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The differences between line 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 line pilot and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, a line pilot has an average salary of $96,403, which is higher than the $94,207 average annual salary of an aircraft pilot.
The top three skills for a line pilot include EMS, helicopter and federal aviation. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.
| Line Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $96,403 | $94,207 |
| Hourly rate | $46.35 | $45.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 47,582 | 5,585 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A line pilot or pilot monitor is responsible for the safe operation and procedures of a company's aircraft. They see to it that an airline is implementing regulations under state and local rules. A pilot monitor communicates accurately and effectively with the passengers, staff, aircraft officials, crew members, and other authorities. They inspect and monitor if the cargo and packages are kept properly. This career is for a person who has management and organizational skills.
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.
Line pilots and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Line Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average salary | $96,403 | $94,207 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $137,000 | 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 line pilot and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:
| Line Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between line pilots' and aircraft pilots' demographics:
| Line Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |