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The differences between fixed wing pilots and line 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 line pilot. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $96,403 average annual salary of a line pilot.
The top three skills for a fixed wing pilot include EMS, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a line pilot are EMS, helicopter, and federal aviation.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $102,889 | $96,403 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $46.35 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,989 | 47,582 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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 line pilot or pilot monitor is responsible for the safe operation and procedures of a company's aircraft. They see to it that an airline is implementing regulations under state and local rules. A pilot monitor communicates accurately and effectively with the passengers, staff, aircraft officials, crew members, and other authorities. They inspect and monitor if the cargo and packages are kept properly. This career is for a person who has management and organizational skills.
Fixed wing pilots and line pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Average salary | $102,889 | $96,403 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $134,000 | Between $67,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a fixed wing pilot and a line pilot in terms of educational background:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between fixed wing pilots' and line pilots' demographics:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |