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Corporate pilot vs aviator

The differences between corporate pilots and aviators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a corporate pilot and an aviator. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, which is higher than the $87,661 average annual salary of a corporate pilot.

The top three skills for a corporate pilot include FAA, pilot-in-command and PIC. The most important skills for an aviator are aircraft systems, flight safety, and flight training.

Corporate pilot vs aviator overview

Corporate PilotAviator
Yearly salary$87,661$97,217
Hourly rate$42.14$46.74
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs12,3713,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 86%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a corporate pilot do?

Typically working for large companies, a corporate pilot's role is to operate company aircraft for official work trips. Their responsibilities include coordinating with airports, directing and overseeing flight crew, preparing and processing documentation, and adhering to all the protocols and safety checks to ensure safety and efficiency. There are also instances where they must meet and greet passengers, file itinerary plans, and resolve issues and concerns. Furthermore, a corporate pilot must perform regular inspections and maintain an active communication line with staff on land and within the aircraft.

What does an aviator do?

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.

Corporate pilot vs aviator salary

Corporate pilots and aviators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Corporate PilotAviator
Average salary$87,661$97,217
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $120,000Between $76,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between corporate pilot and aviator education

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

Corporate PilotAviator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 86%
Most common majorAviationAerospace Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Corporate pilot vs aviator demographics

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

Corporate PilotAviator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 94.0% Female, 6.0%Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%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%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between corporate pilot and aviator duties and responsibilities

Corporate pilot example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Develop and implement operational and administrative policies to align company policies and procedures with government (FAA) regulatory guidelines.
  • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

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

Corporate pilot vs aviator skills

Common corporate pilot skills
  • FAA, 26%
  • Pilot-In-Command, 19%
  • PIC, 18%
  • CFR, 7%
  • ATP, 5%
  • Corporate Aircraft, 4%
Common aviator skills
  • Aircraft Systems, 36%
  • Flight Safety, 32%
  • Flight Training, 30%
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft, 0%
  • Emergency Procedures, 0%
  • Helicopter Training, 0%

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