Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between flight commanders and aircraft 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 flight commander and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, an aircraft pilot has an average salary of $94,207, which is higher than the $70,672 average annual salary of a flight commander.
The top three skills for a flight commander include combat, logistics support and USAF. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.
| Flight Commander | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $70,672 | $94,207 |
| Hourly rate | $33.98 | $45.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 1,581 | 5,585 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Flight Commander is the leader of a constituent portion of an aerial squadron in aerial operations, often into combat. The position is traditionally held by a captain, naval lieutenant, or air force flight lieutenant.
An aircraft pilot handles the operations and maintenance of an aircraft. They are responsible for the safety of the aircraft, the passengers, and the crew. An aircraft pilot must have the required flight time experience, the necessary licenses, and a complete understanding of all airline safety protocols. This position also requires organizational skills, discipline, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Flight commanders and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Flight Commander | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average salary | $70,672 | $94,207 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $101,000 | Between $72,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | La Quinta, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Michels |
| Best paying industry | - | Energy |
There are a few differences between a flight commander and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:
| Flight Commander | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Business | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between flight commanders' and aircraft pilots' demographics:
| Flight Commander | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.7% Female, 20.3% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 81.9% 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% |