Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Also called: 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.
Also called: Air Force Pilot, Airbus Captain, Aircraft Captain, Aircraft Pilot, Airline Captain, Airline Pilot
Median pay
$232,140
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$106,710 – $463,830
People employed
103,560
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (37 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers salary in every state →
What airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers do
- 01Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- 02Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
- 03Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- 04Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- 05Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
- 06Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Geography
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels55% · −60%
- Transportation Inspectors51% · −60%
- Aircraft Service Attendants50% · −83%
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters50% · −66%
- Locomotive Engineers50% · −65%
Change into airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels78% · $92,460
- Transportation Inspectors72% · $92,100
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers70% · $106,730
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators68% · $122,890
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters64% · $78,000
Majors that lead here
- Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew
- Flight Instructor
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.