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The differences between 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 pilot and an aviator. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, 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 aviator are aircraft systems, flight safety, and flight training.
| Pilot | Aviator | |
| Yearly salary | $83,128 | $97,217 |
| Hourly rate | $39.97 | $46.74 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 3,049 | 3,482 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| 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 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.
Pilots and aviators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average salary | $83,128 | $97,217 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $118,000 | Between $76,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | HP | - |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | - |
There are a few differences between a pilot and an aviator in terms of educational background:
| Pilot | Aviator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aerospace Engineering |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between pilots' and aviators' demographics:
| Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| 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, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |