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 $18,501 more (14.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$128,820
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$136,460
Total Employment
33,440
77,350
States with Higher Pay
17
7
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 17 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 7.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $134,800 | +$61,220 | ||
| Arkansas | $159,310 | $108,850 | +$50,460 | ||
| Colorado | $166,170 | $153,980 | +$12,190 | ||
| Connecticut | $128,110 | $129,760 | $-1,650 | ||
| Iowa | $134,910 | $114,340 | +$20,570 | ||
| Kansas | $119,890 | $131,380 | $-11,490 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $108,570 | $-13,810 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,270 | $139,790 | +$31,480 | ||
| Mississippi | $118,370 | $101,240 | +$17,130 | ||
| Missouri | $138,920 | $135,720 | +$3,200 | ||
| Montana | $46,710 | $103,000 | $-56,290 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,000 | $124,190 | $-4,190 | ||
| Nevada | $191,310 | $104,380 | +$86,930 | ||
| New Jersey | $171,300 | $168,210 | +$3,090 | ||
| New Mexico | $123,530 | $131,600 | $-8,070 | ||
| New York | $231,830 | $165,930 | +$65,900 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,360 | $129,140 | +$13,220 | ||
| Ohio | $224,100 | $128,500 | +$95,600 | ||
| Oklahoma | $124,760 | $106,730 | +$18,030 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,150 | $113,110 | +$1,040 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,850 | $122,270 | +$12,580 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $128,960 | +$104,950 | ||
| Virginia | $214,930 | $153,600 | +$61,330 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | $121,880 | $-43,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $18,501 (14.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 17 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Purchasing Managers. BLS reports approximately 33,440 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Purchasing Managers?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Purchasing Managers 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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