Airline Pilots vs Flight Attendants salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for Airline Pilots is $198,190, compared to the average annual salary of $62,280 for Flight Attendants. This shows that the pay for Airline Pilots is significantly higher than for Flight Attendants.

However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Flight Attendants who work in Connecticut (with an average salary of $111,500) may earn more than those who work in Wisconsin ($47,650).

Airline Pilots vs Flight Attendants overview

Airline Pilots and Flight Attendants are crucial to the Air Transportation industry. People are often interested in learning about the distinctions between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.

Airline Pilot job description

Alternative names: Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Airline Pilots 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.

Airline Pilot education and experience

The majority of Airline Pilots (61%) hold a Bachelor's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a High School Diploma (18%) and a Less than a High School Diploma (8%). With regard to experience, about a third of Airline Pilot jobs require a 2 to 4 years of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (17%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Airline Pilot average salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 81,310 Airline Pilots working in the United States, and on average, they earned $198,190 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $100,110 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $208,000 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has risen by 6.1%.

Do Airline Pilots make good money?

Airline Pilots generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is over two times higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn 130% more than the average pay of the Air Transportation industry ($86,310).

Airline Pilots generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is over two times higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Airline Pilots job growth

The demand for Airline Pilots in the workforce has decreased in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 2,240 less roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 2.7%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been -0.6%.

Flight Attendant job description

Flight Attendants monitor safety of the aircraft cabin. Provide services to airline passengers, explain safety information, serve food and beverages, and respond to emergency incidents.

Flight Attendant education and experience

The majority of Flight Attendants (70%) have obtained a High School Diploma. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Bachelor's Degree (12%) and a College Course Certificate (10%). Regarding experience, about a half of Flight Attendant jobs require no previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (26%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Flight Attendant average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 96,900 Flight Attendants were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual salary was $62,280. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $37,020 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $81,400 or more. The average salary has increased by 5.3% compared the previous year.

Do Flight Attendants make good money?

The average salary of Flight Attendants is 7% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). However, they earn 28% less than the average wage of the Air Transportation industry ($86,310).

The average salary of Flight Attendants is 7% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Flight Attendants job growth

There has been a decrease in the employment of Flight Attendants in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 19,360 less positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 16.7%. Job growth has averaged -6.2% for the last 3 years.

FAQ

Do Airline Pilots or Flight Attendants make more?

The average earnings of Airline Pilots are over two times higher than those of Flight Attendants. The average annual pay for Flight Attendants is $62,280, compared to $198,190 for Airline Pilots.

How long does it take to become an Airline Pilot vs Flight Attendant?

Airline Pilots typically need a Bachelor's Degree. A Bachelor's Degree usually takes around 4 years to obtain. On the other hand, Flight Attendants typically only need a High School Diploma.

Is it harder to become an Airline Pilot vs Flight Attendant?

Becoming an Airline Pilot is more difficult than becoming a Flight Attendant, since an additional 4 years of education are required.