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The differences between pilot instructors and line 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 pilot instructor and a line pilot. Additionally, a line pilot has an average salary of $96,403, which is higher than the $90,143 average annual salary of a pilot instructor.
The top three skills for a pilot instructor include FAA, simulator and instructor pilot. The most important skills for a line pilot are EMS, helicopter, and federal aviation.
| Pilot Instructor | Line Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $90,143 | $96,403 |
| Hourly rate | $43.34 | $46.35 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 26,978 | 47,582 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The key role of a Pilot Instructor is to teach students procedures and techniques about how to fly aircraft. They offer instruction for both on the ground and in the sky, prepare lesson plans, and assess and monitor students performance.
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.
Pilot instructors and line pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot Instructor | Line Pilot | |
| Average salary | $90,143 | $96,403 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $133,000 | Between $67,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Trenton, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | OBXtek | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a pilot instructor and a line pilot in terms of educational background:
| Pilot Instructor | Line Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between pilot instructors' and line pilots' demographics:
| Pilot Instructor | Line Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.6% 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% |