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The differences between fixed wing pilots and pilot instructors 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 pilot instructor. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $90,143 average annual salary of a pilot instructor.
The top three skills for a fixed wing pilot include EMS, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a pilot instructor are FAA, simulator, and instructor pilot.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Pilot Instructor | |
| Yearly salary | $102,889 | $90,143 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $43.34 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,989 | 26,978 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
The key role of a Pilot Instructor is to teach students procedures and techniques about how to fly aircraft. They offer instruction for both on the ground and in the sky, prepare lesson plans, and assess and monitor students performance.
Fixed wing pilots and pilot instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Pilot Instructor | |
| Average salary | $102,889 | $90,143 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $134,000 | Between $60,000 And $133,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Trenton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | OBXtek |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a fixed wing pilot and a pilot instructor in terms of educational background:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Pilot Instructor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between fixed wing pilots' and pilot instructors' demographics:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Pilot Instructor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| 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, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |