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The differences between aviators and aircraft pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an aviator and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, which is higher than the $94,207 average annual salary of an aircraft pilot.
The top three skills for an aviator include aircraft systems, flight safety and flight training. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.
| Aviator | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $97,217 | $94,207 |
| Hourly rate | $46.74 | $45.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 3,482 | 5,585 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 86% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An aviator, also known as a pilot, operates aircraft for commercial or private use. Although their duties vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually entails performing regular inspections before and after every flight, coordinating with staff, maintaining an active communication line with air traffic controller, determining routes and schedules, analyzing flight plans, and monitoring the weather conditions. Moreover, as an aviator, it is essential to be proactive and professional in dealing with issues and concerns.
An aircraft pilot handles the operations and maintenance of an aircraft. They are responsible for the safety of the aircraft, the passengers, and the crew. An aircraft pilot must have the required flight time experience, the necessary licenses, and a complete understanding of all airline safety protocols. This position also requires organizational skills, discipline, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Aviators and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aviator | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average salary | $97,217 | $94,207 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $122,000 | Between $72,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | La Quinta, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Michels |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between an aviator and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:
| Aviator | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 86% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between aviators' and aircraft pilots' demographics:
| Aviator | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |