Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers does

You operate large commercial aircraft, managing flight systems, navigation, and crew coordination to safely transport passengers and cargo across long distances. This role requires extensive training, licensing, and responsibility for aircraft and passenger safety.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a bachelor's degree. About 4 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$40,000. Estimated payback: ~1 year. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Recycling and Reclamation Workers — $40,240/yr
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $40,240/yr
• Stockers and Order Fillers — $37,330/yr
• Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — $58,640/yr
• Light Truck Drivers — $44,860/yr