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Aviator vs co pilot

The differences between aviators and co 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 a co pilot. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, which is higher than the $93,703 average annual salary of a co pilot.

The top three skills for an aviator include aircraft systems, flight safety and flight training. The most important skills for a co pilot are FAA, PIC, and flight operations.

Aviator vs co pilot overview

AviatorCo Pilot
Yearly salary$97,217$93,703
Hourly rate$46.74$45.05
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs3,4827,852
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 86%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Aviator vs co pilot salary

Aviators and co pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.

AviatorCo Pilot
Average salary$97,217$93,703
Salary rangeBetween $76,000 And $122,000Between $72,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between aviator and co pilot education

There are a few differences between an aviator and a co pilot in terms of educational background:

AviatorCo Pilot
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 86%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorAerospace EngineeringAviation
Most common collegeStanford UniversitySUNY Farmingdale

Aviator vs co pilot demographics

Here are the differences between aviators' and co pilots' demographics:

AviatorCo Pilot
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%
Race ratioBlack 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, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between aviator and co pilot duties and responsibilities

Aviator example responsibilities.

  • Lead first successful DoD disaster recovery program utilizing a commercial backup.
  • Assist in select flying operations during a USAF training team visit.
  • Land aircraft with critical malfunctions, preserving millions of dollars in ISR assets.
  • Project manager; organize & execute complex research projects for DoD & interagency customers.
  • Progress to PIC, follow by appointment as company check airman for the Westwind.
  • Experience with multiple specialty payload platforms expanding on the versatile nature of the UAS platform.
  • Show more

Co pilot example responsibilities.

  • Lead performance analysis, plan test sequences, document test details, and liaise with engineers and FAA representatives.
  • Operate company-owned aircraft in compliance with all FAA regulations and international procedures.
  • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
  • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

Aviator vs co pilot skills

Common aviator skills
  • Aircraft Systems, 36%
  • Flight Safety, 32%
  • Flight Training, 30%
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft, 0%
  • Emergency Procedures, 0%
  • Helicopter Training, 0%
Common co pilot skills
  • FAA, 44%
  • PIC, 40%
  • Flight Operations, 8%
  • SIC, 3%
  • ISR, 2%
  • Corporate Aircraft, 1%

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