CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Download graphic

Median pay

$226,600
Median annual pay for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

3.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

11,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

100,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+3,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Transportation
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Geography
  5. 5Mechanical
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Response Orientation
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Far Vision
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Reaction Time

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Self-Control
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Self-Confidence

Work activities

  1. 1Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  2. 2Spend Time Sitting
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  5. 5In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

R · in demandMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyRMS Technology FlitesoftPolaris Microsystems CharterLogPolaris Microsystems AeroLog ProPilot Navigator Software Load BalanceNotam Development Group Airport Insight

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.