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The differences between fixed wing 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 fixed wing pilot and an aviator. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $97,217 average annual salary of an aviator.
The top three skills for a fixed wing pilot include EMS, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for an aviator are aircraft systems, flight safety, and flight training.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Aviator | |
| Yearly salary | $102,889 | $97,217 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $46.74 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,989 | 3,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A fixed-wing pilot specializes in operating aircraft, ensuring efficiency and safety. Among their responsibilities include monitoring the aircraft's fuel and systems, conducting safety checks before and after flights, maintaining documents, and coordinating with airports and air traffic controls. There are also instances where they must attend conferences, greet passengers, and provide private flights. Furthermore, like a fixed-wing pilot, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and maintain an active communication line with staff.
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.
Fixed wing pilots and aviators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average salary | $102,889 | $97,217 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $134,000 | Between $76,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a fixed wing pilot and an aviator in terms of educational background:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Aviator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aerospace Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between fixed wing pilots' and aviators' demographics:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.7% 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 Percentage | 9% | 9% |