Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
O*NET 53-2011.00 · SOC 53-2011
Airline Pilot is a strong career choice. Median pay is $232k a year with +8.3% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 11,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct pre-flight checks of aircraft systems and instruments.
- →Communicate with air traffic control during takeoff and landing.
- →Monitor fuel levels and adjust flight path as needed.
- →Complete flight logs and required paperwork after each trip.
- →Brief crew members on weather conditions and flight plan.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Airline Pilot roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Airline Pilot involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Airline Pilot?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Airline Pilot Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers is projected to grow 8.3% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Airline Pilot make?
The median Airline Pilot earns $232k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Airline Pilot jobs?
Our model puts Airline Pilot at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Airline Pilot a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 8.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 11,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Airline Pilot?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Airline Pilot roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Airline Pilot?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Airline Pilot career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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