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The differences between fixed wing pilots and chief pilots 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 a chief pilot. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $86,920 average annual salary of a chief pilot.
The top three skills for a fixed wing pilot include EMS, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a chief pilot are flight operations, pilot-in-command, and PIC.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Chief Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $102,889 | $86,920 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $41.79 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,989 | 16,638 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
A Chief Pilot assigns and oversees the duties of flight and ground personnel. They ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including federal aviation regulations.
Fixed wing pilots and chief pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Chief Pilot | |
| Average salary | $102,889 | $86,920 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $134,000 | Between $59,000 And $126,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | NetJets |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a fixed wing pilot and a chief pilot in terms of educational background:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Chief Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between fixed wing pilots' and chief pilots' demographics:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Chief Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4% |
| 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, 81.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |