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The differences between 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 pilot and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, an aircraft pilot has an average salary of $94,207, which is higher than the $83,128 average annual salary of a pilot.
The top three skills for a pilot include PIC, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.
| Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $83,128 | $94,207 |
| Hourly rate | $39.97 | $45.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 3,049 | 5,585 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A pilot is an individual who works in the aviation industry to operate aircraft and transport passengers and cargos from one location to another. Pilots can fly and navigate different types of aircrafts such as helicopters, large commercial aircraft, or cargo planes. They must perform pre-flight inspections and check flight logs to secure safety for all crews and passengers who are on board. Pilots can also decide to work as flight instructors or establish an aviation school when they have gained enough experience in the aviation industry.
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.
Pilots and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average salary | $83,128 | $94,207 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $118,000 | Between $72,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | La Quinta, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | HP | Michels |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Energy |
There are a few differences between a pilot and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:
| Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between pilots' and aircraft pilots' demographics:
| Pilot | Aircraft Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% | 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% |