Post job

Line pilot vs co pilot

The differences between line pilots and co 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 a co pilot. Additionally, a line pilot has an average salary of $96,403, which is higher than the $93,703 average annual salary of a co pilot.

The top three skills for a line pilot include EMS, helicopter and federal aviation. The most important skills for a co pilot are FAA, PIC, and flight operations.

Line pilot vs co pilot overview

Line PilotCo Pilot
Yearly salary$96,403$93,703
Hourly rate$46.35$45.05
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs47,5827,852
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Line pilot vs co pilot salary

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

Line PilotCo Pilot
Average salary$96,403$93,703
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $137,000Between $72,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between line pilot and co pilot education

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

Line PilotCo Pilot
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleSUNY Farmingdale

Line pilot vs co pilot demographics

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

Line PilotCo Pilot
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 89.3% Female, 10.7%Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%
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, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between line pilot and co pilot 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

Co pilot example responsibilities.

  • Lead performance analysis, plan test sequences, document test details, and liaise with engineers and FAA representatives.
  • Operate company-owned aircraft in compliance with all FAA regulations and international procedures.
  • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
  • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

Line pilot vs co pilot skills

Common line pilot skills
  • EMS, 43%
  • Helicopter, 26%
  • Federal Aviation, 23%
  • NVG, 5%
  • PIC, 1%
  • FAA, 1%
Common co pilot skills
  • FAA, 44%
  • PIC, 40%
  • Flight Operations, 8%
  • SIC, 3%
  • ISR, 2%
  • Corporate Aircraft, 1%

Browse transportation jobs