Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $232,140/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$106,710$463,830

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 11,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionTime ManagementSpeakingActive Learning

Top knowledge areas

TransportationEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalGeographyMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsPhysics

Core tasks

• Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.

• Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

• Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

• Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.

• Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.

• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.

• Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.

• Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

The median pay for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is $232,140 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

Employment for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is projected to change +3.9% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers?

About 11,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.