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The differences between helicopter pilots and fixed wing 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 a fixed wing pilot. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, 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 a fixed wing pilot are EMS, pilot-in-command, and flight operations.
| Helicopter Pilot | Fixed Wing Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $89,418 | $102,889 |
| Hourly rate | $42.99 | $49.47 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 4,054 | 2,989 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
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.
Helicopter pilots and fixed wing pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Helicopter Pilot | Fixed Wing Pilot | |
| Average salary | $89,418 | $102,889 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $128,000 | Between $78,000 And $134,000 |
| 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 a fixed wing pilot in terms of educational background:
| Helicopter Pilot | Fixed Wing Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between helicopter pilots' and fixed wing pilots' demographics:
| Helicopter Pilot | Fixed Wing Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| 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, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |