National Salary Overview
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Median Salary
$147,321
Average (Mean)
$161,538
Employed Nationwide
33,440
VS
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns $17,733 more (13.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$129,588
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$136,502
Total Employment
33,440
39,900
States with Higher Pay
14
10
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Optometrists
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 14 states; Optometrists pays more in 10.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Optometrists | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $133,500 | +$62,520 | ||
| Arkansas | $159,310 | $129,680 | +$29,630 | ||
| Colorado | $166,170 | $136,900 | +$29,270 | ||
| Connecticut | $128,110 | $147,260 | $-19,150 | ||
| Iowa | $134,910 | $122,320 | +$12,590 | ||
| Kansas | $119,890 | $124,810 | $-4,920 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $124,920 | $-30,160 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,270 | $137,210 | +$34,060 | ||
| Mississippi | $118,370 | $105,530 | +$12,840 | ||
| Missouri | $138,920 | $98,800 | +$40,120 | ||
| Montana | $46,710 | $108,950 | $-62,240 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,000 | $123,970 | $-3,970 | ||
| Nevada | $191,310 | $118,040 | +$73,270 | ||
| New Jersey | $171,300 | $146,700 | +$24,600 | ||
| New Mexico | $123,530 | $155,060 | $-31,530 | ||
| New York | $231,830 | $157,480 | +$74,350 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,360 | $154,560 | $-12,200 | ||
| Ohio | $224,100 | $126,650 | +$97,450 | ||
| Oklahoma | $124,760 | $97,670 | +$27,090 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,150 | $124,190 | $-10,040 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,850 | $107,510 | +$27,340 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $130,580 | +$103,330 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | $136,630 | $-57,780 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,720 | $104,390 | $-1,670 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Optometrists?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Optometrists. The national median salary difference is $17,733 (13.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Optometrists?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Optometrists in 14 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Optometrists pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Optometrists?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $129,588 for a Optometrists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Optometrists?
There are more people employed as Optometrists. BLS reports approximately 33,440 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions and 39,900 Optometrists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Optometrists?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Optometrists 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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