Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, Airline Pilots make $198,190 annually, while Commercial Pilots make $115,080 per year. As a result, Airline Pilots earn a salary that is significantly higher than Commercial Pilots.
However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Commercial Pilots who work in California (with an average salary of $157,990) may earn more than those who work in South Dakota ($71,920).
Airline Pilots vs Commercial Pilots overview
Airline Pilots and Commercial Pilots are two important occupations in the Air Transportation industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average pay for each.
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
Most Airline Pilots (61%) have completed a Bachelor's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a High School Diploma (18%) and a Less than a High School Diploma (8%). In terms of experience, about a third of Airline Pilot occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (17%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Airline Pilot average salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 81,310 Airline Pilots employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $198,190. 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 mean salary has gone up by 6.1%.
Do Airline Pilots make good money?
Airline Pilots usually receive good salaries, since their mean salary is over two times above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 130% more than the mean earnings of the Air Transportation industry ($86,310).
Airline Pilots usually receive good salaries, since their mean salary is over two times above the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Airline Pilots job growth
There has been a decrease in the employment of Airline Pilots in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 2,240 less positions than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a decrease of 2.7%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.6%.
Commercial Pilot job description
Commercial Pilots pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Commercial Pilot education and experience
Among Commercial Pilots, about a third have obtained a Bachelor's Degree, 25% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate, and 23% have a High School Diploma. With regard to experience, over half Commercial Pilot occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller portion of roles (20%) require a previous experience of 4 to 6 years.
Commercial Pilot average salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the United States had a workforce of 42,770 Commercial Pilots in 2021 and on average, they earned $115,080 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $50,080 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $205,940 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 3.8%.
Do Commercial Pilots make good money?
Commercial Pilots typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 98% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make about a third more than the mean salary of the Air Transportation industry ($86,310).
Commercial Pilots typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 98% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
Commercial Pilots job growth
In 2021, there have been 5,650 more Commercial Pilot job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 15.2%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been 4.4%.
FAQ
Do Airline Pilots or Commercial Pilots make more?
Airline Pilots earn 72% more than Commercial Pilots. The average annual pay for Commercial Pilots is $115,080, compared to $198,190 for Airline Pilots.