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The differences between helicopter pilots and aviators 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 aviator. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, 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 aviator are aircraft systems, flight safety, and flight training.
| Helicopter Pilot | Aviator | |
| Yearly salary | $89,418 | $97,217 |
| Hourly rate | $42.99 | $46.74 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 4,054 | 3,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| 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 aviator, also known as a pilot, operates aircraft for commercial or private use. Although their duties vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually entails performing regular inspections before and after every flight, coordinating with staff, maintaining an active communication line with air traffic controller, determining routes and schedules, analyzing flight plans, and monitoring the weather conditions. Moreover, as an aviator, it is essential to be proactive and professional in dealing with issues and concerns.
Helicopter pilots and aviators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Helicopter Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average salary | $89,418 | $97,217 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $76,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Brainerd Chemical Co | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a helicopter pilot and an aviator in terms of educational background:
| Helicopter Pilot | Aviator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aerospace Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between helicopter pilots' and aviators' demographics:
| Helicopter Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| 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, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |