National Salary Overview
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Median Salary
$147,321
Average (Mean)
$161,538
Employed Nationwide
33,440
VS
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$64,898
Average (Mean)
$64,441
Employed Nationwide
9,900
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns $82,423 more (127.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$64,898
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$64,441
Total Employment
33,440
9,900
States with Higher Pay
14
1
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 15 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 14 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 1.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $67,030 | +$128,990 | ||
| Colorado | $166,170 | $66,610 | +$99,560 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $59,560 | +$35,200 | ||
| Mississippi | $118,370 | $73,420 | +$44,950 | ||
| Missouri | $138,920 | $62,770 | +$76,150 | ||
| Montana | $46,710 | $78,230 | $-31,520 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,000 | $67,540 | +$52,460 | ||
| New Jersey | $171,300 | $76,800 | +$94,500 | ||
| New York | $231,830 | $78,770 | +$153,060 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,360 | $79,050 | +$63,310 | ||
| Ohio | $224,100 | $63,780 | +$160,320 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,150 | $52,030 | +$62,120 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $66,950 | +$166,960 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | $62,480 | +$16,370 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,720 | $48,770 | +$53,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $82,423 (127.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 14 out of 15 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $64,898 for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
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 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers 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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