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The differences between helicopter pilots 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 helicopter pilot and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, an aircraft pilot has an average salary of $94,207, which is higher than the $89,418 average annual salary of a helicopter pilot.
The top three skills for a helicopter pilot include FAA, PIC and pilot-in-command. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.
| Helicopter Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $89,418 | $94,207 |
| Hourly rate | $42.99 | $45.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 4,054 | 5,585 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A helicopter pilot is responsible for operating a helicopter engine to transport people and materials from one place to another. Helicopter pilots usually work in industrial and government settings, assisting with rescue operations, medical deliveries, and gathering aerial video and photos for data purposes. They inspect the condition of aircraft controls and components, ensuring its safety and efficiency during operations to avoid hazards and delays. A helicopter pilot determines flight plans with utmost consideration with weather forecasts and aircraft stability.
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.
Helicopter pilots and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Helicopter Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average salary | $89,418 | $94,207 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $72,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | La Quinta, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Brainerd Chemical Co | Michels |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between a helicopter pilot and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:
| Helicopter Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between helicopter pilots' and aircraft pilots' demographics:
| Helicopter Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.0% 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% |