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 $20,160 more (15.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$127,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$133,521
Total Employment
33,440
19,770
States with Higher Pay
8
7
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers
Showing 15 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 8 states; Petroleum Engineers pays more in 7.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Petroleum Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $143,520 | +$52,500 | ||
| Arkansas | $159,310 | $91,180 | +$68,130 | ||
| Colorado | $166,170 | $170,010 | $-3,840 | ||
| Kansas | $119,890 | $116,280 | +$3,610 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $136,950 | $-42,190 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,270 | $160,420 | +$10,850 | ||
| Montana | $46,710 | $99,220 | $-52,510 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,000 | $95,590 | +$24,410 | ||
| New Jersey | $171,300 | $212,230 | $-40,930 | ||
| New Mexico | $123,530 | $128,070 | $-4,540 | ||
| Ohio | $224,100 | $104,140 | +$119,960 | ||
| Oklahoma | $124,760 | $132,360 | $-7,600 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $147,840 | +$86,070 | ||
| Virginia | $214,930 | $110,640 | +$104,290 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,720 | $121,130 | $-18,410 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Petroleum Engineers. The national median salary difference is $20,160 (15.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Petroleum Engineers?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Petroleum Engineers in 8 out of 15 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Petroleum Engineers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Petroleum Engineers?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $127,161 for a Petroleum Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
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 19,770 Petroleum Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Petroleum Engineers?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Petroleum Engineers 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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