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Line pilot vs corporate pilot

The differences between line pilots and corporate 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 corporate pilot. Additionally, a line pilot has an average salary of $96,403, which is higher than the $87,661 average annual salary of a corporate pilot.

The top three skills for a line pilot include EMS, helicopter and federal aviation. The most important skills for a corporate pilot are FAA, pilot-in-command, and PIC.

Line pilot vs corporate pilot overview

Line PilotCorporate Pilot
Yearly salary$96,403$87,661
Hourly rate$46.35$42.14
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs47,58212,371
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
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 a corporate pilot do?

Typically working for large companies, a corporate pilot's role is to operate company aircraft for official work trips. Their responsibilities include coordinating with airports, directing and overseeing flight crew, preparing and processing documentation, and adhering to all the protocols and safety checks to ensure safety and efficiency. There are also instances where they must meet and greet passengers, file itinerary plans, and resolve issues and concerns. Furthermore, a corporate pilot must perform regular inspections and maintain an active communication line with staff on land and within the aircraft.

Line pilot vs corporate pilot salary

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

Line PilotCorporate Pilot
Average salary$96,403$87,661
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $137,000Between $63,000 And $120,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between line pilot and corporate pilot education

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

Line PilotCorporate Pilot
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleStanford University

Line pilot vs corporate pilot demographics

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

Line PilotCorporate Pilot
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 89.3% Female, 10.7%Male, 94.0% Female, 6.0%
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 corporate 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

Corporate pilot example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Develop and implement operational and administrative policies to align company policies and procedures with government (FAA) regulatory guidelines.
  • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

Line pilot vs corporate pilot skills

Common line pilot skills
  • EMS, 43%
  • Helicopter, 26%
  • Federal Aviation, 23%
  • NVG, 5%
  • PIC, 1%
  • FAA, 1%
Common corporate pilot skills
  • FAA, 26%
  • Pilot-In-Command, 19%
  • PIC, 18%
  • CFR, 7%
  • ATP, 5%
  • Corporate Aircraft, 4%

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