001.74x
Alaska
1,620 jobs$226,4907.82x
Ohio
1,070 jobs$00.30x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#7
Time Management
60%
#8
Reading Comprehension
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Speaking
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Time Management
intermediate3.0
60%
Reading Comprehension
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Crane and Tower Operators90%
5 shared skills
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer90%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Dental Laboratory Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Training & Development (2)Planning & Development (3)Operations & Execution (2)Communication & Coordination (1)Management & Supervision (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development91% perform94%
5
Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution85% perform90%
7
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers professionals typically have a RCE Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.72
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.67
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.61
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.57
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.55
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.42
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.7
Self-Control
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Leadership
4.3
Initiative
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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