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The differences between pilots and helicopter 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 a helicopter pilot. Additionally, a helicopter pilot has an average salary of $89,418, 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 a helicopter pilot are FAA, PIC, and pilot-in-command.
| Pilot | Helicopter Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $83,128 | $89,418 |
| Hourly rate | $39.97 | $42.99 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 3,049 | 4,054 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
A helicopter pilot is responsible for operating a helicopter engine to transport people and materials from one place to another. Helicopter pilots usually work in industrial and government settings, assisting with rescue operations, medical deliveries, and gathering aerial video and photos for data purposes. They inspect the condition of aircraft controls and components, ensuring its safety and efficiency during operations to avoid hazards and delays. A helicopter pilot determines flight plans with utmost consideration with weather forecasts and aircraft stability.
Pilots and helicopter pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pilot | Helicopter Pilot | |
| Average salary | $83,128 | $89,418 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $118,000 | Between $62,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | HP | Brainerd Chemical Co |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a pilot and a helicopter pilot in terms of educational background:
| Pilot | Helicopter Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Here are the differences between pilots' and helicopter pilots' demographics:
| Pilot | Helicopter Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% |
| 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, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |