National Salary Overview
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Median Salary
$147,321
Average (Mean)
$161,538
Employed Nationwide
33,440
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns $78,557 more (114.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$147,321
$68,764
Average (Mean) Salary
$161,538
$69,815
Total Employment
33,440
26,870
States with Higher Pay
19
1
Salary by State: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pays more in 19 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1.
| State | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $196,020 | $64,710 | +$131,310 | ||
| Arkansas | $159,310 | $63,340 | +$95,970 | ||
| Colorado | $166,170 | $80,500 | +$85,670 | ||
| Iowa | $134,910 | $73,080 | +$61,830 | ||
| Kansas | $119,890 | $63,510 | +$56,380 | ||
| Louisiana | $94,760 | $64,040 | +$30,720 | ||
| Minnesota | $171,270 | $71,830 | +$99,440 | ||
| Mississippi | $118,370 | $57,760 | +$60,610 | ||
| Missouri | $138,920 | $63,570 | +$75,350 | ||
| Montana | $46,710 | $72,220 | $-25,510 | ||
| Nebraska | $120,000 | $74,130 | +$45,870 | ||
| New York | $231,830 | $74,820 | +$157,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,360 | $78,490 | +$63,870 | ||
| Ohio | $224,100 | $61,160 | +$162,940 | ||
| Oklahoma | $124,760 | $72,460 | +$52,300 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,150 | $78,500 | +$35,650 | ||
| Tennessee | $134,850 | $58,230 | +$76,620 | ||
| Texas | $233,910 | $64,770 | +$169,140 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,850 | $64,870 | +$13,980 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,720 | $64,000 | +$38,720 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $78,557 (114.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 19 out of 20 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $147,321 per year, compared to $68,764 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
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 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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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