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Line pilot vs aviator

The differences between line 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 line pilot and an aviator. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, which is higher than the $96,403 average annual salary of a line pilot.

The top three skills for a line pilot include EMS, helicopter and federal aviation. The most important skills for an aviator are aircraft systems, flight safety, and flight training.

Line pilot vs aviator overview

Line PilotAviator
Yearly salary$96,403$97,217
Hourly rate$46.35$46.74
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs47,5823,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 86%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a line pilot do?

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.

What does an aviator do?

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.

Line pilot vs aviator salary

Line pilots and aviators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Line PilotAviator
Average salary$96,403$97,217
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $137,000Between $76,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between line pilot and aviator education

There are a few differences between a line pilot and an aviator in terms of educational background:

Line PilotAviator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 86%
Most common majorAviationAerospace Engineering
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleStanford University

Line pilot vs aviator demographics

Here are the differences between line pilots' and aviators' demographics:

Line PilotAviator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 89.3% Female, 10.7%Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between line pilot and aviator duties and responsibilities

Line pilot example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Charter pilot, piston twins, turbine twins, AC690B, BE90 PIC.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and safe operation of AS350 aircraft.
  • Update avionics electronic devices with the latest software upgrades and reprogram electronic GPS devices.
  • Plan and prepare for various training missions, learned syllabus requirements and weather information.
  • Provide primary jet training (aerial and grind) to USAF and international students.
  • Show more

Aviator example responsibilities.

  • Lead first successful DoD disaster recovery program utilizing a commercial backup.
  • Assist in select flying operations during a USAF training team visit.
  • Land aircraft with critical malfunctions, preserving millions of dollars in ISR assets.
  • Project manager; organize & execute complex research projects for DoD & interagency customers.
  • Progress to PIC, follow by appointment as company check airman for the Westwind.
  • Experience with multiple specialty payload platforms expanding on the versatile nature of the UAS platform.
  • Show more

Line pilot vs aviator skills

Common line pilot skills
  • EMS, 43%
  • Helicopter, 26%
  • Federal Aviation, 23%
  • NVG, 5%
  • PIC, 1%
  • FAA, 1%
Common aviator skills
  • Aircraft Systems, 36%
  • Flight Safety, 32%
  • Flight Training, 30%
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft, 0%
  • Emergency Procedures, 0%
  • Helicopter Training, 0%

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