National Salary Overview
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Median Salary
$147,321
Average (Mean)
$161,538
Employed Nationwide
33,440
VS
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Salary
$81,600
Average (Mean)
$90,254
Employed Nationwide
32,600
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns $65,721 more (80.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$81,600
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$90,254
Total Employment
33,440
32,600
States with Higher Pay
13
2
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Showing 15 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 13 states; Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 2.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $57,200 | +$138,820 | ||
| Connecticut | $128,110 | $83,200 | +$44,910 | ||
| Iowa | $134,910 | $79,830 | +$55,080 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $103,380 | $-8,620 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,270 | $93,630 | +$77,640 | ||
| Mississippi | $118,370 | $160,550 | $-42,180 | ||
| Missouri | $138,920 | $65,500 | +$73,420 | ||
| New Jersey | $171,300 | $104,410 | +$66,890 | ||
| New York | $231,830 | $81,800 | +$150,030 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,360 | $62,480 | +$79,880 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,150 | $69,710 | +$44,440 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,850 | $107,910 | +$26,940 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $116,960 | +$116,950 | ||
| Virginia | $214,930 | $78,710 | +$136,220 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | $63,250 | +$15,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. The national median salary difference is $65,721 (80.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels in 13 out of 15 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $81,600 for a Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
There are more people employed as Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers. BLS reports approximately 33,440 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions and 32,600 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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