Aviator vs private pilot

The differences between aviators and private 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 private pilot. Additionally, a private pilot has an average salary of $100,673, which is higher than the $97,217 average annual salary of an aviator.

The top three skills for an aviator include aircraft systems, flight safety and flight training. The most important skills for a private pilot are FAA, pilot license, and single engine.

Aviator vs private pilot overview

	Aviator	Private Pilot
Yearly salary	$97,217	$100,673
Hourly rate	$46.74	$48.40
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	3,482	5,013
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 86%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

Aviator vs private pilot salary

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

	Aviator	Private Pilot
Average salary	$97,217	$100,673
Salary range	Between $76,000 And $122,000	Between $74,000 And $135,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between aviator and private pilot education

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

	Aviator	Private Pilot
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 86%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Aerospace Engineering	Aviation
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Aviator vs private pilot demographics

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

	Aviator	Private Pilot
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%	Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
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, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between aviator and private 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.

Private pilot example responsibilities.

Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
Complete FAA certify private private pilot training.
Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
Ferry and sightseeing flights done at request of management in accordance with 14 CFR part 91.

Aviator vs private 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 private pilot skills

FAA, 59%
Pilot License, 31%
Single Engine, 10%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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