Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
SOC Code: 53-2011Also known as:
Air Force Pilot, Airbus Captain, Aircraft Captain, Aircraft Pilot, Airline Captain
Median Annual Salary
$226,600
+3.9% growth (2024-2034)
12K
Openings/Year
100K
Current Jobs
What Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$226,600
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.9%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
12K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
100,000
Projected Employment (2034)
103,900
Related Careers
Commercial pilots
$122,670 •
+5.1% growth
Air traffic controllers
$144,580 •
+1.2% growth
Airfield operations specialists
$56,750 •
+4.2% growth
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels
$85,540 •
+0.5% growth
Aircraft service attendants
$41,540 •
+5.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
- Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
- Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
- Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers:
Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
2,249 degrees awarded •
103 colleges offer this program
Flight Instructor
30 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers make?
The median annual salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $226,600.
What education do airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers need?
Most airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew, Flight Instructor.
Is becoming airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers a good career choice?
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is projected to see +3.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 11,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers include
Purdue University-Main Campus, Auburn University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Louisiana Tech University, Kansas State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers?
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers may also be known as: Air Force Pilot, Airbus Captain, Aircraft Captain, Aircraft Pilot, Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, Airline Pilot Flight Instructor, Airline Transport Pilot, Airplane Pilot, Army Helicopter Pilot, Captain, Check Airman, Co-Pilot, Commercial Airline Pilot, Copilot, Facilities Flight Check Pilot, Fighter Pilot, First Officer (FO), First Officer Pilot (FO Pilot), Helicopter Pilot.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.