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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$135,960
25th
$181,280
50th (Median)
$226,600
75th
$271,920
90th
$339,900
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:100,000
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
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Time Management
Time Management
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Speaking
Speaking
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Transportation
✓
English Language
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Geography
✓
Mechanical
✓
Mathematics
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Physics
✓
Law and Government
✓
Customer and Personal Service
Education & Training
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience