Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Flight Attendants: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Median Salary
$147,321
Average (Mean)
$161,538
Employed Nationwide
33,440
VS

Flight Attendants

Median Salary
$67,619
Average (Mean)
$69,123
Employed Nationwide
98,000
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns $79,702 more (117.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $147,321 $67,619
Average (Mean) Salary $161,538 $69,123
Total Employment 33,440 98,000
States with Higher Pay 11 0

Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Flight Attendants

Showing 11 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 11 states; Flight Attendants pays more in 0.

State Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers Flight Attendants Difference
Arizona $196,020
$89,230
+$106,790
Colorado $166,170
$50,120
+$116,050
Connecticut $128,110
$106,590
+$21,520
Minnesota $171,270
$50,120
+$121,150
Nevada $191,310
$54,740
+$136,570
New Jersey $171,300
$48,750
+$122,550
New York $231,830
$69,010
+$162,820
North Carolina $142,360
$61,450
+$80,910
Ohio $224,100
$65,040
+$159,060
Texas $233,910
$65,040
+$168,870
Virginia $214,930
$64,130
+$150,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Flight Attendants?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Flight Attendants. The national median salary difference is $79,702 (117.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Flight Attendants?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $67,619 for a Flight Attendants, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Flight Attendants?
There are more people employed as Flight Attendants. BLS reports approximately 33,440 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions and 98,000 Flight Attendants positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Flight Attendants?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Flight Attendants 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.